I am looking for a free CRM software. Does anyone have any suggestions on one I could use? Thanks.

Can you clarify what it is you want to track with your clients? Traditional CRM (that I'm familiar with) would be such a process to set up and utilize for a small virtual assistance business, particularly a single-owner setup - which is why I'm guessing that I'm thinking in an entirely different direction than what you're asking about.

CRM in my mind is all about predictive analytics - is this what you're referring to?

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I would like the traditional CRM. I would like to track my client information as well as emails, etc for each client just in case I have to refer back to something.

I just handle my client info with good old fashioned Microsoft Office technology (Outlook, XL, etc.) and file folders on my hard drive. Are you thinking you'll have need of running something more complicated?

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The one I use isn't free but is very worthwhile owning. It's called ACT! I originally explored it because of a client request several years ago and have been using it ever since. I provide services to 5 different clients at the moment using ACT! and use it for all my own needs as well.

Kathie M. Thomas

I've heard that Basecamp is very good.

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

I am not sure why I did not think about this before. In Outlook if I go under contacts and click on the contact's name and then click on "activities" I will be able to see all e-mail communications between me and that contact. I can also track their task under their contact info. I want everything in one place. I think this way I will be able to refer back just in case. This has to do with my previous experience with the corporate world when you need to keep everything to refer back. I always had a reason to refer to an email sent to verify something. Thanks for your help.

Understood I keep file folders in my email client that each client's emails are filtered into - I then go back at the end of each month and save all of my sent emails for each client. I know these CRMs are useful for many practices - particularly the ones with multiple VAs, but in my own (much smaller) practice these already-available resources accomodate my needs very well.

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I use MS Office Pro which includes an add-on for Outlook called Contact Manager (avail. with 2003 & 2007). It is a great tool, you can track leads, assign tasks, attach documents, color code and all sorts of other cool stuff. It is much more advanced than Outlook's regular Contact/Address book. I am still learning what all it does. It is basically a full CRM already built into Outlook.

Plus, it integrates with the other Office programs and I'm suppose to be able to synch it to my MSN/hotmail email accounts, but I haven't figured out how to do it yet.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Rebecka, I was just looking into this. I think I may purchase this. Thanks.