Index cards

I use index cards until someone becomes a prospect, then put them into ACT!.  If money is tight, there are all sorts of free CRMs out there.  SugarCRM is one, Zoho I believe has one as well (I could be wrong), but you should be able to find one without much effort.

I use Salesforce.com ( excellent ) and best of breed.
for clients and serious prospects.


I use the calendar function on Gmail; for all new prospects and client meetings.

I put all of my leads on the Sunday before the week and if you call someone and they’re not in it is super quick to move them up a week or 2.
No one falls through the cracks.

It works great and is free.

You can use Tasks to keep a list of all A prospects etc. and show tasks on the right of the calendar.

Once they become a client and go through the interview etc. I keep all serious notes in Salesforce. I still track of an appointment with them on Gmail Calendar though. 

Dash,



I understand how you are using gmail for appts and A prospects.

Tell me more about how you are managing the cell activity to 2,000+ contacts.

Is each one a separate contact, appt, or task?

I would have all names in a list or card

After a contact if there is any possible reason to call back ; their name goes on the calendar together with their contact info; and they get scratched off the list.
If disqualify prospect; scratch name off list.

Try to get all the names on the list scratched off or on the calendar… low iq theory.

If you meet with prospect from a call back from the calendar ; add notes to your crm/act/salesforce.com (best)

If you’re using ACT you can create a 2nd database to use while coldcalling.  Then when they become a prospect move them to your main database.