How do I create a connected database that will exchange the client info?

I am using a separate connected database on my laptop for mobile billing, then importing the slips to the main database using exchange. It works well, except I cannot for some reason create a database that links the client fields, so instead of simply updating the clients in the laptop database using exchange, I have to periodically create a new one to update the clients. Am I missing something in setting this up?  The only fields that link when I create a new database from my main database are timekeepers, tasks, and expenses.