Pipeline vs Lifecycle

[BHarmon]

I understand the basic difference between pipelines and lifecycles. I'm curious to know the theory about when and how to use them most effectively. In short, why/when would I choose to put a deal in a different pipeline vs changing it's status in a single pipeline.

Our basic process: Customer reaches out, sales conversation ensues, sale is made or not, order sent to production, production prepares and sends order, training is organized and completed, order is complete.

Should there be one pipeline with lifecycle stages such as "start, in talks, sale close, sale complete, production, training, order complete"? (This is basically what we have now.)

Or should there be different pipelines with names like "Opportunities, Sales, Production, Training, Complete?"

I get the concept of a deal moving between different phases, but I'm not sure how to differentiate (and therefore choose an organizational strategy) between these two ways that it can happen. What are the reasons for choosing one way over the other?

Thanks in advance for any ideas or resources.

[kvonloesecke · Accepted solution]

Hi @BHarmon,

Thanks for providing this information! 

I wanted to provide you with some resources regarding pipeline management:

• The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Sales Process
• How Many Deal Stages Do You Need
• Sales Pipelines: A Comprehensive Guide for Sales Leaders and Reps

I also wanted to invite our top contributors to our conversation.

Hi @danmoyle, @Mike_Eastwood, @Ben_M, @HubSpotMaster, @Josh - Do you have any advice on pipeline management for @BHarmon?

Thanks!

Best,

Kristen

[danmoyle · Accepted solution]

Hi @BHarmon. In addition to what @kvonloesecke offered, I'd like to share this resource that helps me think about HubSpot's Lifecycle stage alongside its other designations. 

The overall Lifecycle Stage can be enhanced by using Lead Status + Lifecycle Stages. Then when the deal is closed, you could use a Ticket Pipeline if you need additional post-purchase information like training or production. 

Hope that helps some! 

[kvonloesecke · Accepted solution]

Hi @BHarmon,

Thanks for providing this information! 

I wanted to provide you with some resources regarding pipeline management:

• The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Sales Process
• How Many Deal Stages Do You Need
• Sales Pipelines: A Comprehensive Guide for Sales Leaders and Reps

I also wanted to invite our top contributors to our conversation.

Hi @danmoyle, @Mike_Eastwood, @Ben_M, @HubSpotMaster, @Josh - Do you have any advice on pipeline management for @BHarmon?

Thanks!

Best,

Kristen