Bento has become a major factor in keeping my freelance business more organized. I am able to easily keep track of when invoices are paid, if proposals were excepted, when payment was received or potentially any other bit of information on a client I would like to keep on record.
For those of you not familiar with Bento, it’s a personal database program (Mac only) from Filemaker that allows you to easily organize and manage contacts, emails (new in Bento 2), calendars, files, and create templates with personalized form information where you can store client information.
Here’s how I use Bento to benefit and organize my freelance design business:
1. All of my contacts (including groups), iCal event/tasks, and emails are accessible from one place. Viewing and adding information in Bento is much more attractive and accessible than in iCal or Address  Book, plus you can link emails to contacts, projects or events stored in the program. Eliminates the need to create multiple folders inside your email program just to store clients messages.
2. Organize your clients with templates and customized field entries.Â
This is why I enjoy this software so much — I can customize fields and apply it to every client. As I complete each “tasks”, I either fill in the blank, check a box or link to what files I need. If I need to search through all my clients, the table mode makes it easy to view any information, in a spreadsheet-like fashion, and customize what I want to see related to the fields added (see screenshots below).
Below are screenshots of how my templates are setup for each client and the various fields I include that makes my daily and long term workflow easier and more manageable.
The “File List” feature is one of my favorite categories. I am able to link all of the necessary files to a client and easily get back to them as needed. Can’t get much more organized than that and sure beats the heck out of nasty old Excel spreadsheets (and it’s only $49 buck).
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http://iboughtamac.com/2008/10/14/filemaker-releases-bento-2/
What’s your favorite software that helps keep your design business in order?
Someone pimping an app that’s not a _web app?!_ Whoa…
In all seriousness, I remember Filemaker from years ago and loved it. With the decent price of Bento, I’ll need to take a good look at it. Thanks for the tips.
Definitely worth the price. I’m never opposed to spending a bit of cash on quality software. Does the job for sure!
Bento looks pretty cool! I would use it if I freelanced and one day may use it for side projects/freelance!!! Nice write up! 2 thumbs up!
Chad Engle´s latest post..How to organize your freelance business with Bento
Can you upgrade Bento to the 2nd version?
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River Girl,
There is not upgrade discount, but I upgraded from version 1 to 2 and Bento does and automatic backup of your old files and places them into the new version seamlessly.
I’d love to try Bento (the price is sure right!) but I’m too heavily invested in Entourage for email, contacts and projects. There’s some chatter in Filemaker forums re: 3rd party software to sync Entourage to Mail, Address Book, etc. Do you know anything about such software?
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Bruce,
I will look more into it. I think some coworkers might know the answer on that one, so let me get back to you tomorrow on that
Going to try this out, only thing is I am still on pre leopard on Intel, so need to upgrade. But this looks cool.
Specifically because I created a job management system in Filemaker some years ago, so can’t wait to see how this works. Great timing as Im looking to make a commitment to one app soon.
Graham
Graham,
It’s a great app with an intuitive interface. And it does exactly what its supposed to… Simple project/job management. I’m Brian Hoff and I approve this app
I’d be interested in hearing what web-based applications you guys use to achieve the same result as Bento? I’ve been trying Highrise by 37 Signals and while it is good, it is definitely no decent CRM.
Thoughts?
Jon
I’m curious if anyone has any recommendations for something that works on Windows. I already have all my existing project data in Studiometry (time tracking, invoicing, payments, etc) and I love it but it has no ties to Outlook which is my communications center. I’m also more interested in the CRM/Contacts management aspects since Studiometry already covers project management very well for me. I’m also really not big on Web apps. I much prefer desktop apps.
Second request for Windows recommendations… Anything similar to Bento?
Renkai,
Unfortunately I have been on a Mac for the last 9 years so I am really unaware of some of the similar programs the PCs have to offer. I would try Googling something similar to “Windows database management software” and see what comes up. Hope this helps
Good morning!
Just wanted to add a quick thank-you for saving me a few steps. I’m researching the world of freelance.
Cheers,
Marci m. bennett
If anyone is looking for templates for Bento, check out http:www.bentotemplates.com