ENEWS > SUMMER 2008

Listen to Your ACT! Guru
Tracking Your Success

I’d like to dispel the idea that ACT! is a database program. ACT! is a powerful sales tool that happens to run on a computer.

The ACT! dashboard is a powerful tool to help you successfully manage your pipeline, progress toward goals, and key open opportunities. Start your day with a quick analysis of your success.

Tip: set the ACT! dashboard to display immediately when ACT! opens. Click on the Tools menu, choose Preferences. Click on the Startup Tab, and then select Dashboard as your Startup View. Click ok to save this change.

Goal Monitoring
One of the best features of the ACT! dashboard is the Gauge Chart. From a quick glance, you can see how close you are to reaching your goals.

The red triangle represents the sales target. To set your goal, click the Edit button in the upper right corner of the dashboard. Double click on the gauge chart, and select Specify Targets. Enter your target, and click Finish. Close the dashboard editor, save your changes, and the display will refresh. Be sure to use the Filter button to set an appropriate date range.

Pipeline Management
Do you have enough opportunities to meet your sales goals? Are you good at lead generation, but are having trouble closing sales? The ACT! dashboard pipeline graph provides a quick view of your pending sales in each stage.

Tip: Right click on any dashboard item and choose Copy to Clipboard, then paste into PowerPoint® for an eye-catching presentation, or paste into an e-mail message as a quick report!

Focus on Key Opportunities
After reviewing the current progress towards sales goals, the next question is – “What can I do to meet the sales target?” Closing a few large opportunities can make a big difference.

The Top 10 Opportunities list is a great way to focus on important transactions.

Picture Your Success!
Print your dashboard at the end of each month, and compare your progress. Is there a seasonal factor in your sales cycle? What trends are appearing, and how can you use this information for motivation?

Tip: while viewing the dashboard, click on the File menu, and choose Quick Print Current Window.

If you are part of a team, send your ACT! Dashboard to your sales manager. It’s a great way to showcase your success. If you work alone, celebrate your success with friends and family.

Kristi Smith
President and ACT! Certified Consultant
Kristi Smith Consulting¹
www.kristismith.com

1. ACT! Partners are third-party vendors. Sage Software and its affiliates are in no way liable or responsible for claims made related to the services provided by third-party vendors. Sage Software does not warrant or guarantee the quality of third-party services. Please direct inquiries regarding warranties to the appropriate third-party vendor.

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