[quote=Analyst]

I haven't done it in a while, but you should definitely be able to do this.  If you can't, you can export everything from Outlook to a text file, and then import it into Act!.

Maybe someone else that's done it recently can give you better info.

[/quote]

That’s exactly correct.

When you import it you need to be sure you set up your mapping correctly. Nothing to it. I do it all the time with the excel files I get from Sales Genie. Tell the guy to pay the $300 it takes for annual unlimited tech support. It will pay for itself many times over if he intends to really put the pedal to the metal with the program.

[quote=bspears]Bunny, do you have problems with ACT running very SLLLLLOOOOOWWWW? [/quote]

No. It seems to run fine, with the exception that sometimes it doesn't want to close up and I have to task manager it off.  I think I need to update the ACT software as it is about 4 years old.  Not sure it that would also mean an update on the Act for Advisors as well.

I couldn't get by with out the program.  I have a file for each client under the organizer tab and make copies of letters, pdf files of statements and any other reports and documents that I want to scan into the system.  They have nifty spreadsheet that I use to update cost basis and portfolio holdings, in addition to other assets that are not brokerage. 

[quote=Indyone]About as childish as using an advisor forum to advance an anti-advisor platform, I suppose.  Since this has become a forum for sparring, I’ll come here to spar, but I’m not handing out anything of value on a forum that includes trolls like little willy and nancy/GGGR/et al.

Ive been around for more than thirty five years and I've been reading this forum for a couple of years.

I have yet to see you contribute anything valuable.  Please don't let the door hit you on your butt on your way out.[/quote]

I've defended your right to post, even when you're being an obvious asshole.  I'll leave it to the forum regulars to determine who's provided value here.  I'll be back from time to time to keep you in your place, but meanwhile, it's refreshing to have a forum that's not polluted by trolls and will stay that way.

I have been using ACT! since version 1.0 in the early 90's and have used most of the versions up to and including the most recent one. Here are a couple of things to be mindful of:

- I found that the latest version is unstable and often froze my laptop. My laptop at the time was state of the art for processor, memory, etc.

- Transferring contacts between Outlook and ACT is a breeze. ACT will walk you through it step by step.

- Do not delete your existing Outlook database for several months, and in fact back it up to hard media before you start the transfer to ACT.

- Back up ACT at the end of each day to a separate file on your hard drive. If you do not and it freezes on you, you may lose data and be unable to recover it. Back up ACT at the end of each week to hard media and always keep your hard media until you have a new permanent back-up. ACT makes backing up your files easy and quick.

- ACT is the gold standard for contact mgt. for small individual users/groups but it is not the gold standard beyond that class of users. Many superior applications exist for medium and small groups of users.

- You may want to trial Outlook with Business Contact Manager. It is an attempt to make an ACT like interface out of Outlook. In my opinion, ACT is superior though.

- A close second to ACT is Goldmine. Goldmine has some features that are usually a step or two ahead of ACT. However, ACT has a MUCH larger user base and consequently has more add-on's, and customizations (such as the Advisor version).

Hope this helps.

[quote=Indyone]

meanwhile, it's refreshing to have a forum that's not polluted by trolls and will stay that way.[/quote]

That translates into it's nice to sit around with my fellow rapists and not have to hear somebody talking about victim's rights or such basic things as going to bed at night knowing you did the right thing.

[quote=Indyone]meanwhile, it’s refreshing to have a forum that’s not polluted by trolls and will stay that way.

That translates into it's nice to sit around with my fellow rapists and not have to hear somebody talking about victim's rights or such basic things as going to bed at night knowing you did the right thing.[/quote] I think I've made it clear in past posts that I hold both a CPA and a CFP designation, so in addition to the code of ethics I live by in this industry, I live by two others that are frankly tougher.  There's no doubt that others here and there conduct their business in a different manner than I do.  I've never made the first cold call, but I'll absolutely defend a rep's right to if that's the way they choose to conduct their business.  Little willie thinks that it should be illegal, or at the very least unethical.  Little willie apparently has never heard of the DNC list and doesn't understand that everyone has a choice.  I don't pass judgement on how others conduct their business as long as it's within compliance guidelines.

I sleep well each night.  There's a reason that my clients don't leave and trolls like little willie have no effect on their loyalty.  I do the right thing. Period.  Little willie can profess all day long that she's only interested in truth and justice.  I know better.  Willie was wronged by an Ameriprise broker and has decided to take revenge on an entire industry.  I resent being tarred with that brush when I know how I run my business and I will continue to come here to counteract such propaganda masquerading as "victim's rights".

You're welcome to stay here and post your opinions as long as the moderator thinks you're staying within the lines.  I'll continue to visit both forums, but I'm not going to post anything helpful for the disruptive trolls here.

[quote=DAtoo][quote=Indyone]meanwhile, it’s refreshing to have a forum that’s not polluted by trolls and will stay that way.

That translates into it's nice to sit around with my fellow rapists and not have to hear somebody talking about victim's rights or such basic things as going to bed at night knowing you did the right thing.[/quote] I think I've made it clear in past posts that I hold both a CPA and a CFP designation, so in addition to the code of ethics I live by in this industry, I live by two others that are frankly tougher.  There's no doubt that others here and there conduct their business in a different manner than I do.  I've never made the first cold call, but I'll absolutely defend a rep's right to if that's the way they choose to conduct their business.  Little willie thinks that it should be illegal, or at the very least unethical.  Little willie apparently has never heard of the DNC list and doesn't understand that everyone has a choice.  I don't pass judgement on how others conduct their business as long as it's within compliance guidelines.

I sleep well each night.  There's a reason that my clients don't leave and trolls like little willie have no effect on their loyalty.  I do the right thing. Period.  Little willie can profess all day long that she's only interested in truth and justice.  I know better.  Willie was wronged by an Ameriprise broker and has decided to take revenge on an entire industry.  I resent being tarred with that brush when I know how I run my business and I will continue to come here to counteract such propaganda masquerading as "victim's rights".

You're welcome to stay here and post your opinions as long as the moderator thinks you're staying within the lines.  I'll continue to visit both forums, but I'm not going to post anything helpful for the disruptive trolls here.

[/quote]

Let me see if I have this right.  You have a CPA and a CFP and that makes you honest?

Give me a break--you're as sleazy as the sleaziest who post here because every time a sleazey story is told you chuckle and high five the unethical behavior.

DAtoo, Are you implying that you “know our customers”? I seem to remember that criterion is important, somehow.

Willie was wronged by an Ameriprise broker and has decided to take revenge on an entire industry.

Hmmm, I'm surprised she didn't get along better with RJRiley on the sux site since they had so much in common? RJ, screwed over by amex when charged exhorbitant late fees on his credit card: amex: leave home without it!

For Christ's sake, can't you guys even leave a thread about boring software alone?   I guess not.   

[quote=Dust Bunny]

For Christ's sake, can't you guys even leave a thread about boring software alone?   I guess not.   [/quote]

I was thinking the same thing...in all seriousness, I am looking to buy CRM software, so is Act for Advisors a good program?  I am footing the bill if that matters........

I like it.   You can download a demo, I think.  It just overlays the ACT regular software.   It's been a while, I believe the cost for both was about $400.  I rarely use the insurance portion of it but it does look pretty powerful.   The downside is that there isn't much in the way of instruction manuals so you are kind of on your own.

Looks like the moderators have awoken from the dead.

I’ve got an MS access DB that I put together that sorts my contacts by ‘follow-up date.’  Basically, I come in to work and click my way through my follow-ups for the day as I make the calls (sorted by time).  I am really interested in ACT, but I MUST have a system to replicate this… is it in there?

[quote=Guests]

[quote=Indyone]

About as childish as using an advisor forum to advance an anti-advisor platform, I suppose.  Since this has become a forum for sparring, I'll come here to spar, but I'm not handing out anything of value on a forum that includes trolls like little willy and nancy/GGGR/et al.[/quote]

Ive been around for more than thirty five years and I've been reading this forum for a couple of years.

I have yet to see you contribute anything valuable.  Please don't let the door hit you on your butt on your way out.

[/quote]

Please cut us an effin break! Every long term poster here knows the high value Indyone brings to the forum. That he is disgusted with the most recent troll infestation, well.... who isn't?

I am thankful we still have good posters such as BG, Right, Indy, and The Judge who are still around. It would be a sad day to think they have all abandoned this site...

[quote=blarmston]

I am thankful we still have good posters such as BG, Right, Indy, and The Judge who are still around. It would be a sad day to think they have all abandoned this site...

[/quote]

Add yourself, Dust, Joe, mike and  a few i'm sure I've missed to that list.

BG, thanks for the vote of confidence.  Likewise, I'll continue the lovefest by admitting that I try never to miss one of your posts.  Other fine names have been mentioned and I'm sure we've missed more.  I haven't completely abandoned the ship, but the fact that I'm playing more on Bobby's playground (and you all know I've had a few issues with him in the past), speaks volumes about what I think of what has happened on this forum.  Sad thing is, I've come to like Bobby, even though I sometimes have had to chastise him for insensitive remarks.  Most of his stuff is tounge in cheek anyway.

Bottom line is, his forum is free of Putz and little willie and that makes it a breath of fresh air.  I couldn't care less if he gets my IP if I can post without little willie's nonsense ruining the thread.  I'll hang around, but for the time being, I'm spending more time over there.  Until willie is gone, the mods haven't got control of this forum.

I say we all meet up somewhere for a weekend of practice management breakout sessions and Jack and Cokes. Think about it- spending some time talking about best practices and then bellying up to a bar to toss back Irish Car Bombs.

Who's in?

What part of the Country?