Import Contacts Into FBS

Call Date

July 30, 2026

Primary Topics

Call Description

This Mastering Your Tech call walks coaches through how to import contacts into FBS instead of adding them one by one. Britoni shows how to use the Contacts import tool, upload a CSV file, map fields, create custom fields, organize imported contacts into a smart list, add tags or workflows, confirm consent, and verify that the imported contact information appears correctly inside the system.

Why this call matters

This call helps coaches save time and keep their contact database organized. Instead of manually entering contacts one at a time, coaches can upload a properly formatted CSV file, map the right fields, apply tags, and even group contacts into smart lists so they can begin follow-up or nurture campaigns more efficiently.

Key Points:

0:00 – Opening and Topic Introduction
Britoni opens the Mastering Your Tech call and explains that the training will cover how to import contacts into FBS.

0:20 – Start From the Dashboard
The process begins from the FBS dashboard.

0:30 – Go to Contacts
To begin, go to Contacts on the left-hand sidebar.

0:45 – Manual Contact Entry Option
Britoni shows that contacts can be added manually with first name, last name, email, and other details.

1:00 – Why Bulk Import Matters
Instead of adding contacts one by one, coaches can bulk import a list of contacts into the system.

1:20 – Click Import
The Import button is located beside Add Contact.

1:35 – Import Steps Overview
The import process includes uploading the file, mapping fields and columns, and reviewing the information before import.

1:50 – Import Type Options
FBS allows imports for contacts, opportunities, and companies, though companies are marked as coming soon.

2:10 – Focus on Contacts
This training focuses specifically on importing contacts.

2:20 – Previous Imports
The import area also shows previous imports completed in the system.

2:40 – Upload Page
The upload page allows coaches to drag and drop a file or click to select a file.

2:55 – CSV Requirement
The system requires the file to be in CSV format.

3:10 – Spreadsheet Prerequisite
Before importing, coaches need a spreadsheet of the people they want to add.

3:23 – Sample File Available
FBS provides a sample file so coaches can see the expected format.

3:45 – Download the Sample File
Britoni downloads the sample CSV file and opens it in Google Sheets.

4:10 – Sample Columns
The sample file includes fields such as phone, email, first name, last name, business name, source, additional emails, additional phone numbers, notes, and tags.

4:40 – Each Row Becomes a Contact
Each row in the CSV file will become a person in the system.

5:00 – Manage Fields in Contacts
Britoni shows that FBS has more available fields under Manage Fields in Contacts.

5:30 – Additional Contact Fields
Available fields include items such as first name, last name, date of birth, contact type, and more.

6:00 – Additional Emails and Phone Numbers
Additional emails and phone numbers should be formatted as comma-separated values.

6:40 – Save or Download as CSV
After preparing the spreadsheet, download or save it as a CSV file before importing.

7:15 – Upload the CSV File
Return to the upload area and select or drag in the CSV file.

7:45 – Create, Update, or Create and Update
The system allows coaches to choose whether to create new contacts, update existing contacts, or create and update.

8:10 – Create and Update Default
Create and update means new contacts will be created, while existing contacts will be updated with new information.

8:40 – Mapping Fields
The system attempts to map fields automatically when the column names match fields inside FBS.

9:00 – Auto-Mapped Fields
Fields like contact source, additional emails, additional phone numbers, notes, and tags may map automatically.

9:20 – Unmapped Custom Field Example
Britoni shows a “dog’s name” field that does not map automatically because it does not yet exist in the system.

9:57 – Create a Custom Field
To bring in a custom field, go to Settings, then Custom Fields, and create a new field.

10:30 – Custom Field Setup
The custom field is created as a single-line item and assigned to Contacts.

11:00 – Return to Mapping
After creating the field, return to the import mapping screen.

11:30 – Refresh Mapping
Going back and forth in the import process allows the new custom field to appear and map correctly.

12:00 – Skip Unneeded Fields
Fields that are not needed can be skipped during mapping.

12:30 – Review Import Options
After mapping, the system gives additional options before completing the import.

13:00 – Create a Smart List
Coaches can create a smart list for the imported contacts, such as “Import July.”

13:30 – Add Contacts to a Workflow
Imported contacts can also be added to a workflow if automation should begin immediately.

14:00 – Add Tags During Import
Coaches can apply tags during import, including the built-in “add to nurture” tag.

14:45 – Review File and Mapping
Before importing, review the file, field mappings, smart list, tags, and workflow options.

15:15 – Consent Confirmation
Before starting the import, coaches must confirm that the contacts have consented to hear from them or have been contacted within the past year.

15:40 – Compliance Reminder
Britoni explains that this is to avoid importing purchased lists or sending messages to people who are not expecting contact.

16:00 – Start the Import
After checking the consent box, click Start Import.

16:15 – Bulk Action Created
The system creates a bulk action and begins importing the contacts.

16:30 – Contacts Added to Smart List
The imported contacts are grouped in the smart list created during import.

16:51 – Verify Imported Contact Data
Britoni opens a contact to verify the name, email, tags, and custom field information came in correctly.

17:15 – Custom Field Appears on Contact Record
The custom field, such as “dog’s name,” appears inside the contact folder.

17:45 – Tags Imported Successfully
Tags from the CSV file are imported when properly formatted.

18:10 – Verify Emails
Britoni reminds coaches to verify emails and make sure they are real and will not bounce.

18:40 – Send Email Option
Once contacts are imported and consent is confirmed, coaches can select contacts and use the Send Email option.

19:00 – Closing
Britoni wraps the training by summarizing that the process allows coaches to import contacts quickly into FBS.

Five Key Takeaways

  • Contacts can be imported into FBS in bulk using a CSV file.
  • The import process includes uploading the file, mapping fields, reviewing options, and confirming consent.
  • FBS can create new contacts, update existing contacts, or do both during import.
  • Custom fields can be created when the CSV includes data that does not already exist as a field in FBS.
  • Imported contacts can be organized with smart lists, tags, workflows, and nurture campaign tags.

Notable Quotes

“Instead of doing this one by one, what we can have is a list of persons.”

“Fortunately, the process for this is quite simple.”

“We’re uploading our file, we’re mapping the fields and columns, and then we’re just reviewing that information.”

“You want to make sure that when we’re saving this file, we’re downloading it as a CSV.”

“The system is already going to try to map the fields automatically.”

“You can actually create a smart list in the system.”

“We want to make sure that we are aligning with this here.”

“We successfully imported a list of persons into the system.”

Action Steps from the Call

  1. Log into FBS.
  2. Go to Contacts on the left-hand sidebar.
  3. Click Import beside Add Contact.
  4. Choose Contacts as the import type.
  5. Download the sample CSV file if needed.
  6. Prepare your contact spreadsheet.
  7. Use columns such as phone, email, first name, last name, business name, source, notes, and tags.
  8. Format additional emails and phone numbers as comma-separated values.
  9. Save or download the spreadsheet as a CSV file.
  10. Upload the CSV into FBS.
  11. Choose whether to create, update, or create and update contacts.
  12. Review the automatic field mapping.
  13. Manually map any fields that did not map.
  14. Create custom fields if your CSV includes fields that do not exist in FBS.
  15. Go back and forward in the import process if a new custom field needs to appear.
  16. Skip any fields you do not want to import.
  17. Create a smart list for the imported contacts if desired.
  18. Add contacts to a workflow if appropriate.
  19. Add tags during import if needed.
  20. Use the “add to nurture” tag only when appropriate.
  21. Review the import file and field mappings.
  22. Confirm that the contacts have consented to hear from you.
  23. Start the import.
  24. Check the smart list to confirm contacts were added.
  25. Open a contact record and verify the imported data.
  26. Verify emails before sending messages.
  27. Select imported contacts and use Send Email when appropriate.

Resources & Tools Mentioned

  • Mastering Your Tech
  • FBS / Focused Business Suite
  • Contacts
  • Add Contact
  • Import
  • CSV File
  • Google Sheets
  • Excel
  • Sample Import File
  • Manage Fields
  • Custom Fields
  • Settings
  • Smart Lists
  • Workflows
  • Tags
  • Add to Nurture Tag
  • Nurture Campaign
  • Bulk Actions
  • Send Email
  • Contact Source
  • Additional Emails
  • Additional Phone Numbers
  • Notes

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