The process of exporting data from a data integration platform to a customer relationship management (CRM) platform can be complex and nuanced. When it comes to data-enriched LinkedIn Connections and CRMs, the team at KnowledgeNet.ai has opted for a two-step process rather than a direct export. This decision is based on a thoughtful consideration of the unique challenges posed by the nature of LinkedIn data and CRM systems.
A LinkedIn Connection typically has a personal email address associated with his or her LinkedIn account. When a LinkedIn profile is exposed in KnowledgeNet.ai, KnowledgeNet.ai enriches that profile with LinkedIn account email addresses as well as professional email addresses, creating a situation where multiple email addresses may be available for one individual.
On the other hand, most CRMs are designed to focus on business email addresses for contact information. This misalignment in data structure can present a significant challenge when attempting to seamlessly transfer data between the two platforms.
This abundance of email addresses raises multiple questions about how to handle the data transfer process effectively:
Should the personal email address be exported, or should the focus be on the business email address?
What if the individual is already present in the CRM database with their business email address?
Would exporting the personal email address create a duplicate entry in the CRM?
Does the CRM system support the storage and management of both personal and business email addresses for a single contact?
Given these complexities, the team at KnowledgeNet.ai has chosen a conservative approach for their customers. Rather than risking data integrity and potential duplication issues by directly exporting LinkedIn Connections into CRMs, customers are advised to export the data to Excel first. This intermediary step allows customers to review and select the specific email addresses they wish to import into their CRM system, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions about their data integration process.
By adopting this two-step process, KnowledgeNet.ai’s approach not only mitigates potential data conflicts but also puts the control in the hands of the users, enabling them to tailor the data transfer according to their specific CRM requirements. It is a strategic and customer-centric decision to prioritize data accuracy and user control, ensuring a smoother and data integration experience for our customers.