Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Amaya · #1 (**permalink**) 09-26-2008

Anyone know of a great CRM software? I have a client that was using ACT but had to switch because it does not link with Outlook. Does any of you divas know of a great alternative?

Thanks,

VBP · #2 (**permalink**) 09-26-2008

There are some good web-based programs out there such as SalesNexus. Goldmine is another CRM system that I have used in the past that has worked well. What industry is she in? For example, I have clients who are in finacial services and some use a program called Advisors Assistant. You may be able to find some industry specific programs out there.

Amaya · #3 (**permalink**) 09-27-2008

Thanks Doreen. He owns a pet store, but has branched off into international distribution. He has multiple types of projects related to those industries. I will check out the two that you mentioned.

Thanks a bunch!

beachlover · #4 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008

There is zoho CRM. I just started using it and I like it so far.

Marian · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008

The company I work for now just signed up with Microsoft CRM Online. I have been researching CRM software for this company for 3 years and we've tried them all, too... ACT, Goldmine, Sugar, Salesforce, etc. ACT was good, but had it's problems after it was purchased by Sage. Microsoft's CRM is the best one I've found. It's is a step above Office Live, and I just love it. It is very customizable, and it even works right in Outlook if you want it to. The downside is that you have to have a minimum of 5 licenses to use the online system. Good for some, not for others.

I'm moving soon and fortunately, my current boss is going to be my first client.

With this new CRM system, our little company is pretty much decentralized, and it will eliminate a lot of the work I'm doing now. Everything else I can do from anywhere I happen to be....so we're totally changing up the business model. I will get to focus on other things while still supporting her business, and she (okay, ME!) won't need to train somebody new.

BTW, I was a beta tester for the new version of ACT (ACT 2009) and I have to say that it has made some significant improvements -- so much so that I will be using it (I got a free license for being a beta tester) for my VA business as a whole. I would use Microsoft CRM Online if I could, but the 5 license thing doesn't help. I think for less than 5, they prefer you use Office Live for Small Business.

Marian · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008

My 9-5er office just started using Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. It integrates within Outlook as an option and we just love it.

We needed an online CRM solution that was highly customizable because we have a really unique business model that traditional CRMs couldn't really handle. ACT did it well, but their online version leaves a lot to be desired. OUr office is almost entirely decentralized, so an online solution was necessary.

English & German Virtual Svcs · #7 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012

Is anyone currently still using MS Dynamics CRM online? My client had me check out and enter data into Salesforce for the last 6 months to figure out if that's the right CRM SaaS for his startup software company and now all of a sudden he is not sure if it's right CRM software anymore. We don't have actual customers yet, still in the funding phase. Now he thinks MS Dynamics might be better than Salesforce. The main thing that ticked him off was that in the Leads section the company field was a Required field and could not be made "not required".

e-IndyOffice · #8 (**permalink**) 01-20-2012

I have been using Zoho to see if it would fit my business. There is a limit to the type of additional information to add for contacts which shows your interaction with the client.
Not sure it's what I want. Will look at other programs mentioned here. Is Office Live for Business cloud based? I would prefer cloud based.

Janet

English & German Virtual Svcs · #9 (**permalink**) 01-20-2012

I have my own website through Office Live and my email address, but I don't use any of the other feature. I run my email through outlook. We definitely want a cloud based CRM thats fully customizable when it comes to fields.

msloehn · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2012

Hi, while I new to my VA business - right now I started out with freeCRM.com - just using the free version - while sorting out what fits for me - seems this is the million dollar question on what the solution is!