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After reading the recent posts from Frank about the free sticky-note program, I figured we could all benefit from each others experience with software programs. Which ones are well worth the money you paid for them. I have a few I couldn't do without.
Here are my recommendations of software that wither makes me money or saves me time:
ACT!: Act is a database program and works very well. If you like to work with your software for hours on end (like me) ACT is for you. If you don't want to be involved in setting up the program I would recommend using "My Insurance Office" instead which looks like a great turnkey program.
The biggest advantage to ACT is that you can automate it. Have it send e-mails, faxes and/or print letters automatically depending on which marketing track you place the prospect in. In order to use this feature you have to buy an Add-On program of which there are several to choose from. I use Activator from Mastermind Software. A much less expensive choice would be Sales Automation Mania from Northwoods.
I can promise you, I work less and make more by having all my prospects on autopilot with my database.
Fineprint: Great Program! Well worth the $49. Fineprint installs as a printer on your computer. When you print to Fineprint you see a preview before you print to your actual printer. You can delete pages you don't actually want to print (like the last few papges when you print anything from Yahoo.) You can print two or four pages on each sheet of paper. And best of all you can add your letterhead to be printed with the document with the click of a button. If you use an automation program like Activator, there are some real great things that Fineprint will help you with that are too detailed to go into here.
Paperport: Paperport is a great way to run a paperless office. You scan or print everything to Paperport and store it in files. You can link the files to ACT contacts.
GO BACK: The Go Back software is similar to the Windows Restore feature except much more powerful. If your computer is screwed up or if you accidently delete something or even open an e-mail that you suspect has a virus, you just reboot and Go Back to an earlier time. At $39 it's a GREAT program. I think it comes free with Norton utilities now too.
Here are my recommendations of software that wither makes me money or saves me time:
ACT!: Act is a database program and works very well. If you like to work with your software for hours on end (like me) ACT is for you. If you don't want to be involved in setting up the program I would recommend using "My Insurance Office" instead which looks like a great turnkey program.
The biggest advantage to ACT is that you can automate it. Have it send e-mails, faxes and/or print letters automatically depending on which marketing track you place the prospect in. In order to use this feature you have to buy an Add-On program of which there are several to choose from. I use Activator from Mastermind Software. A much less expensive choice would be Sales Automation Mania from Northwoods.
I can promise you, I work less and make more by having all my prospects on autopilot with my database.
Fineprint: Great Program! Well worth the $49. Fineprint installs as a printer on your computer. When you print to Fineprint you see a preview before you print to your actual printer. You can delete pages you don't actually want to print (like the last few papges when you print anything from Yahoo.) You can print two or four pages on each sheet of paper. And best of all you can add your letterhead to be printed with the document with the click of a button. If you use an automation program like Activator, there are some real great things that Fineprint will help you with that are too detailed to go into here.
Paperport: Paperport is a great way to run a paperless office. You scan or print everything to Paperport and store it in files. You can link the files to ACT contacts.
GO BACK: The Go Back software is similar to the Windows Restore feature except much more powerful. If your computer is screwed up or if you accidently delete something or even open an e-mail that you suspect has a virus, you just reboot and Go Back to an earlier time. At $39 it's a GREAT program. I think it comes free with Norton utilities now too.