Highrise
I’ve used a number of software packages to keep up with my contacts, ranging from Outlook to ACT!. I haven’t been terribly thrilled with any of them, but used Outlook for many years because of its notes feature, which let me keep a great deal of extraneous info on my contacts and clients in one place. However, since I stopped using Outlook for email several years ago, I’ve used a hodge-podge of online contact management solutions, mostly free versions, and none really met my needs.
Then I took another look at Highrise, from 37 Signals. I really wanted an online solution so that my assistant could access my contact database online and not have to log into my computer. What I love about Highrise is that it displays my contact information in an easy-to-read format so that I can see at a glance what I need from that contact. Most importantly, the information in the notes feature of Outlook for each contact imports into a similar field in Highrise so that I still have access to the same information.
I can tag contacts so that I can easily find and sort them (media, former clients, etc.), as well as track important dates on each contact, like their birthday or wedding anniversary, and that info is added to my calendar. I’ve also got a place to note background info on contacts, like how I met them. When I have an email conversation with a contact, I can forward my emails to Highrise and the emails will be attached to the appropriate contact, so no more fumbling around trying to determine what I last emailed that person.
Highrise lets you add tasks for the contacts or general tasks for your business, and you can categorize the tasks with colored labels like “Call,” “Pay,” or “Thank You.” Then you’ll get a summary of your tasks by email each morning. If you have proposals outstanding (Highrise refers to these as deals), you can store notes about these, as well. And, you can attach files to a contact, so that you will always know where to find documents pertaining to that contact.
Highrise isn’t a free application, but does offer a free 30-day trial. As of this writing, plans begin at $24/month for up to 6 users and 5000 contacts, which is more than adequate for my needs.
About the Author Donna Gunter
Best-selling author Donna Gunter works with successful business owners who are experts in their fields and established in their industry and are seeking a way to stand out from their competitors. Using her Ideal Clients on Autopilot System©, she helps them determine the exact strategies to generate more qualified leads and better-paying clients with automated systems. This proven system makes all their marketing easier and more effective and they find themselves positioned as the only choice for their clients.
