If you’re tired of messy comp data and broken reports, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through importing CRM data into Everstage so your reporting is actually useful (and maybe, for once, accurate). Whether you’re in Ops, RevOps, or just the “person who gets stuck with this stuff,” you’ll find out what works, what breaks, and what’s honestly not worth your time.
Why Clean CRM Data Matters (and Where People Get Burned)
Let’s get this out of the way: garbage in, garbage out. If your CRM data is a mess, Everstage will just make prettier charts about that mess. Data import isn’t glamorous, but it’s the only way to make reporting worth a damn.
Common pitfalls: - Duplicates: Multiple versions of the same deal or account. - Missing fields: Everstage can’t magic up data that never existed. - Inconsistent formats: “Closed Won” vs. “Won,” numbers as text, etc.
If you’re just hoping it’ll “work itself out,” it won’t. But you don’t need to clean everything—just enough to trust your reports.
Step 1: Audit Your CRM Data First (Don’t Skip This)
Before you even touch Everstage, get real about what’s in your CRM.
Checklist: - Key fields: Do you have deal/opp names, owners, stages, amounts, close dates, and IDs? - Field consistency: Are field types consistent (e.g., no dollar signs in number fields)? - Duplicates: Run a quick duplicate check on accounts and deals. - Data gaps: Look for “null” or empty cells in must-have fields.
Pro tip: Don’t try to fix your whole CRM. Focus on the records and fields you actually want to report on in Everstage. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough.
Step 2: Decide on Your Import Method
Everstage supports a few ways to bring in CRM data. Here’s the honest rundown:
1. Native CRM Integrations
- What works: If you’re using Salesforce, HubSpot, or a similar supported CRM, Everstage has built-in connectors.
- How it works: You authenticate, map fields, set sync frequency, and Everstage pulls data automatically.
- What’s great: No manual uploads. Ongoing sync keeps things up to date.
- Limitations: You need admin access. Sometimes, custom fields or objects don’t map neatly.
Only use this if: You’re happy with your CRM’s structure, and you can get the right permissions.
2. CSV Import
- What works: For smaller orgs, custom CRMs, or “just need to get it done” situations, CSV import is your friend.
- How it works: Export from your CRM, massage the file in Excel or Google Sheets, then upload to Everstage.
- What’s great: You control exactly what goes in. Good for one-off imports or when you want to sanity-check your data first.
- Limitations: No ongoing sync. You’ll have to re-upload if things change.
Only use this if: You’re not ready for full integration or only need a snapshot.
3. APIs / Custom Connectors
- What works: For teams with dev resources and weird requirements.
- How it works: Use Everstage’s API to push data directly.
- What’s great: Total control, automation, and flexibility.
- Limitations: Time, money, and technical know-how.
Only use this if: You have a compelling reason and actual engineers to help.
Step 3: Map Your Fields (This Is Where Things Go Sideways)
No matter how you import, you’ll need to match your CRM fields to Everstage’s required fields. This step trips up a lot of folks.
Typical required fields: - Deal/Opportunity Name - Amount - Owner/Rep - Stage or Status - Close Date - CRM Unique ID
Best practices: - Don’t guess. If you’re not sure what a field means, ask whoever runs your CRM. - Standardize values. Make sure statuses/stages match what Everstage expects. “Closed Won” ≠ “Won” ≠ “Success.” - Watch out for picklists. Dropdowns in your CRM might not line up with Everstage options.
Pro tip: Create a mapping doc (just a simple table in Sheets) showing which CRM field goes to which Everstage field. It’ll save you when things break later.
Step 4: Prep and Clean Your Data
This is where you do the unglamorous work that makes your reports trustworthy.
What to actually do: - Remove extra columns. Only include what Everstage needs. - Fix formats. Dates as YYYY-MM-DD, numbers as numbers (no $ or commas). - Fill gaps. If a field is required, fill it in—even if it’s “Unknown.” - Deduplicate. No one wants three versions of the same deal.
Tools that help: - Google Sheets: Great for quick dedupes and mass find/replace. - Excel: More power if you know your way around. - Online deduplication tools: If you’ve got thousands of rows.
Don’t overthink it: You’re not fixing your whole CRM. Just get this batch right.
Step 5: Import Into Everstage
Here’s what the actual import usually looks like:
For native integrations: 1. Go to the Integrations or Data Sources section in Everstage. 2. Choose your CRM and follow the connection/auth steps. 3. Map your fields—pay attention here. 4. Set sync frequency (hourly, daily, etc.). 5. Test with a small batch first.
For CSV Import: 1. Go to the import page. 2. Upload your CSV file. 3. Map fields just like above. 4. Review the preview—check for obvious issues. 5. Complete the import.
What can go wrong: - Field mismatch errors: Usually from bad mapping or missing fields. - Data type errors: Dates, amounts, IDs not matching expected format. - Partial imports: Sometimes rows get skipped if required fields are missing.
How to check: - Everstage should show an import summary with errors and warnings. Actually read them. - Spot-check a few records in Everstage—do amounts, names, and stages look right?
Step 6: Validate Your Data in Everstage
Don’t celebrate just yet. Take five minutes to make sure what’s in Everstage matches your source data.
- Run basic reports: Check totals, pipeline size, or closed deals. Do the numbers look right?
- Drill down: Pick one or two deals and follow them from CRM to Everstage. Any data missing or weird?
- Ask a rep or manager: If you’re not sure, have someone who knows the deals sanity-check the data.
If you spot issues, fix the source data and re-import (or re-sync). Don’t try to fix things in Everstage directly—you’ll just create a mess next time you import.
Step 7: Set Up Ongoing Syncs (Or Calendar Reminders)
If you went the native integration route, set the sync frequency to match how often your CRM updates. For manual CSV imports, set a reminder to re-upload new data on whatever cadence makes sense (weekly, monthly, etc.).
Pro tip: Write down your import steps somewhere. If you get hit by a bus (or just go on vacation), someone else can pick up where you left off.
What to Ignore (and What Not to Overthink)
- Don’t try to import every field. If it’s not needed for reporting or comp, leave it out.
- Don’t stress about old records. Focus on what you care about now and moving forward.
- Don’t expect Everstage to fix your CRM. It’s a reporting layer, not a data cleaner.
- Don’t DIY custom integrations unless you really, truly need to.
Keep It Simple. Iterate.
Importing CRM data into Everstage isn’t rocket science, but it does pay to slow down and do it right. Start with a small batch, make sure it looks good, and build from there. Don’t let “perfect” get in the way of “done.” Take notes, fix what matters, and remember: the best reporting setup is one you’ll actually keep up with.
If you hit a wall, ask for help—don’t just keep banging your head against the same error message. And when in doubt, less is more. Accurate, simple data beats a “comprehensive” mess every time.