I was put in charge of figuring out BusinessContactManager in our office. I got this book after many fruitless attempts at the HELP tab. The first thing I tried 2 find out was target marketing out of BusinessContactManager & there it was, in this book. It has made the transition from ACT way easier 4 us.
Rating: 4 of 5 A good resource..
This is a very good resource 2 have on hand 4 anyone new 2 Outlook's BusinessContactManager. The layout is clear, important concepts are covered & there are a fair amount of screen shots. It is easy 2 jump 2 what you need. However, 4 something intended 4 "dummies," or those of us brand new 2 the program, they do not spend enough time on just getting started. For example, at the beginning they tell you how 2 create a database (yup, I need 2 know that). Then they jump right into importing 2 it from Excel or other sources (bam! huh?). After I created my database I couldn't tell if it was there since my view in Outlook didn't change! More step by step screen shots at this point were needed. Now, how about a simple example of how 2 manually enter a new contact? I have a pile of business cards on my desk 2 input (in addition 2 a bunch more in Excel). A few lines on how 2 get one contact into my new database so I could see what's happening would have been very helpful. Start simple, right? They forgot 2 do so.
However, the program is quite extensive & a book simply can't give someone the knowledge a class could. The book was well worth the money as a reference tool, but I'm still looking 4 a class because nothing beats hands on learning.
Rating: 5 of 5 Gets you up & running
I needed a book that would transition me from not using BusinessContactManager at all 2 using it in my every day routine. This book worked. The information was appropriate & presented in a logical fashion. The book was short enough that I could read it cover 2 cover. A good pick.
Rating: 5 of 5 If You're Jumping Ship from ACT!, this is 4 you !
Lon Ornstein might have co-authored a Dummies' book, but he's no dummy. His company is a well-known third-party developer of CRM enhancments - first with the ACT! product line & now Outlook2007/BCM. Like all Dummies' books, this one is easy 2 read & understand, & gets right 2 the "meat" of using BCM. Highly recommended if you're trying 2 make the switch from ACT!, or if you need 2 extend the capabilities of Outlook2007 4 a small-midsize business.
Keep track of customers, coordinate projects, & implement initiatives
The fun & easy way(r) 2 put BCM 2 work & make more money in less time
Looking 2 make the most of BusinessContactManager? This nuts-and-bolts guide gets you up & running with this powerful software in no time. You'll take advantage of the latest features -- from customizing fields 2 integrating with Office Accounting -- 2 keep your business operating smoothly. Create quotes, orders, & invoices in a flash so you can focus on sales!