What kind of software do you suggest for...?

As an internet-based service provider, one of my biggest hangups is organization.

I am getting much busier, and last week I confused two customers because I had three recent inquiries with the same first name. Here's the scenario:

One guy asked me to e-mail an invoice and I sent it to a different guy.

Guy #1 complains he didn't get his PayPal invoice. I logged into PayPal and hit the remind button.

Guy # 1 complains again-- no invoice.

Guy #2 is like, "hey -- you sent me two invoices for the wrong amount".

ACK!! That was about my most embarrassing mistake I have made since I started my business and I really want to avoid making a similar mistake! Guy #1 & 2 were both very understanding and even found humor in the situation...but it could have ended without a sale.

So, what type of software can I use to avoid this situation? I have used ACT! (several years ago) but I found it to be a little bit too much for what I need.

Saleforce.com and SugarCRM seem too complicated for me as well.

I know there HAS to be a simple solution but I tend to over analyze everything and I am going insane searching for what I need.

I thank you all in advance!

8 Bizniks have posted replies

Posted by Rachael Eaton, Seattle, Washington | Mar 11, 2008

Hi Jennifer, Have you ever used Quicken or Quickbooks? The software is pretty easy to use and might be a good solution to your problem.
Posted by Jennifer Anthony, Portland, Oregon | Mar 11, 2008

Hmmm...actually, no. :)

I thought they were more focused on the finance and accounting aspect of running a business. I may have to check them out to see if they offer features that might help.

I am looking for something that can hold contact information on all of my new inquiries that ask for a free resume critique. When the inquiries lead to sales, I want to be able to track the progress of each person's progress (there are many steps even after the sale).

I would also like a way to quickly see who is new, who I am currently working with, and who I have worked with in the past.

Does that make sense?
Posted by Brianna Young, Tulsa, Oklahoma | Mar 11, 2008

If you're a Mac user, MacFreelance is pretty great. It manages invoicing, client contact info, projects and charges, tracks time, and saves all of your invoices as they're sent. I'm hooked. But it's Mac only.
Posted by David Billings, Portland, Oregon | Apr 07, 2008

Oops - I just noticed this thread. Jennifer, did you find your software yet?

Like Brianna, I'm also a MacFreelance user and love it. It's really easy to use and it doesn't try to balance your checkbook for you. :)

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Posted by Jennifer Anthony, Portland, Oregon | Apr 07, 2008

Well, I started using QuickBooks Customer Manager and so far I like it. If I want it to integrate with the accounting software they put out, it can do that. Right now I use it as a stand alone application.

I have heard awesome things about MacFreelance but I am running Windows XP and Ubuntu (dual boot system).
Posted by David Billings, Portland, Oregon | Apr 07, 2008

Ubuntu!

My hat's off to you. I have Ubuntu on my Dell.

I salute you, open-sourcer. :)

Illustration, Animation. A whole lotta fun.
Posted by John Robertson, Burien, Washington | Apr 07, 2008

Gold Mine is pretty comprehensive and once you get the hang of it it's really simple to use. I love it - it has grown with my business quite well and is a tool I use daily.
Posted by Jake Mayer, Greenfield, Massachusetts | Apr 08, 2008

Also for mac, Daylite is a heavy hitter, with more features than I need-

I have been keeping myself more organized with SOHO organizer (again, for mac), which incorporates iCal, address book, and nice GTD adaptability-