Tracking System
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Putting this up for discussion here vs. technology because maybe pen and paper is best??
I came from Jones to independent a few years ago. I found EDJ's contact management system was very good for prospecting. What I liked about it was being able to easily enter actions under a prospect (or client), and then being able to recall by prospect, date, action, etc. Am using Redtail now, but am just starting a renewed calling/FTF campaign.
What's worked best for you? The key here is what is fast and also effective so things don't get lost in the shuffle. More experienced guys like BondGuy, would especially like to hear from the likes of you. Paper and pencil? Cards? A list on Excel?
I want fast
I want easy
I want effective
I'm just thinking out loud here:
1. Using Google email for contact management.
2. There is a place for notes.
3. It's free and portable.
4. Trying to put good contacts in (only). People I have met socially, spent some time with - then, find an excuse to follow up with them - short and sweet. Like, " that was fun having a couple of drinks at the entrepreneurs forum".
Point is fewer contacts, keep find excuses to small talk with people who you see on some kind of regular basis.
Chasing a lot of cold contacts sucks. Even if you're just starting, find a way to meet people on a regular basis and get their email, and just drip.
I know this crosses into marketing, and you may be good at cold calling, but consider this: DONT give yourself the luxury of a fancy contact mangement system, and a lot of meaningless data to hide behind. This from someone who is establish, but wants to grow.
You use Google e-mail for Contact Management? Is it really that robust? How many clients/prospects do you have?
24, I'm using gmail contact and note system, just for prospects. Under 100 names, so I'm just looking at a list and thinking about people, and sending little emails after I see them socially.
The b/d has an online CM that draws on client data, but having a separate and focused db at gmail (no business conducted or compliance problem) helps mentally separate social prospecting from client service activites.
It appears gmai is better than Yahoo.
The db is totally focused on social and natural market prospecting (drip) - creating relationships, without directly asking for business.
With regards to social marketing:
With HNW golfers, it seems all roads lead to more opportunities to play with more people with money, and more invitations to charity functions or private playing groups. (Which are affordable, nobody wants to waste money.)
In other words, if I meet someone socially, and follow up with a little email note, they usually write back a nice note, and we usually see each other again in another golf situation.
Got it. But why don't you use your firm CRM for everything? Seems silly to use two systems. Do you use two different e-mail addresses?
There are certain benefits, you can imagine. Two different emails, one is personal, one is business and compliant.
My firm CRM is kind of depressing, anyway. So, when I am using my personal email and building relationships around golf, I'm happier. Sure, I keep meeting notes on the company CRM, but I put as little personal stuff about clients in there as is possible (most of that is in my head). I guess I'm Darth Vader with regards to large or public institutions.
Based on this thread, I'm convinced that the majority in this business are completely lost. Clueless even.
[quote=Milyunair]
There are certain benefits, you can imagine. Two different emails, one is personal, one is business and compliant.
My firm CRM is kind of depressing, anyway. So, when I am using my personal email and building relationships around golf, I'm happier. Sure, I keep meeting notes on the company CRM, but I put as little personal stuff about clients in there as is possible (most of that is in my head). I guess I'm Darth Vader with regards to large or public institutions.
[/quote]
I have to admit, this seems a bit odd. I'm sure it works for you, but I just don't get it.