Managing Your Personal CRM and Network

Are you looking to improve how you manage your network?  How are you:

• keeping up to date with what's going on
• sourcing information on target companies and hiring managers
• reminding people about your talents

In the world of sales, they've developed tools to track "leads".  CRM (customer relationship management) databases are important.  But with all databases, garbage in, garbage out.  As the owner of this database, you will want to do a thorough job of collecting and categorizing your contacts.

Many of us use the good old Excel spreadsheet.  That's great.  But, given the fact that you seldom sit behind your computer, you may want to have mobile access to your network.  Blackberry, Droid, whatever Smart phone you may be using has wonderful apps to make this easier.  Is there a way to improve upon this?

I just signed up for Gist.  I think this free tool might actually be very helpful to job seekers.

Videos on how to use and maximize these tools!

Gist

Use Gist to Organize Your Job Hunting Contacts from Career Enlightenment

Gist helps build stronger relationships by connecting the inbox to the web to provide business-critical information about the people and companies that matter most. (from their website)

What is Gist? 

Gist is probably best if you are using social media and are active on the internet. You can see what your network is up to real time by their Twitter stream, and other activities posted on the internet.

JibberJobber

JibberJobber  from Jibberjobber and Jason Alba (watch the video)

JibberJobber allows you to keep track of the information you collect during a job search. Track the companies that you apply to (Target Companies). Track each job that you apply for, and log the status of each application (date of first interview, date thank you letter sent, etc.). Want to know where you sent your different resumes? Use JibberJobber to keep track of it! (from their website)

What is JibberJobber?

Here is the Quick Start Guide

JibberJobber is highly intuitive. If you are already using an spreadsheet to track your contacts and target companies, this might be easier to transfer over to.  The benefits to using Jibberjobber include a free lifetime membership, in other words, you will always have access to your account!  The other benefit is that no matter where you are, you just need to log into your account to see your information.  No more carrying around your spreadsheets, unless you like doing that.

LinkedIn

What Is LinkedIn (watch the video)

LinkedIn is simpler still.  Find your connections and invite them to connect with you.  You can watch their updates on LinkedIn.  If you still aren't using this tool to manage your network, please, get going.