If you’re juggling sales calls, customer check-ins, or just too many meetings, your notes are probably scattered between docs, post-its, and your memory (not always reliable). This guide is for people who actually want to use their meeting notes—to follow up, engage accounts, and stop dropping the ball. We’ll break down how to actually use Scratchpad for tracking and managing meeting notes, so you can get more out of every conversation and keep your pipeline tight.
Let’s skip the fluff. Here’s how to set up a system in Scratchpad that works in the real world.
1. Get Your Scratchpad Workspace Ready
First things first: connect Scratchpad to Salesforce. If you haven’t already, that’s non-negotiable. Scratchpad is built to sit on top of Salesforce, so you don’t have to deal with clunky CRM interfaces.
- Install the Scratchpad app (Chrome extension or web app).
- Sign in with your Salesforce account. If your org has tight security, you might need to ask your admin for access.
- Pick your workspace. Set up a dedicated workspace just for meeting notes, or use your main workspace if you like to keep things simple.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink your setup. The default workspace is usually fine—custom folders and templates can come later.
2. Set Up Meeting Note Templates (But Don’t Get Fancy)
Templates are useful, but only if they’re actually used. A good template keeps you consistent without slowing you down. Here’s what works:
- Keep it short. You don’t need 20 fields. Just a quick structure: Date, Attendees, Key Points, Next Steps, Questions.
- Use checkboxes for follow-ups. Scratchpad supports basic formatting. Checkboxes are great for action items.
- Link to the Salesforce record. Each note should be tied to an account, contact, or opportunity.
How to create a template in Scratchpad:
- Open the Notes section.
- Click on “Templates” (usually in the top right).
- Create a new template with the fields you want.
- Save and set as default if you want every new note to start this way.
What not to do: Don’t waste time designing a “perfect” template you’ll never fill out. Start basic and tweak as you go.
3. Take Notes During the Meeting (Not After)
This is where most people slip. If you wait until after your call to write notes, you’ll forget stuff—or just won’t do it. Here’s how to actually take notes live:
- Open Scratchpad’s Notes pane before the meeting starts.
- Type quick bullets. Don’t try to write perfect sentences. Key points and action items are enough.
- Tag people and topics. Use @mentions or hashtags for easy searching later (if your team uses them).
- Attach directly to the Salesforce record. Scratchpad makes this a one-click step—do it as you go, not later.
If you’re screen-sharing or leading the meeting, jot down just the essentials and fill in details right after. Don’t let note-taking get in the way of actually listening.
4. Link Notes to Accounts and Opportunities (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
It’s easy to let notes pile up in random folders. That’s how stuff gets lost. Make sure every meeting note is attached to the right account, contact, or opportunity in Salesforce:
- After you save a note, use Scratchpad’s “Link to Record” feature.
- Double-check the right record is selected. It’s easy to mismatch if you’re moving fast.
- If you met with multiple accounts, copy the key points to each relevant record. Don’t rely on memory.
Why bother? This is what lets you pull up context instantly before your next call—or when your manager asks for an update.
5. Use Tasks and Follow-Ups—But Only What You’ll Actually Do
Meeting notes are just words unless they have actions tied to them. Here’s how to make sure next steps don’t fall through the cracks:
- Convert action items into tasks in Scratchpad. You can highlight a bullet point and turn it into a task linked to the record.
- Set realistic due dates. Don’t assign yourself five follow-ups for tomorrow if you know you can’t do them. Spread them out.
- Sync tasks to Salesforce. Scratchpad does this automatically, but check that your tasks show up where you work.
What doesn’t work: Don’t try to track every tiny “nice to have” as a task. Focus on what actually moves the deal or relationship forward.
6. Review and Update Notes Before Your Next Meeting
This is the part most people forget. When you prep for your next call, pull up the last note you took for that account. Here’s why:
- You’ll sound prepared (“Last time you mentioned X…”).
- You can quickly see open action items.
- If you missed a follow-up, you’ll catch it before it becomes awkward.
How to make this easy:
- Use Scratchpad’s Recent Notes or search function.
- If you’re a rep with a lot of accounts, keep a running doc of “accounts to follow up with” and update it once a week.
Pro tip: Don’t try to “recap” every note before every meeting. Skim the key points and next steps—don’t over-complicate prep.
7. Share Notes (But Protect Sensitive Info)
If you work with a team, share your notes—just not the stuff your customer wouldn’t want on blast. Here’s the real-world approach:
- Use Scratchpad’s sharing settings. You can share notes with teammates or keep them private.
- If you need to send a recap to a customer, copy/paste only the relevant parts. Don’t just forward the whole thing.
- Redact internal comments before sharing externally.
What doesn’t work: Auto-sharing every note with everyone. That’s how you end up with noise and, sometimes, embarrassing mistakes.
8. Integrate with Your Workflow (Don’t Add Steps You Won’t Use)
Scratchpad is only as useful as your workflow. If you’re already using Slack, email, or project tools, make sure your system connects:
- Set up notifications for tasks or due dates. Don’t count on memory.
- If you use Slack, connect Scratchpad for quick updates.
- Avoid double entry. Don’t write the same follow-up in three places.
If you’re the type who scribbles on paper during a call, snap a photo and attach it to the note in Scratchpad. Don’t force yourself to change everything—just fit it into what you’re already doing.
What Actually Works (and What’s Hype)
What Works:
- Taking notes in real time, directly tied to Salesforce records.
- Keeping templates simple.
- Turning action items into tasks immediately.
- Reviewing notes before meetings.
- Sharing notes with context, not just blasting everything.
What Doesn’t:
- Overcomplicating templates or tracking too many fields.
- Waiting until after the meeting to jot things down.
- Relying on memory or sticky notes.
- Assuming everyone needs to see every note.
What to Ignore:
- Features you won’t actually use. (If you’re not a “tag everything” person, skip tagging.)
- Automations that create more work than they save. (If automations break, you’ll end up fixing them anyway.)
Keep It Simple, Tweak as You Go
No system is perfect out of the gate. The key is to keep your note-taking process dead simple, tied to your accounts, and focused on actions that move things forward. Iterate as you go. If you find yourself skipping a step, ask if you really need it.
Meeting notes should help you do more, not create more busywork. Start small, stick with what works, and tweak only when you see a real need. That’s how you actually boost account engagement—and keep your sanity.