Magic words — starting records from chat
A magic word is the word that tells Helmior to start a new record instead of updating an existing one. Admins set it on a pipeline's entry stage as a Chat trigger. Anyone in the channel can then write "@Helmior new Acme Ltd" to create a card on that stage.
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Why magic words exist
"Acme called back" could be news about an existing client or a brand-new lead. A magic word removes the guesswork: if the message starts with it, Helmior starts a new record. If not, Helmior updates an existing one.
Set one up (admins)
- Open the pipeline and go to its Flow canvas.
- Click an entry stage — a stage with no arrows coming into it.
- In the stage drawer, add a trigger of type Chat and type the magic word, e.g.
new,lead,joborcandidate. - Deploy the pipeline. Magic words only work in the deployed version.
Each magic word must be unique within a channel. If your pipeline has two entry stages, give them different words, for example lead for inbound enquiries and referral for referrals.
Use it (everyone)
@Helmior new Acme Ltd — wants a quote for the kitchen refit
@Helmior referral Priya from Dana, looking for a bathroom
Helmior creates the card on the matching stage, uses the rest of the message as the title and details, and replies to confirm. Replies in that thread go to the new card.
On Discord, write /helmior new Acme Ltd…. On WhatsApp, start the message with the word: new Acme Ltd….
What Helmior says when something's missing
| Helmior replies | What it means |
|---|---|
| "Tell me what it's about and I'll add it — the magic word on its own isn't enough." | You sent just new. Add a name or description. |
| "Cards in this pipeline aren't started from chat…" | The pipeline has no Chat trigger. An admin needs to add a magic word, or add the card from the board. |
| "You're not on the roles that can start something at this stage." | The pipeline is in strict mode and your role can't start records there. |
| "This pipeline hasn't been deployed yet…" | An admin needs to click Deploy. |
Frequently asked questions
Does the magic word have to come first?
No. Helmior spots it anywhere in the message, as long as it's a whole word. Putting it first (@Helmior new …) is clearest for your team.
Which word should we pick?
Pick a word your team wouldn't use in ordinary updates. lead or job is safer than new, because "Acme has a new budget" should update Acme, not start a record.
Is the magic word case-sensitive?
No. New, NEW and new all work.
Can records start in other ways?
Yes. Admins can also add records by hand on the board. An entry stage can also start records from Meta Ads lead forms, on a schedule, or from a webhook.
Still stuck? Email support@helmior.com with a screenshot of what you see, and a person will answer.