April 20, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
ACT! Training Classes & More: Free Trial 
When someone inquires about software training we always start by recommending our online training. Our basic classes are designed for beginners and intermediate users with a focus on the tools that businesspeople use on a daily basis.
Beginners will gain basic knowledge and learn tips that even an experienced user would find helpful. Sometimes, one little tip or insight can make the whole class worth it! If after taking the online class you have more specific questions, we suggest one-on-one training and consulting. If you like our style, we can help you remotely wherever you live or work.
Posted in ACT! Software Tips | Tagged ACT!, ACT! 2005, ACT! 2006, ACT! 2007, ACT! 2008, ACT! 2009, ACT! 6.0, ACT! Software Tips, ACT! Software Training, Tony Holowitz | Leave a Comment »
November 4, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
I’m having a real hard time deciding whether or not I should upgrade to ACT! 2010. I’m a longtime ACT! user, since ACT! 2.0 and I’m a huge ACT! fan. As I age, I’ve started to question the validity of constantly upgrading to new software versions for a number of reasons. Maybe I just look at it different these days.
I will eventually upgrade, but when my clients and students ask me if they should upgrade to ACT! 2010 these are the things I ponder on their behalf before I advise them:
1.) The software is new and it might have bugs, so as a rule of thumb I tell people to wait about three months before they even consider upgrading. Let the early adopters be the real beta testers. This is my advice for all software upgrades, not just ACT!.
2.) What’s broken (if anything) with your current version?
3.) What are you not accomplishing today that you think the new version will help you accomplish tomorrow?
4.) Are you rich? If so spend the money.
5.) What new features in the new version are really new?
6.) What is it that would make you more effective and efficient every day? For example, if you could reduce the amount of time you spend on processing your daily email, would you be better served to focus on that first?
7.) Do you have time to burn?
8.) Are you the type that has to have the latest and supposedly greatest? If so, you are going to do it regardless of what I advise.
9.) How many customers do you have in your database? When is the last time you called them to say hello? When is the last time you emailed them? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then focus on getting the answers before you upgrade.
10.) Do you use any other products that work with your current version of ACT! that you will need to upgrade if you upgrade to the newest version of ACT!?
In my next post, I’ll review the pros and cons of ACT! 2010.
Posted in ACT! Software Tips | Tagged ACT!, ACT! 2005, ACT! 2006, ACT! 2007, ACT! 2008, ACT! 2009, ACT! 6.0, ACT! Software Tips, ACT! Software Training, arlington, Basic Computer Tips, Office 2003, Tony Holowitz | Leave a Comment »
October 22, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
I’ve created a video tutorial about Template Phrases for Outlook, which helps you manage email: www.johnanthonygroup.com/ablebits. Learn
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October 16, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
I’ve been testing a great tool for Outlook called Template Phrases for Outlook by AbleBits.com. It makes replying easier.
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September 29, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
The Computer Café: My Local Computer Store
My computer died last week and luckily because I use Carbonite my data was safe and secure.
When I told one of my clients that I needed to replace my computer he asked me if I was going to get the latest and greatest and I responded with a resounding no. My approach has always been to have an average computer because that’s what most of my clients have, and I’ve always felt it allows me to relate to their software predicaments better.
The first thing I did was to call and get a quote from Craig Rabe and Justin at the Computer Café in Arlington, Massachusetts. I’ve known Craig for years and I wanted to give him the business. I also called Dell and got a quote and was surprised that the price difference was almost $250.00. I emailed Craig and told him of my moral and business dilemma; I wanted to give him the business but the difference was substantial.
Sometimes you have to look at the cost and not just the price when you make a purchase.
Because I’ve known Craig for years he gave me a $100 discount right away (I’ve also referred business to him over the years and vice versa). In addition, he offered to transfer all my old data from my two old hard drives to the new computer. I can’t even begin to tell you how much time that saved me.
Dell told me the delivery time would be 5 to 10 business days; the Computer Café had my computer in three business days. Dell had a $35.00 delivery charge; all I had to do was drive about two miles from home to pickup my computer from Craig and Justin.
Craig was still about $115 more expensive, but I knew he was local and just a phone call away and he was providing me a service (transferring my data) that would save me a great deal of time. After I got my computer, I called Ted at the store and he spent about 15 minutes advising me on some things that I had questions about with the new system.
When you purchase your next computer, consider the local guy or gal down the street, because the price difference isn’t always what it seems. And you have the opportunity to support your local economy. Sorry Dell.
Posted in ACT! Software Tips, Basic Computer Tips | Tagged arlington, computer cafe, dell, ma, Tony Holowitz, www.tonytheteacher.com | Leave a Comment »
September 8, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
Here are 10 questions to ask yourself about ACT! before you upgrade to the newest version:
- Do you know how many contacts you have in your ACT database and who they are?
- How many clients are in your database?
- When is the last time you contacted your clients?
- How many prospects are in your database?
- When did you last contact your prospects?
- Do you have a plan in place to contact your clients?
- Do you have a plan in place to contact your prospects?
- Is my time better spent purchasing new software or organizing and maximizing my investment in the version I now possess?
- What are my goals for the data I now possess?
- Before I upgrade, what is ACT going to do for me that I can’t do now?
It is my belief that ACT is but a tool, and if you use that tool wisely you can accomplish great things. The key is setting goals and mastering the fundamentals.
Posted in ACT! Software Tips | Tagged ACT!, ACT! 2005, ACT! 2006, ACT! 2010, ACT! 6.0, ACT! Software Tips, ACT! Software Training, Basic Computer Tips, Office 2003, Tony Holowitz | Leave a Comment »
August 26, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
In the last few months I’ve neglected my blog. The reason, I’ve been exploring Twitter. I like Twitter because it is quick and to the point. I don’t post what I had for lunch or discuss the beautiful sunset I happen to be viewing at the moment. I try my best to post relevant information that will help ACT software users and computer software users in general.
I’m a computer teacher and I can’t help teaching. Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonyholowitz.
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June 10, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
I’m so confident that my insights and advice can help you become more productive ACT user, that I’m willing to give you one-hour free consultation to prove my worth. All you have to do is call and setup a time to speak to me. Offer expires 6-30-2009
Below are some suggested topics:
Customize layout
No contact left behind
Setting up email
Email marketing campaigns
Managing marketing campaigns
Simplifying ACT!
Sharing ACT!
Developing Prospect Lists
Setting ACT! Goals
Getting a grip on your data
Customizing Reports
Sales Opportunities
ACT! Add-on products
Leveraging ACT!
ACT! Training & Consulting
Understanding the importance of scheduling
Managing ACT! users
Client follow-up excellence
Database maintenance
Basic troubleshooting
Posted in ACT! Software Tips | Tagged ACT!, ACT! 2005, ACT! 2006, ACT! 2007, ACT! 2008, ACT! 2009, ACT! 6.0, ACT! Software Tips, ACT! Software Training, Tony Holowitz | 1 Comment »
May 28, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
Something new in ACT 2009 Standard is the ACT Scheduler; in previous versions of ACT (2006, 2007, 2008) it was only available in the premium version. It is also available in the Premium version of ACT 2009.
The ACT scheduler allows automated backups, database maintenance and Outlook and ACT calendar synchronization.
Posted in ACT! Software Tips | Tagged ACT!, ACT! 2005, ACT! 2006, ACT! 2007, ACT! 2008, ACT! 2009, ACT! 6.0, ACT! Software Tips, ACT! Software Training, Tony Holowitz | Leave a Comment »
May 28, 2009 by johnanthonygroup
A client of mine had his computer crash. Luckily, I had suggested he subscribe to Carbonite (an online backup service) and he was able to recover all his ACT files and all his other data.
When we attempted to restore his ACT data we ran into an issue; a file was corrupted. I suspect he had a virus. Because ACT is made up of more than one file I urge you to do a regular backup of ACT so you have the option of restoring ACT from a backup, in case you run into issues with the files. If you save the backup on your hard drive, it will be backed up by Carbonite.
To create a backup, select File | Backup on the ACT menu.
Posted in ACT! Software Tips | Tagged ACT!, ACT! 2005, ACT! 2006, ACT! 2007, ACT! 2008, ACT! 2009, ACT! 6.0, ACT! Software Tips, ACT! Software Training, Tony Holowitz | 2 Comments »
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