No, this is not a product endorsement for Sage’s ACT!, a leading customer management software. This post is about 37signals, one of Sage’s competitors or perhaps not really. Yes, both software packages have similar functions yet they are quite different.
As our company has grown over these past years we’ve had to install another level of business process to keep projects on schedule and things from falling through the tracks. 37signals has met and surpassed our expectations as a customer management solution. That’s the honest truth. This is not a paid endorsement, remember? We use all four components in 37signals’ suite: Basecamp, Highrise, Backpack, and Campfire.
All the packages have 30-day free trials, are easy to learn and can be ramped up over time. These options suited us well because we’re a small business and our time and resources are precious. Here’s how we use each of these packages, not necessarily how you might apply them in your business:
Basecamp – is a simple project management solution. We track all the project team members, their things to do, messages between each other, pertinent documents, schedules and files. A great fit for a small, busy company.
Highrise – this is where we keep all of our client information. We email through this app which gives us the ability to track our client conversations. We can also group certain client-types together and export their contact information into MailChimp, our email campaign service which we use to educate and nurture our clients and prospects.
Backpack – we use this for internal things like calendars, SOPs, travel details, speaking opportunities, proposals and other ancillary files. Everyone on the team can see and edit the information.
Campfire – we use this voice over the web option for our many overseas conference calls. Business is no longer done across town. We have clients in over 30 countries.
37signals has much more to offer; but remember this is not a software commercial. Find out more by visiting their site.
If you have found a different customer management solution why not share why you love your option.
