[Shaun_Ashmore]

Which do you use, and what do you recommend.

I have one set up but want to transfer onto something better, but keeping it simple.

[ianharper]

shaun

the most widely use CRM is act.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B00006JN1G/ref=dp_image_0/203-1482285-9475946?ie=UTF8&n=300435&s=software

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ACT-6-Dummies-Computers/dp/0764526456/sr=8-3/qid=1171865436/ref=sr_1_3/203-1482285-9475946?ie=UTF8&s=books

you can syncs it to a pda and then run sat nav

nice little setup.

BTW its great if you have two sites and want to keep synced up. Handy if you people working for you saves phoning every night. i have a lady doing my QC calls so once a week i can go though all the clients records and check the comments.

[david_claxton]

Ian,

I was interested in your suggestion about using Sage Aim. I haven't got any sort of database and have been meaning to set one up for ages. Is this program terrbily complicated with hundreds of features that you will never use, or in your experience have you found it to be spot on. I'm a sole trader so multiple sites will not be a factor though I would like to keep details of all contacts and customers to mailshot etc etc.

Thanks,

Dave

PS Am I being dim? What is a CRM?

[cleanchoice]

CRM means Customer Relationship Management, there is a new piece of software released by Microsoft called Business Contact Manager 2007. Its very good, and very user friendly. The cheapest way to own it is to become a microsoft partner, this costs you just £200/annum and they supply you with one copy of everything www.microsoft.com/partner If you want a more managed system then try salesforce, they are also very good

Good luck

Justin Williams

[Mike Osbourne]

I used to use ACT and is great off the shelf and you can customise well. I would now have a look at Goldmine as I remember this was even better.

I think I'm right in saying you don't have to register for data protection if you are using these databases.

[Eddie Conroy]

Act is superb and you can readily 'import' information into it. It's real value becomes apparent when you tailor the template for just the information you need.
The newest versions allow Microsoft Word to be used to write letters and mailshots. The earlier versions do not, which can be annoying.

Microsoft Excel used in conjunction with Access can be quite good and simple to use. In the best part of a day I down loaded approx 400 care home addresses in Surrey from a directory service , cleaned it up and translated this into a comma delimited format,.Straight into excell and access for a mailshot that gave a fantastic response.
In my experience it is not the actual database software that is important but keeping a disciplined structure/format
Good luck with whatever you choose
Regards
Eddie