Comments on: So . . . many . . . phone calls . . .

Question: So . . . many . . . phone calls . . .

schroedinger — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 10:51:52 -0800

How do I keep track of my business phone calls? I'm looking for a program, preferably freeware or open source, that will help me keep track of the people calling/emailing/contacting me, why they're contacting me, when they contacted me, how to contact them, when I should contact them, and if I've contacted them. Preferably it would allow for multiple call-backs in case we get into an extended game of phone tag. Right now I'm using a notebook, but something on the computer would allow easier changes. Googling's failed me, since I'm not even sure of the right phrasing to use.

By: bwilms

bwilms — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 11:22:57 -0800

Many in the sales profession use ACT!. It's not freeware, but it's a personal contact management software that allows you to keep records on people you've called and make additional notes and such. Palm Desktop is free and has some similar functions.

If you are using a notebook now, may I suggest TiddlyWiki? I use this on a daily basis for my work items (including phone calls) as an electronic notebook. It's fully searchable, references to items (in this case, people you called) can be made instantly, and it is editted via a web browser. There is a little learning curve, but once you get used to it you should be on your way. Oh, and it's free.

By: glenwood

glenwood — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 11:39:51 -0800

Switch to vonage, then you can log into your account at any time and see every sing call inward and outbound ever on your line.

By: glenwood

glenwood — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 11:45:28 -0800

Every SINGLE. Lord.

By: fionab

fionab — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 16:03:43 -0800

The term is a CRM (Customer Relationship Manager, I believe) for added help when googling.

By: schroedinger

schroedinger — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 16:44:38 -0800

Thanks for the tips so far. I'm not managing sales calls--I just started work coordinating volunteers as well as trying to find volunteer and funding resources for a nonprofit, and I'm trying to figure out a good way to organize all the groups and people I'm talking to.

By: stovenator

stovenator — Sat, 27 Aug 2005 01:18:11 -0800

If you have the expertise of somebody knowledgable, you could implement a CRM such as sugarCRM or vTiger, which are two very good open source CRM apps. Of course, they aren't the easiest thing to setup, but can be configured for your specific needs.