◆ STE Tech Edge
CRM READINESS CHECKLIST
Free Self-Assessment | STE Tech Edge
Complete in 5–10 Minutes
ABOUT THIS CHECKLIST
This checklist measures your firm's CRM readiness across five operational layers. Score each statement honestly - 0 if it is not true, 1 if it is partially true, 2 if it is completely true. Your total score tells you exactly where your firm stands and what the right next step is.
This is the same five-layer framework used in STE Tech Edge's paid CRM Strategy and Readiness Assessment - condensed into a self-serve format so you can get an honest answer before deciding whether to invest in the full assessment or move directly to an implementation conversation.
LAYER 1 - TRAFFIC AND VISIBILITY (Score 0–2 each)
We can identify which channels generate our best leads with data- not just instinct.
Every inquiry is tagged with a source at the point of entry. ___
We review lead source data at least monthly to inform business development decisions. ___
Layer 1 Total: ___ / 6
LAYER 2- ENTRY AND CAPTURE (Score 0–2 each)
Every inbound inquiry follows the same intake process regardless of channel or which team member sees it first. ___
A contact record is created for every new inquiry within 24 hours with source, nature of inquiry, and contact details captured. ___
Our intake process works correctly even when the person who usually handles it is unavailable. ___
Layer 2 Total: ___ / 6
LAYER 3 — QUALIFICATION AND ROUTING (Score 0–2 each)
We have a written definition of what makes a prospect ready for a discovery conversation right now. ___
Not-yet-ready leads are placed into a structured follow-up sequence — not left in an inbox to be remembered later. ___
Out-of-scope inquiries are routed promptly to the right resource or partner. ___
Layer 3 Total: ___ / 6
LAYER 4 — PIPELINE MANAGEMENT (Score 0–2 each)
Our pipeline stages reflect how our business actually sells — not a software default. ___
Every active opportunity has one clear next action assigned to a specific person with a specific due date. ___
We can produce an accurate pipeline report without running a meeting to reconstruct it. ___
Layer 4 Total: ___ / 6
LAYER 5 — DELIVERY HANDOFF (Score 0–2 each)
We have a documented onboarding process every new client goes through regardless of who closes the deal. ___
Sales-to-delivery handoff is documented and structured — not a verbal briefing or forwarded email chain. ___
Clients consistently describe their onboarding as smooth and professional — and we have evidence of this. ___
Layer 5 Total: ___ / 6
YOUR SCORE:
___ / 30
WHAT YOUR SCORE MEANS:
25–30 — Implementation Ready
Your foundation is strong. A CRM implementation built on what you have will work. Book a strategy conversation — you are ready to talk scope and timeline.
Next Step:
18–24 — Nearly Ready
Strong in some areas, gaps in others. An implementation is appropriate — the gaps need to be part of the scope conversation, not assumed away.
Next Step:
10–17 — Foundation Building Needed
Significant gaps across multiple layers. An implementation now would underperform. The good news: the gaps are fixable. The paid Readiness Assessment gives you the specific roadmap.
Next Step:
0–9 — Early Stage
The operational foundation a CRM needs to be valuable does not yet exist. Build the process before the system.
Next Step:
YOUR LOWEST-SCORING LAYER IS YOUR STARTING POINT.
Note which layer scored lowest. That is where the work starts — not at the technology selection stage.
THREE WAYS TO USE YOUR SCORE:
If you scored 18+: Book a strategy conversation.
Reference your score and your lowest layer. We will scope the implementation with your gaps explicitly addressed.
If you scored 10–17: Start with the paid CRM Strategy and Readiness Assessment.
You receive a facilitated assessment, a written report, a platform recommendation, and a prioritized roadmap - plus a 20% credit toward your implementation when you are ready.
If you scored below 10: Join our email list.
We send weekly frameworks on building the operational foundation professional services firms need before a CRM is worth investing in.
