One of the dilemmas for small business users is that we are faced with entering data into software. How do we avoid becoming data entry clerks?
Because we are small business people, we only have so much time in our day. Entering a lot of data can be hard work and very time-consuming. My experience has been that there is a fine line between entering data into getting our work done that needs to be done. One of the great things about Act is that it gives you a lot of ways to enter data. In 2018, you’re going to see a new option become more prevalent in the community. It is called custom tables. It is a way to enter information into Act with a broader scope.
But there lies the Catch-22. Do we really have time to enter all this data?
I spend a lot of time with my clients talking to them about the realities of their day. How much time do they have? How much time are they willing to give to entering information into Act or any other software for that matter. What is the value of that information? Is it worth the time and energy to put it into software?
If you can use that data to your advantage, then it is worth the time. But what is that line that you don’t want to cross? These are the dilemmas we face as small business people and we often must figure that out on our own.
Full disclosure: I partner with a company called Keystroke and they produce a product called Tables 4 Act. In future updates of Act you will see this tool play a more prominent role. At the end of the day the goal is to make you more proficient and profitable with all of the software you use for your business. Act is no different.