𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲

Installing the right processes and systems is critical for successful expansion, and many of those rely on software.

Bad decisions could cost time, money, and distract from growth.

To move forward effectively, follow this process:

𝟭. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆

Start with the business question and not the technical need. How will the software grow the business?

In some cases, difficulties between people may be the underlying issue, and that must be resolved before automating any process.

Understand the challenges from the team’s perspective and how software is the right resolution.

Software is the tool, not the solution itself.

𝟮. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲

Some questions to address:

· What does the software need to accomplish?

· Are there any limitations with your existing system?

· Do you want off-the-shelf or something more customizable?

· What type of security and privacy do we need?

For large changes, determine everyone affected, including clients, then engage them with surveys, conversations, and updates.

𝟯. 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲

Besides the internet, consider other ways to discover options:

· Ask other founders for advice

· Check in a networking group

· Get at least 3 options to compare

Provide all users demos to identify and address issues.

𝟰. 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲

You have ways to push for a better price:

· Rely on investors and vendors for leverage on pricing.

· Purchase only the licenses and tiers you need.

· Offer exposure (e.g. case study or referrals) for a lower price.

𝟱. 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Make sure you made the right purchase annually, more often for largest expenses. Question:

· Are we getting the expected benefits?

· Are we experiencing any problems?

· Is the vendor responsive?

· As we grow, will this software still help us?

· Are we optimized on licenses and tiers?

𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘌𝘹𝘪𝘵 – Know the exit from outset and consider installing systems and software which complements that vision.

𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘐𝘯 / 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘺 – Justify what software or process we're replacing to consider the larger context of workflow.

𝘉𝘶𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 – Decide to build based on specific needs or if the product can be sold later. Otherwise, buy off the shelf.

Your business will have an abundance of software running your delivery, sales, marketing, reporting, and administration.

Think holistically and focus on the outcomes from your investment.