In a CRM system, "Lead Status" refers to the stage of the sales process that a lead is currently in. It provides a snapshot of where a lead stands in the journey from initial contact to conversion into a paying customer. Lead statuses help sales teams track and manage leads effectively, prioritize their efforts, and tailor their approach based on the specific needs and readiness of each lead. Here are some common lead statuses found in CRM systems:

1. New: This status is assigned to leads that have been newly entered into the CRM system but have not yet been contacted or engaged with by the sales team.

2. Contacted: Leads in this status have been reached out to by a sales representative through email, phone call, or other means of communication. The initial contact has been made, but there hasn't been significant engagement or progress in the sales process.

3. Qualified: Leads that meet certain criteria or qualifications set by the sales team are categorized as qualified leads. This could include factors such as budget, authority, need, and timeline (BANT).

4. Engaged: Leads in this status have shown active interest or engagement with the company's products or services. They may have interacted with marketing materials, attended webinars, or engaged in discussions with sales representatives.

5. Nurturing: Leads that require further nurturing or education before they are ready to make a purchase decision. They may have expressed interest but are not yet ready to move forward with a purchase.

6. Opportunity: Leads that have progressed further in the sales process and have a high likelihood of converting into customers. They may have expressed intent to purchase or have initiated discussions about pricing and terms.

7. Closed-Won: Leads that have successfully converted into paying customers. A deal has been closed, and the lead has become a customer.

8. Closed-Lost: Leads that did not convert into customers for various reasons, such as budget constraints, lack of fit, or choosing a competitor. The opportunity has been closed without a successful sale.

9. Disqualified: Leads that do not meet the criteria or qualifications set by the sales team and are unlikely to become customers. They are removed from the sales pipeline.

These lead statuses provide visibility into the progression of leads through the sales pipeline, enabling sales teams to prioritize their efforts, identify bottlenecks, and optimize their sales process for better efficiency and effectiveness.