A critical component to any business is its clients and contacts. Organizing contact information can be a bear if there is no system implemented to keep things straight. Using a Rolodex can help keep contact information in one place, while also allowing easy look up of contact phone numbers and physical and email addresses.

Rolodex systems can be found in three formats - traditional, electronic and computerized. Traditional Rolodex systems consist of note cards that are attached to a plastic holder. Contact information is written or printed onto the cards. Electronic Rolodex systems are hand held devices that store all of your contact information. There are also computer software programs that allow you to organize your contacts on your computer in a Rolodex fashion. As you think about your contact organizing needs, consider the following:

1. Use a traditional Rolodex organizing system

2. Organize contacts using an electronic Rolodex

3. Download a Rolodex computer program

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Organize contact information with a traditional Rolodex system

Traditional Rolodex systems typically come in a tray or rotary format. Rolodex systems are organized with alphabet tabs, making contact look ups quick and easy. Rolodex systems are made to sit on the desk top next to the phone.

I recommend: Rolodex is the expert on contact management. They sell traditional Rolodex files in rotary or tray systems. Find refills for virtually any size Rolodex on their site. Office World is another retailer of Rolodex files. Find traditional Rolodexes, as well as business card binders at their site.

Use an electronic Rolodex to organize contact information

Electronic Rolodexes are hand held machines that hold hundreds of contacts along with their information. Electronic Rolodexes can be synced with a computer for back up purposes and information sharing.

I recommend: Franklin sells several different electronic Rolodexes. Franklin electronic Rolodex files come with PDA options so that the information can be synced with a personal computer. They also sell a mini electronic Rolodex that holds the same amount of information as the larger models, but is the size of a large key chain. Lap Top Rate is another retailer of electronic Rolodexes.

Download a Rolodex file computer software program

Storing contact information on a computer Rolodex program makes for easy access of files at the click of a mouse. Rolodex software programs allow you to enter all the same information that you would put on a traditional Rolodex file, but gives you a searching option so that contacts are easily and quickly retrieved.

I recommend: AZZ Cardfile is a Rolodex software program. Download the program for a free trial before making the final purchase. AZZ Cardfile is compatible with Windows 95,98,NT, 2000, Vista and the Millennium editions. Mindwarp Consultancy is another company that offers a Rolodex computer software program. Mindwarp also offers a free trial of their program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Reduce errors when using traditional Rolodex systems by taping or gluing contact business cards to the Rolodex cards, instead of handwriting or printing the information on the cards.