Convincing the Client

[Tom Servinsky]

Terry,
I'm not the final authority on the all the Palm programs available, and
quite honestly my approach still needs quite a bit of tweaking.
I have PTBiz on my desktop, which if you remember from previous posts, I'm
not that thrilled with (due to many refraining blocks the author as decided
to limit us to). My one year goal is to switch over to a different database
which incorporate both.
I think Dean Reyburn is trying to put his RCT program plus his database
program PSM on the Compaq.
With the Palm you have the choice of several directions to go, all will do
the trick with some careful thought.
Originally I used the Palm Desktop program which isn't all that bad. It had
the ability to communicate with some other programs, but you won't be able
to communicate with PTBiz.
Then I tried Pendagram at the advise of Jeannie Grassi ($149) with a trial
period which had a lot of potential.
Time and Chaos is another (free trial with minimum cost).
But I've settled into using Microsoft Outlook only because it's workings are
close to the Palm plus  I had it on the desktop all ready. Outlook packs a
bigger punch than the Palm Desktop.  So basically I keep two  programs
current  when I make an appointment. If it 's a new customer  I toggle into
PTBiz and set up the database and all the particulars. I keep this going
because I like the tickler capabilities which the Palm or Outlook doesn't
have.
I also keep a basic duplicate ( name,phone #) in the Palm for fast
reference.
Then the day to day stuff all gets put onto Outlook and gets downloaded
daily into the Palm.
I'm still hoping there are some computer whizs out there ready to seize this
opportunity and write a definitive program for our business utilizing the
PDA and the desktop.
Finance programs: Two favorites
Pocket Money ($29) and  Quicken Lite. Both are great little programs
designed to have different categories and subcategories to keep track of
income and expenses. I use Pocket Money and have it tweaked it rather well.
Once a month I upload all the data into Quicken which eliminates a bunch of
hours of data entry which takes valuable time away from  chasing lobsters
 one of my past time vices). Then all the gas receipts, shop supply
purchases, invoices, etc. are safely entered and done with.
Once you get the hang of the day to day routines the PDA will astound you on
how much more you are organized.  And I not kidding when I say income will
improve. My business took a major climb since I started using the Palm.
For the record I use the Palm M105, far short of the most advance PDAs out
there. This is my second one and I bought this one only because it was a
good value for the dollar. Now they are down to $129 where a year ago they
were around $200. I'm waiting for the big powerful PDAs to drop in price
before I update to the next level.
By the way I'll be operating one of the stations at the Cyber Cafe at the
Chicago convention. Would be glad to share and swap ideas if any want to
drop by. I think it's the only PALM PILOT station.
Tom Servinsky,RPT
----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 7:34 AM
Subject: Re: Convincing the Client


> Hi Tom. I think the Palm Pilot way is the way to go. However I have been
keeping my piano records and schedule on PTBiz, which does not run on a
Pilot. What software do you use on your Palm Pilot, and what software do you
use on your computer for keeping financial and piano-specific records
related to servicing pianos. And how do you coordinate between the main
computer and the Palm Pilot?
>
> In short, how do you do all your records and coordinate the stationary
computer with the Palm Pilot?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Terry Farrell
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tom Servinsky" <tompiano@gate.net>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 7:18 AM
> Subject: Re: Convincing the Client
>
>
> > Tom,and list,
> > I've been in the business 21 yrs. and the amt. that actually respond by
> > reminders has always been low.  I've come to expect that due to the amt.
of
> > hounding reminders and unnecessary mail we all get from every Tom,Dick,
and
> > Harry.
> > If there was every  a better argument for managing clients using a PDA
> >  Palm Pilot types) is with this very discussion. I have found that while
you
> > are face to face with a customer they have your full attention. That is
the
> > time to schedule that next appointment. I'm up to about 50% of all
> > appointments  being scheduled for the next tuning.
> > With the Palm you'll always know what's going on a year from now and
believe
> > it's a joy to manage the customers in this predictable manner. Not to
> > mention your job situation will always feel more secure.
> > Tom Servinsky,RPT
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
> > To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > Sent: Monday, April 22, 2002 9:56 PM
> > Subject: Re: Convincing the Client
> >
> >
> > > Hi Tom. I'm in my fourth year and I also get about a 10% response
rate.
> > >
> > > Terry Farrell
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: <Tvak@AOL.COM>
> > > To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > > Sent: Monday, April 22, 2002 8:05 AM
> > > Subject: Re: Convincing the Client
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > In a message dated 4/22/02 6:48:26 AM, cedel@supernet.com writes:
> > > >
> > > > << Before the very first appointment, send a letter titled
"Information
> > for
> > > > First-Time Clients"  >>
> > > >
> > > > That's an interesting idea.  I am amazed at your response to your 6
> > month
> > > > reminder cards.  My response rate is about 10%.  But I've only
really
> > been in
> > > > business for 3 years.
> > > > Do you back up your cards with a phone call?  I've heard that this
is
> > the
> > > > only way to get a good response rate on reminder cards.
> > > >
> > > > Tom Sivak
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>