Managing Custom Objects
Custom objects offer a way to track and manage relationships or processes that go beyond standard Mastermind objects like Contacts, Companies, and Opportunities. They allow businesses to create specialized data fields and define relationships between different objects, ensuring more accurate data management and enhanced workflows.
When Should You Consider Using Custom Objects?
Custom objects are best for businesses that need to track specific data that doesn’t fit into the standard Mastermind framework. Here are some scenarios where custom objects would be a great fit:
- Unique business processes or relationships: If your business requires tracking data that isn’t covered by standard objects like Contacts, Companies, or Opportunities, custom objects can help.
- Tracking additional data: For example, managing event registrations, properties, or inventory might require custom objects to capture detailed information.
- Extending Mastermind functionality: Custom objects can be linked to standard Mastermind objects, enabling complex relationships and workflows.
When to Stick with Standard Mastermind Objects
Before creating custom objects, consider the following:
- Standard Mastermind objects might suffice: If your needs can be met with Contacts, Companies, or Opportunities, there may be no need to create custom objects.
- Avoid losing key features: Certain features like bulk marketing emails are only available with Contacts. Make sure creating a custom object won’t limit access to important Mastermind functionalities.
- Avoid data duplication: Ensure you’re not duplicating data that already exists within the standard Mastermind objects, which could create confusion or inconsistencies.
Examples of When to Use or Not Use Custom Objects
Use Case 1: Real Estate Business
A property management company could use a custom object for "Homes" to track properties with attributes such as location, size, availability, and maintenance records. These properties could be associated with Contacts (e.g., tenants, buyers) and Opportunities (e.g., property sales or rental agreements).
Use Case 2: Veterinary Clinic
A veterinary clinic might create a custom object for "Pets" to store medical history, vaccination records, and appointment schedules for each animal, which can be linked to the owners' contact information.
When Not to Use – Event Attendees
If you are organizing an event and need to send invitations, track responses, or send post-event surveys, using the Contacts object is likely more efficient. Creating a custom object for "Event Attendees" could limit your ability to use features like bulk emails or automation.
When Not to Use – Client Communications for Law Firms
If your law firm already uses Opportunities to track cases and client interactions, creating a custom object for "Client Communications" could add unnecessary complexity. Instead, it's more efficient to log these details under the existing objects.
FAQs
Question: What are custom objects?
Answer: Custom objects allow businesses to track and manage data that doesn't fit into standard Mastermind categories, offering greater flexibility and control over how information is stored and used.
Question: When should I use custom objects instead of standard Mastermind objects?
Answer: You should use custom objects when you need to track data that isn’t covered by the standard objects, like Contacts or Opportunities, such as inventory or specialized processes.
Question: Can custom objects be linked to standard Mastermind objects?
Answer: Yes, custom objects can be linked to standard Mastermind objects, allowing you to build more complex relationships and workflows within your Mastermind system.
Question: Will using custom objects limit access to Mastermind features like bulk emails?
Answer: It could. Certain Mastermind features, like bulk marketing emails are only available for Contacts. Make sure creating custom objects will not limit your ability to use important Mastermind functionalities.
Question: How do I create and manage custom objects?
Answer: Admins can create custom objects through the Object settings page. Once created, you can define custom fields, configure relationships with other Mastermind objects, and utilize them in tools like workflows.
Question: What should I consider before creating custom objects?
Answer: Before creating custom objects, consider whether standard Mastermind objects like Contacts, Companies, or Opportunities will suffice for your needs. Also, be mindful of potential data duplication and ensure that using custom objects won’t limit your access to important Mastermind features like bulk marketing emails.
Question: Can custom objects track unique business processes or relationships?
Answer: Yes, custom objects are specifically designed to help businesses track unique processes or relationships that don't fit into the standard Mastermind objects. For example, a real estate company can track properties, and a veterinary clinic can track pets and their medical histories using custom objects.
Question: Can I import Custom Object data from a CSV file?
Answer: Yes. Just like Contacts, you can bulk-import data into your Custom Objects. You can even map columns in your CSV to "Associate" the objects with existing Contacts during the import process, saving you hours of manual entry.