Using Outlook for CRM-ish things

[survivalist]

I work in a large company and often need to keep a log of my daily
phone conversations, quotes, meetings, etc. with vendors, employees,
customers, etc.

I'm stuck with the tools they give me, so adding software is not
difficult (though if there was an add-on that synch'd nicely between
desktop Outlook and my PocketPC-based PDA, I might lobby for it).
Something like ACT! or whatever would be gross overkill.

What I need is a rudimentary way of doing super-basic CRM (though it's
Contacts not Customers in this case). e.g., keeping a running log of
interactions with someone:

- If there was another tab on the Contacts screen called Journal or
something, that would be awesome
- if I could just keep a running text log that would be fine - enter a
date, describe what happened, etc. Yes, it could be a lot fancier
(flag for followup, etc.) but not necessary.
- the ability to attach files would be great but not vital

So here's my question:

(1) is there a way to do this sort of rudimentary CRM in Outlook? I
mean, I can do it in a spreadsheet or word doc, but having it in
Outlook where I've already usually got the Contacts entry open just
screams "put the data in here".

(2) if not, is there a software package that isn't as huge as ACT or
something like that? I'm not tracking sales and leads here. I use my
PocketPC phone a lot, so some solution that synchs with it would be
great.

Thanks!

-S.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

Based on what you have posted for requirements, I would use google to see
what is available.

--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. All
unsolicited mail sent to my personal account will be deleted without
reading.

After furious head scratching, (e-mail address removed) asked:

| I work in a large company and often need to keep a log of my daily
| phone conversations, quotes, meetings, etc. with vendors, employees,
| customers, etc.
|
| I'm stuck with the tools they give me, so adding software is not
| difficult (though if there was an add-on that synch'd nicely between
| desktop Outlook and my PocketPC-based PDA, I might lobby for it).
| Something like ACT! or whatever would be gross overkill.
|
| What I need is a rudimentary way of doing super-basic CRM (though it's
| Contacts not Customers in this case). e.g., keeping a running log of
| interactions with someone:
|
| - If there was another tab on the Contacts screen called Journal or
| something, that would be awesome
| - if I could just keep a running text log that would be fine - enter a
| date, describe what happened, etc. Yes, it could be a lot fancier
| (flag for followup, etc.) but not necessary.
| - the ability to attach files would be great but not vital
|
| So here's my question:
|
| (1) is there a way to do this sort of rudimentary CRM in Outlook? I
| mean, I can do it in a spreadsheet or word doc, but having it in
| Outlook where I've already usually got the Contacts entry open just
| screams "put the data in here".
|
| (2) if not, is there a software package that isn't as huge as ACT or
| something like that? I'm not tracking sales and leads here. I use my
| PocketPC phone a lot, so some solution that synchs with it would be
| great.
|
| Thanks!
|
| -S.

 

[Judy Gleeson MVP Outlook]

Those basics can be done on the Notes part of a Contact. As you said, write
and date each conversation. I've taught this to many government departments
who also do not get add-ins!

Also, the Activities Tab (in each Contact) will show you (and provide links)
to any items in your Mailbox.

The Contacts Lookup window will get you straight to a Contact. It's a
"window" on the Standard toolbar. When you want to go to a Contact, type
their first or last name there and hit Enter. eg Jud Glee would find me.
As would Judy or Gleeson. It is NOT reliable by Company name.

Judy Gleeson [MVP Outlook]
Acorn Training and Consulting
www.acorntraining.com.au

Everyone - turn on your Advanced Toolbars and learn how to use the Field
Chooser and Group by Box!!


"Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]"