Method Community

I want to enter leads from both Method and Outlook but the Lead Entry screen puts the information in the Contact table while Outlook only allows the entry in the Customer table.  Also, they both need to be linked to the Enity table.  Consequently, I have half of my leads in the Contact table and the other half inthe Customer table.  What is the best way to enter and process leads?

Also, I needed to sort my leads by category so I created a Category dropdown menu.  In which table should I create the dropdown menu?

walterh:

I want to enter leads from both Method and Outlook but the Lead Entry screen puts the information in the Contact table while Outlook only allows the entry in the Customer table.

I would like to test this scenario a little more on my local machine before posting a response.  I'll have a post ready for you tomorrow am.

~C

Data entry in Method is identical across all our collection points (Outlook, Gmail, web forms and our Method CRM screens).  The Entity and Contacts table will have a record of every new lead, customer or vendor.  The Customer table will have an entry for both leads and non leads.

walterh:

What is the best way to enter and process leads?

There is no best way, we provide multiple options to enter your data from sources like Outlook, Gmail, web forms or the Method CRM pages (new lead and new customer).  You can also import your data using our Import/Export tool found under Customize > Integration Tools.

walterh:

In which table should I create the dropdown menu?

It sounds like you want to keep this data tied to the lead record so I would add a drop down field inside the Contacts table.  When you're editing the Tables / Fields for Contacts, select the Field Type of drop down and click Add Field.  On the next popup you'll be asked to create a new table and then you can populate with your choices.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.

~C

 Chad,

Thank you for the response.  I am still confused because the entry form form Outlook requires that you pick a Customer Name before a contact can be transfered.  Why can't I just enter a new contact without identifying a existing customer?

walterh:

Why can't I just enter a new contact without identifying a existing customer?

You can actually, when you press the Add to Method button, just below the Search for box there's a button for New Contact / Lead / Customer / Vendor ... - clicking this will bring up the new contact entry screen and will give you options for Customer / Vendor / Contact.

Let me know if you have any other questions around the Outlook plugin or Method in general.

~C