Computer Software - Geek Time!

Yep; you're sitting there with bootleg PS CS3 kicking ass with the pretty pictures; but you're not kicking ass with your business. So what should you use that beautiful fancy computer for besides editing.

Taking names; the secret to effective networking, which is kinda the secret for good business is tracking who you meet, when you meet them, what your relationship to them is and every bit of contact information you can gather. To do this you'll need a piece of software called a CRM, Contact Relationship Management. It's easy if you use a PC and not so easy on a MAC - sorry! I use Act! by Sage. I would definitely recommend finding something and using it; at this stage you can just use your email software program to ensure you are tracking the basic contact info that you can then import it to your CRM solution later on. Just make sure you are writing every thing down with as much detail as possible; the important thing is to make sure you know who you met and what they do and how to contact them again.

Checking numbers; so you're making money, how much money, when is it due, how much did you make this month, this quarter, versus last year and from whom. This information is absolutely critical; firstly to pay your bills, secondly to pay the people who help you and thirdly to buy fancy new gear (oh yeah and maybe have a little left over). You're going to have a few more options on this one in the MAC world; for me I'm using Quicken on the PC. It's ok but I hear that Quick Books is more powerful on reports but I don't think it automatically updates like Quicken (it is literally linked to your bank account and simply downloads transactions). Again the most important thing is to put ALL the data in; fill in the fields, especially the memo, as this will keep track of the who, what and why happens to your money.

So this software ain't exactly sexy; but it is really useful and although you won't see the benefits today you will see it very swiftly as you can figure out how to reach your clients and how to handle your finances. If you find MAC solutions send in the suggestions.