Writng letters to Outlook Contacts

[breslingw]

I use Outlook in my business activities and frequently need to write letters to Contacts. For years I used the ACT program primarily for its Letter writing function (uses built in and user created templates) and need the same functionality in Outlook 2007. I currently have to duplicate all Contacts in ACT in order to send letters.

"Actions Menu" is not available on my Contact records and I do not know how to activate it.

I would like to know, and will hire someone if necessary, to have Letter, Envelope, Memo, etc. Templates available for Outlook Contacts so that I can create them with the ease to which I am accustomed in ACT.

I notice many of the Word toolbar options in the area at the top of this message---adding them and my ACT templates to the Contacts Toolbar would be a great help!

I have not been able to find anyone in Jacksonville, FL who is proficient enough with MS Office to accomplish this for me.

Thank you for your patience in helping a "civilian"! This really is a major problem for me.

George Breslin

 

[Diane Poremsky]

In 2007, the Actions menu is on the main outlook window - but outlook no longer has 'new letter to contact' command, only email.

You have two options:

1. mail merge. You can create templates with merge fields then pick the contact(s) you want to send the letter to.

2. VBA - create templates with bookmarks and select the contact in outlook, then run the merge.

http://www.slipstick.com/developer/create-letter-contact-vba/

If most of your letters are to multiple contacts, mail merge is better (you can merge just one contact too), but if you do single letters, the vba method is better. Unfortunately, you need separate templates for each method.

You'll need separate vba macro for each template, but can add each button to the QAT or toolbar. The macros will all be similar, just calling different templates so it won't be all that hard too do.