Business Software: How to Choose the Right Tools
As your business grows, there’s always a team or two trying to find new software. Replacing a system you’ve outgrown or finding a unique solution that will streamline a messy process – the hunt for the right tools isn’t always easy. Where do you begin, who’s involved, and how can you be confident in your search? So, to aid you in successfully finding the best software for your business, we’ve got a time-tested process that you can use for most, if not all, your software needs. This includes LMSs, CRMs, support tools, and more.
Organize Your Stakeholders
Every member of your organization with a vested interest or role in choosing software should be accounted for when picking options.
Choose Your Software Based on Your Needs
What do you want from your new solution? Experienced and first-time buyers will do things a little differently here. As an experienced buyer, there’s familiarity with the software you want. As a first-timer, you might want to list the features, functionality, workflow, etc., that you want to achieve with the new system.
Find Business Software Options
The process and ease of finding a vendor will vary based on the sort of software you need. Some software tools have well-known vendors that pop into your mind immediately. Others need a deeper dig.
Demo and Trial Some Software
Reach out to as many vendors as possible and accept as many demos as you can fit in.
While preparing for a demo, decide beforehand which stakeholders should attend and ensure their availability. Note features you want to see and have a list of questions you want to ask.
This is your best chance at getting all the answers you need.
Evaluate Your Software Vendors
After the demo, whittle down your list of favorite vendors to 3-5 who really stand out and move forward with them.
Selecting Your Software Vendor
Depending on the team and software, present your findings to all the stakeholders and heads. Pros, cons, features, price, and support team response – you’ll need to mention all of these to make your case. Do all these steps right, and it is more than likely that you will end up with software that will serve your business needs.
