Categories - 2007

[Guest]

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

 

[Guest]

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hi Sue

Can you clarify your question for me please? Under what scenario are you
trying to set up categories? Are you trying to sort accounts or business
contacts or other entities? What categories are you creating? How are you
using categories?

Thanks
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Sue,
Categories DO carry over, it's just on each computer, you have to set them up.

Example: I use categories all the time, but I have mine customized:
My clients belong to different consortia so I created custom categories in
BCM. I color coded them also.
We have four computers on our local network and all 4 ARE CATEGORIZED, you
just have to set up the MASTER on each computer. Go in the MASTER CATEGORY
LIST, 'add the category' and it's there. You will have to color code them on
each computer if you are using that feature also.
Let me know if you need help on this and I'll email you the details.
adam

Hi Sue

Can you clarify your question for me please? Under what scenario are you
trying to set up categories? Are you trying to sort accounts or business
contacts or other entities? What categories are you creating? How are you
using categories?

Thanks
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Gosh, I'm starting to confuse myself now!

I am using BCM purely to set up a database of all our company contacts.
This will include customers (of various types), suppliers, and general
business contacts. There will be no integration with an Accounts package.

Once I have the database set up, then I will want to target specific groups
to send mailings to, invite to promotional events etc etc. I will also want
to be able to set the screen view to see certain groups at a time (eg. all of
one particular salesman's contacts).

Initially, most of the setting up will be done on my computer, but the
database itself is held on our server, and everyone else will have access to
it. Once set up, everyone will be able to add new contacts, and fill in
communication histories etc.

Am I correct in presuming that for viewing purposes you don't need the
Master Category list set up on all machines. But when it comes to adding or
changing contacts/categories, this will not be possible unless the Master
Category list is set up?

Phew, I think at least I understand my question now!

Sue

Sue,
Categories DO carry over, it's just on each computer, you have to set them up.

Example: I use categories all the time, but I have mine customized:
My clients belong to different consortia so I created custom categories in
BCM. I color coded them also.
We have four computers on our local network and all 4 ARE CATEGORIZED, you
just have to set up the MASTER on each computer. Go in the MASTER CATEGORY
LIST, 'add the category' and it's there. You will have to color code them on
each computer if you are using that feature also.
Let me know if you need help on this and I'll email you the details.
adam

Hi Sue

Can you clarify your question for me please? Under what scenario are you
trying to set up categories? Are you trying to sort accounts or business
contacts or other entities? What categories are you creating? How are you
using categories?

Thanks
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?



:

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Sue,
Your description of setting it up is exactly what I did for my company:
I set it up on my laptop, while the data is held on a 'server' computer in
my office.

When I create a CONTACT, I give EVERY ONE OF THEM A CATEGORY, whether it's a
client that I categorize, a PARTNER (vendor), a HOTEL that I travel to, a
PERSONAL contact, a COLLEAGUE, etc.

I then assign a 'color' to them. Once that contact is saved, it will have
that category associated with it all on computers on your network and of
course, in the main database. The only thing that the others will see that is
different than what is on your computer, is that, when they open the contact,
and should they go into the 'categories drop box', it will say "COLLEAGUE no
in Master Category List' (or something like this).

THey are still categorized though so you really don't have to worry about
that. If you are anal about this like I am (!), I went to the other 3
computers on my network and just went into the CATEGORIES DROP BOX, and
opened it up and they just HIGHLIGHTED the ones (one at a time) that said
'not in master category' and clicked on the NEW button. It then puts it into
the category on that particular computer. It's VERY EASY. Again, not
necessary, because they still are officially 'categorized'. I then color
coded them.

When you want to do a marketing campaign, you can then go into the MARKETING
CAMPAIGN section, and click on NEW CAMPAIGN. Then fill this section out, and
when you want to email just a certain group in a category, click on "REVIEW
AND FILTER". Go to the ADVANCED TAB, in the 'field name', drop down to
CATEGORY, in the middle field, go to 'CONTAINS' and on the right side,
(Compare to), type in the category, EXACTLY AS ITS SPELLED. It will then
create a 'list' of just those in that category! If you want to do 2
categories, then add another below. Make sure you choose "OR" instead of
"AND".

I hope that helps!
Adam

Gosh, I'm starting to confuse myself now!

I am using BCM purely to set up a database of all our company contacts.
This will include customers (of various types), suppliers, and general
business contacts. There will be no integration with an Accounts package.

Once I have the database set up, then I will want to target specific groups
to send mailings to, invite to promotional events etc etc. I will also want
to be able to set the screen view to see certain groups at a time (eg. all of
one particular salesman's contacts).

Initially, most of the setting up will be done on my computer, but the
database itself is held on our server, and everyone else will have access to
it. Once set up, everyone will be able to add new contacts, and fill in
communication histories etc.

Am I correct in presuming that for viewing purposes you don't need the
Master Category list set up on all machines. But when it comes to adding or
changing contacts/categories, this will not be possible unless the Master
Category list is set up?

Phew, I think at least I understand my question now!

Sue

Sue,
Categories DO carry over, it's just on each computer, you have to set them up.

Example: I use categories all the time, but I have mine customized:
My clients belong to different consortia so I created custom categories in
BCM. I color coded them also.
We have four computers on our local network and all 4 ARE CATEGORIZED, you
just have to set up the MASTER on each computer. Go in the MASTER CATEGORY
LIST, 'add the category' and it's there. You will have to color code them on
each computer if you are using that feature also.
Let me know if you need help on this and I'll email you the details.
adam

Hi Sue

Can you clarify your question for me please? Under what scenario are you
trying to set up categories? Are you trying to sort accounts or business
contacts or other entities? What categories are you creating? How are you
using categories?

Thanks
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?



:

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Adam, this is really helpful. I'm concentrating on just setting up
the database to begin with (I have to bring data in from six different ACT
databases, plus three different lots of Outlook Contacts, and reams of
handwritten records, so have plenty to keep me occupied). But will keep hold
of your tips on marketing campaigns so that I can revisit them when (if???) I
ever reach that stage.

Thanks again.

Sue

Sue,
Your description of setting it up is exactly what I did for my company:
I set it up on my laptop, while the data is held on a 'server' computer in
my office.

When I create a CONTACT, I give EVERY ONE OF THEM A CATEGORY, whether it's a
client that I categorize, a PARTNER (vendor), a HOTEL that I travel to, a
PERSONAL contact, a COLLEAGUE, etc.

I then assign a 'color' to them. Once that contact is saved, it will have
that category associated with it all on computers on your network and of
course, in the main database. The only thing that the others will see that is
different than what is on your computer, is that, when they open the contact,
and should they go into the 'categories drop box', it will say "COLLEAGUE no
in Master Category List' (or something like this).

THey are still categorized though so you really don't have to worry about
that. If you are anal about this like I am (!), I went to the other 3
computers on my network and just went into the CATEGORIES DROP BOX, and
opened it up and they just HIGHLIGHTED the ones (one at a time) that said
'not in master category' and clicked on the NEW button. It then puts it into
the category on that particular computer. It's VERY EASY. Again, not
necessary, because they still are officially 'categorized'. I then color
coded them.

When you want to do a marketing campaign, you can then go into the MARKETING
CAMPAIGN section, and click on NEW CAMPAIGN. Then fill this section out, and
when you want to email just a certain group in a category, click on "REVIEW
AND FILTER". Go to the ADVANCED TAB, in the 'field name', drop down to
CATEGORY, in the middle field, go to 'CONTAINS' and on the right side,
(Compare to), type in the category, EXACTLY AS ITS SPELLED. It will then
create a 'list' of just those in that category! If you want to do 2
categories, then add another below. Make sure you choose "OR" instead of
"AND".

I hope that helps!
Adam

Gosh, I'm starting to confuse myself now!

I am using BCM purely to set up a database of all our company contacts.
This will include customers (of various types), suppliers, and general
business contacts. There will be no integration with an Accounts package.

Once I have the database set up, then I will want to target specific groups
to send mailings to, invite to promotional events etc etc. I will also want
to be able to set the screen view to see certain groups at a time (eg. all of
one particular salesman's contacts).

Initially, most of the setting up will be done on my computer, but the
database itself is held on our server, and everyone else will have access to
it. Once set up, everyone will be able to add new contacts, and fill in
communication histories etc.

Am I correct in presuming that for viewing purposes you don't need the
Master Category list set up on all machines. But when it comes to adding or
changing contacts/categories, this will not be possible unless the Master
Category list is set up?

Phew, I think at least I understand my question now!

Sue

Sue,
Categories DO carry over, it's just on each computer, you have to set them up.

Example: I use categories all the time, but I have mine customized:
My clients belong to different consortia so I created custom categories in
BCM. I color coded them also.
We have four computers on our local network and all 4 ARE CATEGORIZED, you
just have to set up the MASTER on each computer. Go in the MASTER CATEGORY
LIST, 'add the category' and it's there. You will have to color code them on
each computer if you are using that feature also.
Let me know if you need help on this and I'll email you the details.
adam

:

Hi Sue

Can you clarify your question for me please? Under what scenario are you
trying to set up categories? Are you trying to sort accounts or business
contacts or other entities? What categories are you creating? How are you
using categories?

Thanks
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?



:

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Sue,
Categories DO carry over, it's just on each computer, you have to set them up.

Example: I use categories all the time, but I have mine customized:
My clients belong to different consortia so I created custom categories in
BCM. I color coded them also.
We have four computers on our local network and all 4 ARE CATEGORIZED, you
just have to set up the MASTER on each computer. Go in the MASTER CATEGORY
LIST, 'add the category' and it's there. You will have to color code them on
each computer if you are using that feature also.
Let me know if you need help on this and I'll email you the details.
adam

Hi Sue

Can you clarify your question for me please? Under what scenario are you
trying to set up categories? Are you trying to sort accounts or business
contacts or other entities? What categories are you creating? How are you
using categories?

Thanks
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?



:

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm very frustrated and am a VERY beginner user of Outlook Business Contact
Manager. I'm a mortgage broker and am attempting to organize a database of
clients, prospects, leads, etc. I assumed that you would first set up groups
under contacts on the left panel where it says "Add New Group" under the
"Current View" section. So, I set up all the groups on how I would like the
database organized and they all appear in the left panel, however, I cannot
add any new contacts within the groups that I have set up. Can anyone PLEASE
help me? I have been tryong to figure this out for about 3 hours now and I
have the BIGGEST headache! :0( Thanks in advance!

Sue,
Categories DO carry over, it's just on each computer, you have to set them up.

Example: I use categories all the time, but I have mine customized:
My clients belong to different consortia so I created custom categories in
BCM. I color coded them also.
We have four computers on our local network and all 4 ARE CATEGORIZED, you
just have to set up the MASTER on each computer. Go in the MASTER CATEGORY
LIST, 'add the category' and it's there. You will have to color code them on
each computer if you are using that feature also.
Let me know if you need help on this and I'll email you the details.
adam

Hi Sue

Can you clarify your question for me please? Under what scenario are you
trying to set up categories? Are you trying to sort accounts or business
contacts or other entities? What categories are you creating? How are you
using categories?

Thanks
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

This is going to sound daft, but given that categories appear on records even
if they haven't been set up on the Master Category List, what is the benefit
of setting them up on the Master Category List?



:

Hi Sue

Unfortunately there is no way of setting categories within BCM across all
users of a shared database. This is because the categories functionality is
taken from Outlook, therefore it only works per profile.

Thanks.
Monica Tsang [MSFT]

:

Is there a way of setting categories within BCM so that they automatically
feed across to all users of a shared database, without me having to set them
up on each individual computer?

Thanks.