Editing Time in Stage

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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Deals]] > Time in Stage

== How long has my deal been in a stage? ==

The '''Time in Stage''' feature in ActiveCampaign is a critical tool for any sales team looking to maintain an efficient sales pipeline. By providing insight into how long a deal has remained in its current stage, this feature allows users to assess the health of deals and determine when actions may be necessary to prevent stagnation. Understanding the duration a deal remains in a stage is essential for timely follow-ups, strategic planning, and ensuring that opportunities are not overlooked or allowed to go stale.

== How to access this feature ==

To view the '''Time in Stage''' display, you need to access the specific deal within your pipeline. This can be achieved by the following steps:

1. Navigate to your Sales Pipeline by selecting the appropriate option from the main menu.
2. Locate the deal card that you wish to examine.
3. Click on the deal card to open it and reveal additional details.

Once you've opened the deal card, the '''Time in Stage''' will prominently display next to the current stage name, giving you immediate access to this important metric.

== Step-by-step instructions ==

1. **Open your Sales Pipeline**: Go to the Sales section of ActiveCampaign and click on the pipeline that contains the deal you want to analyze.
   
2. **Find the desired deal**: Scroll through the deals presented in your pipeline and locate the specific deal card that you're interested in.

3. **Click on the deal card**: Once you've located the deal card, click on it. This action will expand the details associated with that deal.

4. **View the Time in Stage**: Within the deal details, locate the section that displays the '''Time in Stage''', which is positioned next to the stage name. This will indicate how long the deal has been within that stage.

== Configuration options and settings ==

The '''Time in Stage''' feature does not require specific configuration settings, as it automatically tracks the duration a deal remains in each stage of your sales pipeline. However, to interpret and utilize this feature effectively, understand the following aspects:

* The '''Time in Stage''' is updated in real-time as the deal moves through different stages in the pipeline.
* This feature is available for users subscribed to the Plus, Professional, or Enterprise plans, along with the Pipelines & Sales Engagement add-ons.

== Best practices and tips ==

To maximize the effectiveness of the '''Time in Stage''' feature, consider implementing these best practices:

1. **Regular Monitoring**: Frequently check the '''Time in Stage''' for all deals, especially those that have been stagnant for an extended period. This helps prioritize follow-ups.

2. **Establish Timeframes**: Define acceptable time limits for each stage in your pipeline. This can help your team know when a deal may require additional attention or intervention.

3. **Utilize Alerts**: Set reminders or alerts for deals that exceed typical timeframes in a stage to stay proactive in managing the sales process.

4. **Training and Awareness**: Ensure that all team members are aware of how to access and utilize the '''Time in Stage''' feature to improve overall sales performance.

== Troubleshooting ==

If you encounter issues with the '''Time in Stage''' feature, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

* **Ensure Proper Access**: Verify that you have the necessary permissions and that you are subscribed to the appropriate plan (Plus, Professional, or Enterprise).
* **Refresh the Pipeline**: If the '''Time in Stage''' does not appear, try refreshing the pipeline or logging out and back into ActiveCampaign.
* **Contact Support**: If problems persist, reach out to ActiveCampaign support for assistance or check the help documentation for further guidance.

== Common use cases with examples ==

Here are some common scenarios in which the '''Time in Stage''' feature can be highly beneficial:

* **Lead Follow-Up**: A sales rep notices that a specific deal has been in the closing stage for over a week. By recognizing this through the '''Time in Stage''' metric, they can take action to follow up with the potential client and close the deal.
  
* **Pipeline Analysis**: A sales manager may analyze multiple deals in the "Proposal" stage that have remained unchanged for too long. Utilizing the '''Time in Stage''' can help identify bottlenecks in the sales process and adjust strategies accordingly.

* **Team Performance Review**: When assessing team performance, managers can use the '''Time in Stage''' data to determine which deals are taking longer than expected and which team members may need additional training or support to manage their workflow effectively.

== FAQ ==

=== What is the '''Time in Stage'''? ===
The '''Time in Stage''' indicates how long a specific deal has been in its current stage within the sales pipeline.

=== How can I find the '''Time in Stage''' for a deal? ===
You can find this information by opening the deal card in your ActiveCampaign pipeline, where it will display beside the stage name.

=== Is the '''Time in Stage''' feature available to all ActiveCampaign users? ===
No, this feature is available for users with Plus, Professional, and Enterprise plans, along with the Pipelines & Sales Engagement add-ons.

=== Can I configure how '''Time in Stage''' works? ===
No configuration is needed for the '''Time in Stage'''. It operates automatically, tracking the duration in each stage.

=== How can I use the '''Time in Stage''' to improve sales efficiency? ===
By monitoring this metric, sales teams can identify deals that require attention and foster timely follow-ups to prevent deals from going stale.

=== What should I do if the '''Time in Stage''' is not displaying? ===
Try refreshing the pipeline or logging out and back into ActiveCampaign. If the issue persists, contact ActiveCampaign support for assistance.

=== Does the '''Time in Stage''' update in real-time? ===
Yes, the '''Time in Stage''' updates automatically as the deal progresses through different stages in the pipeline.
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