Hey Shawn,

Thanks for the note. I actually don’t have my issue resolved yet. I’m still using the same applications. Just recently I was looking through the PowerSystems catalog & came across a piece of software that sounded like it could work. Here’s the URL: http://www.power-systems.com/p-2753-personal-trainer-business-manager-software-cd.aspx & http://www.fitbuy.com/pd/pt2031.html

Oh My God! the horror! To all PT’s on this list: DO NOT waste your money or even time on this one. It looks like it was written by a high school student in 1995.

On the upside, my husband is a computer programmer. We’re thinking of building our own app so that it can do what I need it to. If we do, I’ll be sure to let everyone on the list know so that you can give your input.

I’ll take a look at Mint, Highrise & Backback.

Thanks again.

Elizabeth Sherman
Licensed Wellness Coach
ACE Certified PT & LWMC
NESTA Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach
http://www.elizabethsherman.com
http://www.wellcoaches.com/elizabeth.sherman/
My Blog: http://www.elizabethsherman.com/cs/blogs/ambassador_of_wellness/default.aspx

---

From: notify@yahoogroups.com [mailto:notify@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of shawncheatham
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 1:44 PM
To: Elizabeth Sherman
Subject: Re: Business Software

Hi Elizabeth, 

I'm sure by now you've cleaned up your back office functions but I thought I would drop a note to share a few of the tools that I'm using. I tend to be 100% mobile, so I try to use web-based tools vs. pc installed applications. Specifically...I don't think there's a single tool that works around the PT business (unfortunatel) but read on...

• Plax.com/Google Calendars - for calendar sync
• Google Docs - for program planning and doc share with clients
• PayPal - invoicing and reoccuring billing
• Mint.com - Budget/Planning (I replaced Quicken w/ this app...and it's free)
• Highrise & Backpack (37signals.com) - something I've been playing with but it lacks 'PT specific functionality'

Although, I'm using these tools I'm still unhappy with the process that it creates, so I've been working on a personal project that will hopefully eliminate some of the pain around tracking clients. If you're interested, I'll keep you posted when I finish up the first version. 

Regards, 

Shawn Cheatham

--- In Certified-Personal-Trainer@yahoogroups.com, "Elizabeth Sherman" <eliz@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I have recently employed someone to help me with marketing. As a result, I
> am currently in the process of restructuring my business; bundling services
> together in order to make packages that will (hopefully) increase sales.
>
> Right now I use Excel to track receivables & subtract out sessions that I
> have with clients. I also use Outlook to schedule my appointments. I don't
> use any software to track my expenses (CEUs, subscriptions, equipment
> expense). Although things are okay right now, I realize that I am on the
> verge of not being able to handle it all.
>
> I'd like a piece of software that would allow me to:
> * Create bundles of services & associate them with a client
> * Be a scheduling tool so that when I meet with a client, it subtracts
> the appointment from the client balance sheet
> * I want to manage my expenses; what companies do I have subscriptions
> with? How much have I spent on CEUs this year? Etc.
> * Have different bank/credit accounts where I can post credits &
> debits.
>
> For those of you who are independent (not employees at a facility), what
> software do you use & how do you like it? Do you think it can do what I want
> it to?
>
> TIA!
>
> Elizabeth Sherman
> Licensed Wellness Coach
> ACE Certified PT & LWMC
> NESTA Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach
> http://www.elizabethsherman.com
> http://www.wellcoaches.com/elizabeth.sherman/
> My Blog:
> http://www.elizabethsherman.com/cs/blogs/ambassador_of_wellness/default.aspx
>