Whether from an external database, fundraiser banquet, or wherever...you will likely someday want to import financial transactions. Watch the "Importing Contacts" video first, but then return to see the next step here.
Choosing the right payment processor is key, and once you've done that you can configure a Contribution Page in CiviCRM to handle recurring donations. This video shows how.
Sending out emails via CiviCRM with "checksum" tokens fills out forms for the people. This cuts down on work on their end, facilitates greater response and reduces dupes on your end!
Ever want to update the data of more than one contact, participant, or contribution at once? That's what "batch update" is for. This video shows you how.
What is custom data? How is the best way to create a field? This video explains that along with scope and the infamous "layer cake". Essential viewing!