'The Message'
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We just started using Slack and Wunderlist internally. So far I like them both. Wunderlist is amazing for team based To Do and project tracking.
I don't have a good CRM. I've used part of the Salesforce system, and I'm not a huge fan. I'm sure it's great if that is your full time job, but it is so complicated.
We use Slack in my office. It's pretty effective.
We are doing a Slack training next week and are talking to the developers about integrating the mail function in the petcare portal with it.
The company currently uses Smartermail, which doesn't work well for us at all.
Fingers crossed that the oldsters among us can get with the times. (Meaning me!)
I'm currently working on putting together a ROM (rough order of magnitude) cost for a project in Macau, which would be great, but I've never had to assign numbers to something where I have so little information. I understand that ROM numbers can have variances of + or - 50% in most cases, but it's just an odd experience for me.
I've also never tackled what it would take to work out international travel like this in a bid. It's good, it means the company is growing in a very good way, but it is stressful.
Stressful indeed. So often the numbers have little to do with cost and more to do with competitive variables and lots of subjective factors.
Currency issues could make it interesting. When I was working in global health, a budget could get hammered if the dollar dipped vis a vis the dominant currency of the country the project was in. Good luck with the ROM, ND.
I just sent it off and went on the high side. The project is in a tough spot in that they need this work tackled immediately, so we'll see how it goes. This could lead to a lot of work, and another growth sport for my little company.
Good luck, ND. May it turn out the way it is supposed to! Sometimes when I don't get a job I have to think it is for the best. Other times I just get annoyed because they were wrongheaded.
Looking at this one, if they freak out at the number I quoted, then I think it is for the best if we don't get it.
Totally agreed.
When I _finally_ got comfortable with sticking by my numbers, I ended up with much better clients.
Good luck, ND. I echo Laura completely:
May it turn out the way it is supposed to!