VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rognog · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:06 am Post subject: CRM & Billing Software Survey

I'm teaching a webinar on CRM & billing software in a few weeks so I wanted to see what you guys use and why. I'll start!

My CRM software is ACT! and I really don't like it. It's clunky, it's slow, is doesn't interface well with other programs, the Export/Import feature is a pain in the rump, and it doesn't interact with my Blackberry.

My billing software is Quicken and it's pretty good, but not great. Half the time the downloading of bank statements doesn't work. I still haven't figured out how to reconcile an invoice without it double-posting a transaction in my checking account.
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Lizden · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:15 am Post subject:

I also use ACT! and you're right, it's pretty much a stand-alone.
It has all my client info in there though...and I'm loathe to change.
I was actually considering taking an ACT! class to see what else I can do with it. It's a powerful program & I know I'm only using a fraction of its capabilities.

Accounting-wise, I use Quickbooks PRO & LOVE it.
Yes, it's a large program, but I love the reports I can generate, I can email invoices directly from the program & it has helped me keep a great handle on my business finances. Again a powerful program, but I have been using it for over a decade and love it's features.
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jordanreynolds · Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:20 am Post subject:

Well I don't know if it's a full on CRM but for managing my accounting I use b2bee - http://www.getthebee.com/ . b2bee is super clean, simple, and professional. And it's all web based so you can access it anywhere. Great customer service too.

I tried using Quickbooks but it just felt like major overkill and super complicated - with no prior experience of course. I know those who are quickbooks power users love it but it just wasn't for me.
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CC Heim · Backstage Pass Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Posts: 401

Performertrack.com for me, to keep track of clients and jobs, income and expenses, etc.

Billingboss.com for billing. it's free Smile

jordanreynolds · Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:55 pm Post subject:

How funny, I was strongly considering both of those services before I got started Smile

. B2Bee stole the cake though with being so clean and simple for me. Both of those services look great though!
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Randye Kaye · Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Trumbull, CT 06611

OK, I have been a Quickbooks Fan for years - still thinking of switching to Performer Track, but I like what I know how to use....still, change can be good!
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Rognog · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 5:20 pm Post subject:

OK, I think this is going to be my new CRM "signal chain":

PerformerTrack as my CRM database and audition/gig tracker
Quicken for tracking my account balances
Either PerformerTrack or Quicken for invoicing
Carbonite to back everything up

I'm getting a Samsung Galaxy as my new smartphone, which I should be able to access PerformerTrack from. My Blackberry has been an overpriced POS since the day I got it!
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heyguido · Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:18 am Post subject:

And you're just NOW coming to this realization? Wink

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