Producers using a Mac: What CRM software do you recommend?

[Mark Suszko]

Well, there’s a company that makes a pretty good product, designed for production houses, that is basically a “skin” draped over Filemaker pro. You buy a copy of filemaker pro and this interface, and its a one-stop shop for everything a production house needs to keep track of,schedule, and communicate about.

Now, I’m blanking on the name of the maker and product name. It might come to me in a day or so. We wound up having somebody customize a Microsoft product for us, but it leaves a lot to be desired..

Is this the kind of thing you were looking for?

[Matt Geier]

Hi Ned,

Have you looked into Salesforce.com?
I use a Mac. I don’t use any Mac software to be my CRM system/database, etc…

That’s a feature heavy platform independent solution. Even at the lowest subscription level.

I have experience with various CRMs and other Customer Management integrations.

How much knowledge do you have in web based programing for software development kits and APIs etc?

How much might you b e you looking to spend? Costs drive everything, right?

Matt Geier
(Video Networking Solutions Expert)
(Creative Design Workflow Consultant)
(Social Media Networks Consultant)
(Technical Video Industry Sales Consultant)

[Mark Landman]

I don’t currently use it, but I’m checking out Studiosuite. You can download a 30 day demo at studiosuite.com

Mark Landman
PM Productions
Champaign, IL

[Bill Davis]

I started using Filemaker Pro sometime in about 1993 and have never left it.

There’s a reasonably robust aftermarket for turnkey solutions for many industries, but the thing I like best about it is that the ability to open up templates and custom design your own database modules and link them together.

It’s a very flexible data workshop in that sense.

You can start with something simple like a client ID record, then expand it nearly infinitely. The program has a robust set of math tools including date calculations so that “aging” anything from invoices to a tickler file – and automating stuff like contact reminders is all pretty easy as your confidence grows.

It takes time and effort to learn and even more time to build out your own custom solutions – but the benefits are HUGE since if your needs change, you’ll likely have learned the skills to adapt the program to reflect YOUR needs,not some external database designers ideas. Also, it’s been in operation and extremely well supported for more than 20 years now so any time you invest is likely to be as good 10 years from now as it is today.

Just a suggestion. Only you know whether it makes more sense to look for a more standardized turnkey program or roll your own with something like Filemaker Pro.

Good luck.

Know someone who teaches video editing in elementary school, high school or college? Tell them to check out http://www.StartEditingNow.com – video editing curriculum complete with licensed practice content.

[Mark Suszko]

Mark Landman, you named the program I was trying to remember:

https://www.barryrudolph.com/newtoys/toys4/studiosuite8.html

[Ned Miller]

Yes Mark. Thanks. I forgot about FP. Had it about 10 years ago and had a geek make me a custom template for proposals. I’ll look into it again.

Ned Miller
Chicago Videographer
http://www.nedmiller.com
www,bizvideo.com

[Ned Miller]

Hey Bill,

The reason I started this thread is that my main freelance editor emailed me to remind me this is the time of year we have done a video for a very large company (last four years) and maybe I should tickle them. So I emailed and got an answer that my main contact there has left but she referred my name to the head of the department responsible. I feel it’s probably too late…

You had mentioned the ability to “tickle”, that’s exactly what I should have done a few weeks ago. How does this work in FP? How does it integrate with your calendar, through iCal? Or does it create a desktop reminder? I still use a paper calendar book because most of the time I am booking myself I am in my van or on lunch break for a shoot, but I guess I could manually enter a tickle note.

Thanks

Ned Miller
Chicago Videographer
http://www.nedmiller.com
www,bizvideo.com

[Ned Miller]

Their price was really high and although it got the best ratings it seems more for a real Sales Force than a one man band such as myself.

Thanks

Ned Miller
Chicago Videographer
http://www.nedmiller.com
www,bizvideo.com

[Matt Geier]

They can be expensive. Speaking from experience as a user on a team, as well as a one man show I understand your point.

Were you aware they offer single user access as well as group, professional and enterprise levels?

Matt Geier
(Video Networking Solutions Expert)
(Creative Design Workflow Consultant)
(Social Media Networks Consultant)
(Technical Video Industry Sales Consultant)

[Ned Miller]

That looks interesting although I am not concerned with keeping track of billable hours.

Does anyone know if a use a business card scanner with any of their CRM software? I have little stacks of cards with rubber bands around them that I procrastinate entering because it is so laborious. This would be a very important part of the process in terms of deciding which software to go with.

Thanks

Ned Miller
Chicago Videographer
http://www.nedmiller.com
www,bizvideo.com