We upgraded our ACT! 2009 system to ACT! 2010 in the beginning of September. Initially the system, specifically the Look Ups, were slower than expected. Apparently this issue only affected databases with more than 30 custom fields on the layout. To my delight, ACT! created a Hotfix in a matter of a couple of weeks that solved this problem. Since then, I’m totally loving this upgrade. I can work more efficiently in this version and have access to more information about my customer and prospects than ever before. Below are the best improvements I’ve found:
Quicker ability to Look Up Contacts
The left hand Navigation bar in ACT! 2010 has a Lookup by Contact (default) contain field in the Contacts section where I normally work. There is a drop down menu with all the fields listed so I can easily search by any field in the database. I normally use this to search for contacts or company’s by typing a part of the contact or company name to quickly locate the record I need.
More information about prospects and customers
Before calling a person in my database, I use the Web Info tab which automatically finds them in Linked In or Plaxo. I then use the information to help build a rapport with people.
The ACT! Welcome window is full of resources
From the Video Tutorials, How Do I, What’s New in ACT! 2010 to the Support and Services section, ACT! is much easier to fully user than in the past.
The ACT! E-marketing really worksACT! E-marketing is powered by Swiftpage email and ACT! 2010 comes with a 60-day trial account built directly in to the program. Existing Swiftpage users who upgrade from an earlier version of ACT! will see their account immediately when they upgrade. My existing Swiftpage account automatically appeared in ACT! 2010 when I upgraded and the new interface makes using the program even faster than before.
Sending and Receiving Outlook Calendar Invitation
When scheduling an activity, I just check a box to have the system automatically sends the person or people I am scheduling with an Outlook meeting invitation. WhenI receive in Outlook, the system creates a new activity in ACT! when I accept it!
I very pleased with ACT! 2010 and think you will be too. Way to go Sage Software!
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