How do you create tasks and follow-up activities?

Required tools

• Dynamics 365 Sales — A standard sales role is sufficient.

Create correctly

1. 1.Create the task from the entry

   Start from the opportunity or customer, not from the task list. This automatically links the task to the right place and makes it appear on the timeline.

2. 2.Write what should happen, not what the case is about

   “Call Kari about the price of module B” is a task. “Follow-up” is not. The next person who sees it should be able to take action without having to search for information.

3. 3.Set a realistic due date

   Dates that pass without anything happening make the entire list less credible. If you're unsure, set the date further out and move it closer if needed.

Keep the list clean

1. 4.Close tasks when they are completed

   A list full of completed tasks won't be read. This is the most common reason people stop using the task list.

2. 5.Always have one open task per active agreement

   If a sales opportunity has no open task, it is effectively on hold. Make this a habit, and you will need fewer other control mechanisms.