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Importing

Users can import multiple accounts using a CSV file.

Importing allows you to quickly create accounts in bulk using a CSV file. This is most useful when onboarding an existing network so you can start using SecondTouch without manually entering each relationship.

Importing is designed to get your accounts into the system quickly. You can add context and interactions over time.

Overview

The import process allows you to:

  • Upload a CSV file of accounts
  • Map your data to account fields
  • Create multiple accounts in a single action

Importing is intended for initial setup, not ongoing data synchronization.

Where to Find Importing

You can access importing from within the application:

  1. Navigate to your accounts or main workspace view
  2. Look for an Import or Upload CSV option
  3. Open the import flow to begin uploading your file

If you do not see the option, it may be located in:

  • Account management tools
  • Settings or data management sections

CSV Requirements

Your import file must be a properly formatted CSV.

Required field:

  • Name - the person or account name

Without a name, an account cannot be created.

Optional fields:

  • Notes
  • Current Objective
  • Open Thread
  • Renewal Date
  • Significant Dates

Formatting expectations:

  • Use a .csv file type
  • Keep the first row as headers
  • Keep one account per row
  • Use consistent date formats for date fields
  • Avoid merged cells, formulas, and hidden columns

Fields that do not match expected headers or formats may be skipped or rejected during validation.

Template File

A CSV template is available within the import flow.

The template includes:

  • Correct column headers
  • Example rows
  • Proper formatting for optional fields

Recommended: Start with the template to avoid formatting issues.

Example CSV Structure

name,notes,current_objective,open_thread,renewal_date,significant_dates
Jane Doe,"Long-term partner account","Expand into Q3 planning","Waiting on budget confirmation",2026-09-30,"2026-08-15:Anniversary"
Acme Corp,"Strategic client","Renew annual agreement","Security review in progress",2026-11-15,""

Use the template headers exactly when possible. Keep values short and clean to reduce validation errors.

How to Import

  1. Open the Import or Upload CSV flow in the accounts/workspace area
  2. Download and review the template file
  3. Populate your CSV with required and optional fields
  4. Upload the file
  5. Confirm field mapping if prompted
  6. Review validation results
  7. Submit the import

If validation reports issues, correct the CSV and upload again.

What Happens After Import

After a successful import:

  • Accounts are created in bulk
  • Imported fields are attached to each account
  • Accounts appear in your workspace and can be edited immediately

Important expectation:

  • Imported accounts start with little or no intelligence context until interactions are logged
  • Insights improve only after you begin logging real interactions

Newly imported accounts may initially appear "empty" from an intelligence perspective. This is expected behavior.

Limitations

  • Interactions cannot be imported via CSV
  • Importing is for account setup only, not historical activity backfill
  • Importing is intended for initial setup, not continuous synchronization
  • Validation rules may reject rows with missing required fields or invalid formats
  • Volume limits may apply to rows per file or files per import run

If you need ongoing data sync behavior, use your normal account update workflow after import.

Best Practices

  • Always start with the provided template
  • Import a smaller test file first before large uploads
  • Keep field values concise and standardized
  • Validate date formatting before upload
  • Import accounts first, then log interactions as soon as possible
  • Review imported accounts for missing or malformed values

Good imports are clean, consistent, and focused on account setup.

When to Use Importing

Use importing when you need to seed SecondTouch with an existing relationship list quickly, such as:

  • Initial workspace onboarding
  • Migrating from a spreadsheet-based contact list
  • Bulk setup before team rollout

Do not use importing as a day-to-day sync mechanism.

How Importing Fits Into the System

Importing is the first step in the broader workflow:

  1. Import accounts
  2. Log interactions
  3. Build signal quality over time
  4. Use Daily Brief and relationship signals for prioritization

Importing creates structure. Interaction logging creates intelligence.