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What software do you use to manage contacts? (Outlook users need not continue.)

by ChadHaynes
6 replies
Hey copy gang!

I'm looking for a good piece of contact management software. I used to use Outlook on my old computer, but I don't want to pay $100.00+ to install it on my new one, especially since I only ever used it to store contact information.

I need software that can do the following:
  1. store contacts (obviously);
  2. keep track of my correspondence to date with them;
  3. make it easy to sort contacts based on their niche, role, and how recently I've contacted them; and
  4. not cost $100.00.

I realise software this specific might not exist, but if not, I'm just wondering what you use and why you like it.

Thanks!
#contacts #continue #manage #outlook #software #users
  • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
    Originally Posted by ChadHaynes View Post

    I need software that can do the following:
    1. store contacts (obviously);
    2. keep track of my correspondence to date with them;
    3. make it easy to sort contacts based on their niche, role, and how recently I've contacted them; and
    4. not cost $100.00.
    Hi Chad,

    I understand you may not be seeking a subscription service and I do use a different solution to some of the ones I am suggesting you look into.

    You may want to look at an open source type solution like Ultimate Client Manager

    or openCRX - The Professional Enterprise Class Open Source CRM Solution

    Recently I've started investigating a solution that a few other people I respect have mentioned in conversation - active campaign - Email Marketing - Marketing Automation - Small Business CRM

    There are several other free or low cost solutions...zoho etc

    I guess these solutions are a bit more portable than having something residing on your computer and I've found that even with back-ups sometimes having a third party managing the data it is better and more reliable.
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  • Profile picture of the author RogozRazvan
    I'm using Highrise from 37 Signals.

    It is very rudimentary compared to something like Salesforce but I like this. There are just enough features to be useful, not so many to feel overwhelmed. When it comes to Salesforce, I feel like I need to follow a course just to learn how to use it.

    It is a SaaS, with different subscription levels.As far as offline, I've tried many different solutions, however, all failed me in a way or another. They were either too complicated or there was no sync function around several devices.
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Put all your contacts into Google Contacts.

      Import Google Calendar into
      Google Sheets.

      This allows you to create columns for key details along with
      conversation notes on each of your contacts,
      set up a future date to follow up [automatically notifies you of reminders]
      and then send an email [gmail] directly from that one place.

      One dashboard for free, thanks to Google.

      Best,
      Doctor E. Vile
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      • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
        Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

        Put all your contacts into Google Contacts.

        Import Google Calendar into
        Google Sheets.

        This allows you to create columns for key details along with
        conversation notes on each of your contacts,
        set up a future date to follow up [automatically notifies you of reminders]
        and then send an email [gmail] directly from that one place.

        One dashboard for free, thanks to Google.

        Best,
        Doctor E. Vile
        If you don't care about Google knowing intimate, proprietary information about your business, yeah, it's a great solution.

        Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    anyone know any CRM that are pretty integrated with quickbooks? thanks.
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    In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing. ~ Theodore Roosevelt

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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Having used many CRMs over the past 20 years, from the simple like ACT! to the complex like Microsoft CRM and the custom like the one the electrical wholesaler I worked for had built...

    ...here's the most important factor. Like the answer to the question, "What is the best exercise?" The one that you will DO. And so the best CRM is the one that you will USE.

    I find complexity and a large number of screens to flip through when entering basic data to be maddening.

    And thus Microsoft CRM or JD Edwards are not for me.

    I use a spreadsheet with conditional formatting.

    Infusionsoft, once you start making some real money, seems to be the best default choice out there right now. A number of my clients are using it.

    This question gets asked in the Offline subforum once in awhile; might be a good idea to search in there for more low-fee suggestions.
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