What contact management software do you use?

[Saodavi]

I was wondering what you guys use for contact management. I had been using ACT but it's pretty slow and bloated. And it's not the most intuitive program out there. I think it's very full featured but features don't mean much if you can't figure out how to use them. (BTW, I'm an IT Pro, I'm not a newbie in this area by any means.)

My ACT! database crapped out on me this weekend when I moved it to another network share. So, I'm thinking of rebuilding in a different platform. Do you use/like MS Outlook? Anything else out there I should be considering?

I'm not terribly interested in Top Producer because I don't like that "internet only" aspect and I certainly don't like the monthly-fee-for-the-rest-of-your-life aspect. I also don't like the fact that "they" own and control my database, not me.

Other than that, I'm fairly open to suggestions.

[pcdoc]

I support customers who also use ACT! and yes it's a bear to learn initially. Also, having experienced the rigors of db transfer, I appreciate that you cannot simply copy / paste but must backup / restore. The instructions dumbfounded me the first time through.

[Saodavi]

So, if I've already moved it and now it won't open .... what should I do? Do I need to recreate the volume/shares and try to put it back?? I've never seen a database that had to be in some exact spot on a machine. Grrrrrr.

Good thing I only have 100 clients in my DB. And even better that I printed off a hard copy the week before. It pays to be paranoid.

[drewnick]

I'm using Top Producer so far and love it.

[ericbramlett]

Can I ask you guys what features Top Producer has that MS Outlook (not Express) doesn't?

[ericbramlett]

Also -- What features does ACT have that Outlook doesn't?

[Dan Connolly]

Top Producer has a bunch of lame letters you can send out.

[drewnick]

Action plans - you can automatically schedule emails / calls / letters to prospects. It also can interface with many MLS systems to bring listing data in. The prestocked ones are old-school lame. But I've created my own and seem to be doing well.

[Saodavi]

Eric,

ACT will eat your database for lunch and leave you with nothing. I'm not sure if Outlook does that. One thing I did like about ACT was that you can configure it as a multi-user product. Outlook needs an Exchange Server for that. That may not be important to everyone though. If I had to do it again, I don't think I'd choose ACT (bloat + bad UI + $$$) ... especially because Outlook is included with MS Office.

All I want is a place to keep my clients info. I have my own marketing plans and stuff that I can integrate with it. I don't use templates, canned letters, e-mail blasts or any of those other cold, impersonal approaches. People know when their getting form letters. My clients get _personal_ touches ... nothing prefab from a machine.

You can buy 3rd party add-ons ACT and Outlook geared towards Realtors. They have integrated letters, contract to close checklists, and ways to track clients and automate them into your "marketing system". Top Producer does this by default. That's about all I know though. Anybody with more info is encouraged to throw out their 2%.

[AaronSOLD]

I'm real curious if anyone is using the Business Contact Manager for Outlook, which is free from MSFT.

Anyone?