What Frustrates YOU About Contact Database Software?
Posted September 10th, 2008 by Dane
You and I both have a common enemy…
Frustrating over complicated software that takes more time to use than it’s worth.
I can remember times I would sit behind one of my Realtor friends and help them learn how to use their contact database software.
After about 2 hours, if we were lucky to last that long, we’d be stressed and want to blow off some steam on a punching bag for a while.
- WHY can’t contact database software just be simple?
- WHY can’t there be FEWER FEATURES, and not more?
We aren’t sure why companies just don’t get it… but we are here to help YOU. Post a comment below and tell us…
What Frustrates YOU About Contact Database Software?
Filed under:Simple Software
32 Responses to “What Frustrates YOU About Contact Database Software?”
September 10th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I have been a user of Top Producer for a while and I just find it to be too much. I’m overwhelmed by the number of features most of the time.
I’m excited to be able to use something that will be easier to use.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I’ve tried everything from ACT, to Goldmine, to regular Outlook, to building my own database. The challenge is nothing is simple enough to use on a daily basis, but robust enough to remind me to use it everyday.
Someone needs to come out with a product that helps you build your list but doesn’t give you a million different tools that you don’t have time to learn.
Anyone?
September 11th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Over-whelmed by all the choices, complexities, monthly costs. Will yours have an auto-responder?
September 11th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I hate having to type all the information in then find that it is not laid out the way I want it.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Hi Eva, NO. Not initially. Rest assured that we do have something in the works to solve this problem though.
Just so you know…
An auto-responder is an easy thing to create and we could make it. The tricky thing is to have WHITELIST agreements with the major email providers (Yahoo email, AOL) so that your email gets delivered. 60% of email from auto-responders does NOT get delivered, and that’s a problem. We don’t want that to happen to YOU.
The solution we are cooking up will solve your problem in the easiest most cost effective way possible while maintaining HIGH deliver-ability.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I’ve tried CRM software and I can never seem to get myself to use it. I find that I’ll enter data and then not come back to it. Or I’ll just never enter data.
I’m excited by the idea that I can email information - that makes it easier. Now I just need a good system for USING customer information.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Nothing I have used so far is intuitive while setting everything up. I hate having to search for information, so I am excited to see if this will be an easy and intuitive system to use.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Simplicity in this business is the key. Unless you have a personal assistant to call you have to keep things simple in order to be successful. This business is not difficult but adding extra data bases to your daily routine just makes the end of a day more complicated. I consider myself very tech savy, but I find myself always taking time to make an effort to putting too much emphasis on data bases. I meet so many people in the course of a day; such as at the post office grocery store or just getting some ice cream. I am always working and many times the casual meetings I’ve met during the course of a day and week, get lost without further contact. A simple solution is to have a reminder sent to me daily such as this. It’s just the edge needed to assist my daily routines, making it easy and simple. I like simplicity. I think my business will increase greatly with this tool.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:02 am
From the database I want to send emails and faxes, all in a neatly designed graphic format. I want to differentiate between those people that I send Christmas Cards to and all the different classes of buyers and sellers. Could this database provide this function? I don’t need finanacials and other stuff. I don’t need a listing template etc.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I want something simple..
September 19th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Thank you GREATLY for your comments.
Maggie, the system will NOT be a communication device to your clients. (Not initially)
We have a plan that will include solid partners that you can easily use to stay in touch with past clients.
It will not have financial reporting, it will not have listing templates, and it will not be complicated with 100’s of other features.
It is designed to help you NEVER forget a client, and then to later keep in touch with them. Period.
September 20th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
yes,I have tried and own several, last one, agent office, just too hard to figure out, has a zillion options but not easy to use, so they recommend to take an online seminar, which runs something like 5 weeks, and not free. Have others, I would need to look in my software collections for the names, all seem to have “nice features” til you try using them.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
want an easy way to access database from my blackberry. must be internet based, but Dane you and I know it will.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I am speaking from the personal assistant side of the equation…my broker is all about “moving it to the next level” and the thing that it hinges on is the contact database system. We have processes for EVERYTHING and we are pretty good at them, but this is one area where we are severly lacking. We have used Outlook, expanded Outlook with Respond, ACT!, Top Producer, and now Google…we like Google for the simplicity and web-based access…but we really loved Outlook Respond for the special design for agents. I am really looking forward to seeing what this system has to offer!
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I would like an internet based database that is interactive with me using text message, email and voice mail.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
3″x5″ index cards worked great, then the rotary rolodex, now Top Producer, Online Agent, etc, too much. Keep it simple. I just need a name and phone number to make a sale, not 3 years of drip letters. If I want that I can go to it when necessary, but on the go I just need access to the basic contact info to make the call, set the appt. and move on. Help!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:56 am
I really need something, I swear I have looked at everything tried trial memberships..and didn’t like the layout either–what do you suggest us to use to send out our e-mails seeing as your will only be something to rmind us…WHICH I SAY IS VERY IMPORTANT..I have lost phone numbers…from people I have met/ because I have worte them on little papers….I have ereased messeges accidently..and then was never able to reach them…does this have a system already built in….or do we have to schedule it our selves..(follow up dates) Problem is that it takes soo much time….we need it all set up…and have different settigns for different people( fsbo, expired, #1 sphere, #2 sphere…buyer, seller, past buyer….ect)
September 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Samantha your post was a breath of fresh air and a BIG REASON why we are doing this.
YES, there will be follow up reminder dates for specific groups (fsbo’s as an example).
The follow up feature will not be live when we launch, but it will be very shortly after, maybe 4 weeks.
Right now there is a reminder feature, and I’m going to post a video on it tomorrow to show you how it will work.
We will show you how to easily take your contacts and use them to stay in touch with your past clients. There are at least 3 great services off the top of my head that do this better than we ever could and have dozens of years in experience with direct email/postcards.
One last thing Samantha…
Not only will we help you and develop this solution, but you’ll be the source for ideas as to how you want it to work.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Like Samantha I have tried all of them. They are great programs and some programmer wentcrazy developing it …. but all I want is a simple on line system. I love the reminder feature…who do I want to add to the data base today??? Great!!! I don’t need something that requires me to spend hours inputing advertising information to track expenses, etc. etc. etc. Just e-mail…or snail mail??? I think this is it!!! I think we have it!!!
Looking forward to it!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 am
I haven’t used any software yet. I am excited to use this one.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I used Online agent a few years back. Wheww. When I got a new computer, I had the wrong version of the software. I had to upgrade. Then I installed the upgrade and I wasn’t able to transfer from the old version to the new. What a mess. Never again. I printed everyone out to save it and now I really don’t use a “contact manager” except the MLS Connect that our board provides.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I have had Top Producer for several years and find myself not using it often due to the fact it is slow when using as well as not to simple. Like many others have already said I would love something simple, simple, simple. I also would like for my contact management system to stay activated until I close it unlike TP if not used after a few minutes you have to go through the waiting to open up again. Thx’s
October 19th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I have always wanted to have an email template that I can use with all of my leads. It is hard to type the exact first time contact, then second contact, etc. It would be nice to be able to type those in, and then whenever the time arises just be able to type in the email address, and send, and the message will be on there. For example type in the email address, then hit a button that says first time contact, then send. That would make these things more efective to me, since I am not very computer savvy.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I too have TP for serveral years and use it for CMA’s and mailers–never for daily updates–too involved. Would like something simple. RW
October 21st, 2008 at 11:30 am
Time is money. Sitting on a computer all day organizing clients, etc. is like old times (shuffling paperwork). I am in the process of simplifying my life. I’d much rather spend time with the prospective buyers and sellers. This builds your referral business.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I was an I.T. professional before becoming a real estate professional.
The problem: I.T. professionals make everything too complex. The more “advanced” the system, the more trouble it is to use. I hate all the crm options out there.
The solution: Make it simple, web-based (with no plug-ins, no page refreshes, and an autosave), and most importantly interactive with email (which from the demo looks like you are doing).
I use Google Apps for email, calendar and docs because Google has it figured out (which is why they are the richest internet company in the world!). It’s simple, web-based (without plug-ins and page refreshes, plus it autosaves). I can access everything from email, organize everything with filters, and find everything with labels. I set up calendar reminders to email me a daily schedule and event reminders. Quick and easy to set up. Autopilot from that point forward. No more wasting time!
The problem is Google does not offer a CRM. If you can fill that gap, I’m in! Simple! Web-based! Interactive with email! Otherwise, don’t bother.
December 4th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Einstein said it best when he said:
“To be brilliant is to be simple.”
In other words, keep it simple stupid. Ceste La Vie Top Producer
December 13th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I would like something that is a one stop shop. Links appointment, listings, closings, documenting conversations, showings etc. I have to use multiple databases to run it all and it doesn’t sync to my phone (palm) I use gmail & calendar that does help some but if I could keep it all together it would be the bomb. Also, to put something on a contact database that would show up on my calendar & sync to my palm would be GREAT
December 18th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Looks great,just did some entries will get back after I do more entries.Looks like it will make life much easier.Orvil
December 20th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
My only thought although I am anxious to see if it increases my contact activity is there should be a constant graph or eye friendly visual effect to show the level of success versus what you have entered and what you still have potentially coming. It shows powerful results. It would be a motivational push to be more conscious on client re-contact.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am
PURE & SIMPLE-
That’s what I need to help keep track of what my schedule is and reminders that are easy to use.
We should practice what we preach. “Time is of the essance.” This product will help us keep track of the elusive “time”.
THANKS!
February 19th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
If I had something easy to use thats fast, yet efficient,for my data imput; and with reminders Hey !you may have just created the first contact to, client to,customer tool to date.I know what you said about notes and phone numbers loosing them ,never calling back this is all true at least I am guilty.
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