Keeping track of things

Nisha Mody · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 75

I am curious as to how everyone keeps track of contacts, leads, auditions, payments, etc. Obviously leads and auditions can come from many sources: an agent, V123, other sites, your own website, word of mouth etc. I would think there should be one way of consolidating all of this to keep track of it.

I know this can probably be done through Excel or Access, but are there any templates or other types of software that can help with this?

Bob Souer · **Voice Talent** Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 180

Nisha,

I have used Quickbooks for years to keep track of my invoices and business expenses. Contact information I keep in my electronic address book, which I keep synched with my Palm Treo.

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

I just use good ole Excel.

Kara Edwards · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 347

I'm a Quickbook girl. It's great for invoicing,etc. I also keep a hand-written back-up of every job, payment, expense, etc. I'm not one to completely trust the computer for everything.

I do not keep track of auditions. Outside of hanging on to all audtio in the event I need to refer back to it, I don't keep track of auditions I don't book...only the ones I do book. Much more 'positive energy in the universe' in my opinion.

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

I don't keep track of auds either. No time for that. I just keep an "Income and Expense" log on Excel... those payments that are outstanding are highlighted in yellow.

I use QuickBooks at a non-profit I am a member of (ok, I'll admit it, I'm a Junior League-er). It's a good program, but at least for me, it's simply way too much for what I need with my business.

And then I have another spreadsheet with names/addresses/etc. of people I've worked with, studios I've contacted who've said they will work with me, etc.

Barry Trussell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 47

I have always used Quicken or Quickbooks for income & expenses, and then some kind of tracking software that can "remind me" when it's time to touch base, mail a follow up, etc....have used goldmine and Act both with good success.

Barry

Nisha Mody · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 75

Great! Thanks for the feedback!

Chris Hodges · **Voice Talent** Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 5

Hello:

I happened to see this thread and I'd like to get your feedback on something.

Before I continue let first say that I met with and asked Alex Torrenegra for permission to post on the site. I apologize in advance if I offend anyone.

My name is Chris Hodges and our company produces software for performers. It is called protalentPERFORMER. Right now it allows you to keep track of your contacts, auditions, booked jobs, income and expenses. It even has an automatic follow up reminder that prompts you follow up with your contacts.

We are considering doing a version SPECIFICALLY for voice over artists. One of the most important features would be an invoicing module that would allow you to create invoices for jobs and also studio time.

There's already a thread that I started in the "Buying and Selling" forum. I'm responding to this thread because you folks started talking about the very thing that we do: organizational tools for performers.

You can see the thread here: http://voiceoversavvy.com/ftopic3848.html

I'd love to get your input.

Thanks,

Chris Hodges
www.protalentsoftware.com