<p><strong>One of the most important uses for our computer is to keep track of our contacts.</strong>&nbsp; It doesn't matter what business you're in---the most important information you have relates to your communications with other people and businesses.&nbsp; We've talked about some of the options available for your email.&nbsp; But what about your contacts--the people you do business with.&nbsp; How do you keep track of your contacts?<br /><br /><strong>Your contacts and the information about them must be a top priority when you work on your technology plan.</strong>&nbsp; There's a famous movie with a song that says: "Who Ya Gonna Call?"&nbsp; If you don't know who to call and how to reach them; if your contact database doesn't provide the info you need to reach your clients, to store information about them, to "Contact" them---then your technology isn't doing what it should.&nbsp; My background is in marketing and I'm reminded about a rule I was taught:&nbsp; "He who has the data wins."<br /><br /><strong>There are countless ways to keep track of your contacts.</strong>&nbsp; While I can't give you specific advice on your business and how to handle your contacts--I can give you few things to consider.&nbsp; Your contact database might be as simple as an address book in Outlook or Outlook Express.&nbsp; It could also be a full blown CRM system that tracks everything about your clients.&nbsp; Here's a list of things to consider and work towards when you plan how you will handle and store your contacts:<br /><br />1) Make sure it's readily accessible.&nbsp; Preferably from any location where you have internet access.&nbsp; If you don't currently have this ability---at least work on a plan to implement it in the future.<br />2) Have a way to synchronize the information between multiple devices like your laptop, your desktop computer, and your cell phone.<br />3) Make sure you can store plenty of information about every contact.&nbsp; You should have the ability to keep multiple email addresses, multiple phone numbers, multiple addresses and more.&nbsp; Any information that will help you to develop a stronger relationship is also a must.&nbsp; Things like birthdays, family member names, when you last had contact with them are also helpful.<br />4) Make sure the database can be backed up to another location or computer.&nbsp; There's almost nothing worse in the technology world than losing all of your contact information.<br />5) Your information should be portable to a new system very easily.&nbsp; Most programs have an export feature that will allow you to export all the data into a standard format.&nbsp; If you outgrow or want to change your existing setup---you simply export all your contact data and then import it again into the new system.&nbsp; The export feature can also be used as a free way to backup the all important contact database.<br />6) If your business has multiple employees who need to access the same information -- make sure your system provides for multi-user access and expansion as your business grows.<br /><br /><strong>In my last article I asked if you treated your customers like Kings.</strong>&nbsp; With a good system to communicate with them, with a good contact management system; you'll be able to do that.&nbsp; An efficient and well maintained contact database will help to make sure your business is a winner!!<br /><br />Have a Great Day,<br />Rusty Lee</p> 2009-06-04T03:42:05Z -7.1153 164 4871 true 15 29437 who-are-they-where-are-they-i-must-find-my-business-contacts 1 2009-06-04T08:39:34Z 2009-06-04T14:39:57Z

The keys to your business kingdom are held in the database that contains your contacts. When you work on your technology plan make sure it includes a good system to manage your contacts.

1 2009-06-04T14:39:57Z