From r/ObsidianMD 📅 • 📊 18 upvotes • ⭐ 8/10 • 🚀 high
*Analysis generated: Jan 12, 2026*
🔗 Source: View on Reddit
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Summary

The author, a former developer frustrated with complex CRM setups, built an extremely minimal Obsidian CRM based on two keyboard shortcuts: one to create/select a person note (auto-creating it if new) and another to create an interaction note linked to that person, dated, and connected to the daily note. The setup relies on QuickAdd, Templater, a custom JS script for the selector, and DataView. The author provided links to the supporting files (JS script, templates) and a tutorial video.

Key Insights

1. Leveraging QuickAdd with custom JavaScript for complex selector functionality dramatically reduces friction in note creation.
2. Focusing on only two primary shortcuts minimizes cognitive load for daily operations.
3. Automating person creation and linking to daily notes establishes a robust, low-maintenance linking structure.

Enhancement Suggestions

1. Automated Relationship Discovery: Expand the JS script to *automatically* detect and suggest relationships *between* people notes based on interaction note content. For example, if two people are frequently mentioned in interaction notes together, the script could suggest creating a “Knows” or “Works With” link between their respective person notes. This moves beyond simple logging to active relationship building within the CRM, saving significant manual link creation. (Improved Systems, Second Brain Features)
2. Interaction Summarization with DataView: Add a DataView query *within* each person note that automatically summarizes recent interactions. Instead of manually reviewing interaction notes, a section could display the last 3-5 interactions, key topics discussed, and any action items. This transforms the CRM from a record-keeping system to an active memory aid, drastically reducing recall time. (Productivity Ideas, Successful Notetaking)
3. Templater Integration for Interaction Types: Enhance the interaction note template to include a selection for “Interaction Type” (e.g., Meeting, Email, Phone Call, Social). Use Templater to dynamically adjust the template based on this selection – adding relevant fields (agenda for meetings, subject for emails). This adds structure to interactions without increasing shortcut complexity, improving data quality and future querying capabilities. (Focused Workflows, Improved Systems)

Analysis

This post delivers a powerful, low-friction workflow for managing contacts and interactions, directly addressing the common Obsidian pain point of manual housekeeping. The reliance on custom scripting (JS) via QuickAdd elevates it beyond standard template usage, making it highly automated.
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*Curated by AI for Paul’s Vault Members*