Small Business Accounting Software Buying Tips
Solution Explorers on January 29th, 2010. Under Problems, Solutions
If your business will make a software investment this year, will you outsource the software evaluation process to a consultant or assign this to internal resources? Why? See my LinkedIN Poll question at http://polls.linkedin.com/p/75644/jybrc. I ask because I will release a series of posts very soon to outline comprehensive software research and evaluation steps.
In my last post I expressed frustration with journalists who write regurgitated material on how YOU should go about finding software for your business. It’s not that the information is bad per se, and I’m certainly not looking to create ill-will, but rather old-school find software tips fail to consider today’s business environment and software markets.
The source that prompted my last post, my frustration, can be found at http://bit.ly/504nfD. Of course, this particular source is not the only publication hanging on to these old-school recommendations. It’s also fair to state that some businesses, based on their circumstances and resource capacity, will find these practices applicable.
For purposes of this follow up post, however, I take issue with the old-school approach of “the next step you need to take is…” For instance, here’s a quote to consider…
“In order to choose a business accounting software program, you need to understand some business accounting basics, take a good look at your business and its accounting needs, and assess the products available today.”
Wow, albeit incomplete, that’s a lot to take on. Even more, successful software evaluations (time) which lead to software investments (money) requires skill, diligence, and knowledge – aka, critical business resources. For instance, do you know what questions to ask yourself and those impacted by the change – i.e. to probe beneath the initial surface complaints and issues? Do you know where to begin looking for the right system? What’s the opportunity cost to your business?
By the way, this publication references FindAccountingSoftware.com. Given my software reseller background, I’m very familiar with this company. They state,“FindAccountingSoftware.com operates independently of any software vendors but will help match your business needs with suitable software programs after you fill out an online questionnaire.” Actually, this is NOT true. Their search results are limited to membership companies (software vendors) that pay annual fees and additional fees per awarded lead record (that’s you). They also do not cover a wide range of business solution options. So what if a “suitable” solution is out there but they don’t have membership with this company? Many folks use this service, and others like it, because it’s FREE. Do I need to say it? Ok, I will…you get what you pay for! I also take issue placing services like this in a section titled “…software consultants.” Services such as this one deliver a standard qualification form, followed by a standard questionnaire call, and then sells your information to its limited vendor members and aligns your account to responders that may or may not know enough about you to really be of service. Unfortunately, the damage is done – i.e. many software vendors (salespeople), some with products that aren’t “suitable”, now have your direct contact information and will be interrupting your day with calls, emails, literature packets, etc. Why? Well, FindAccountingSoftware.com allows you to grade these vendors and they then use these grades as criteria to sell them more or less leads. Does this sound “independent” to you? Does this guarantee you “suitable” options?
Business owners and senior management today realize that their resources must be completely focused on delivering competitive products and customer services resulting in new client referrals from loyal, “raving” clients. This alone requires strategic planning and dedicated resources.
I’m preparing a multi-part blog series to address this belief that will be published within the next few days. In the meantime, and to be fair to “journalists” in general, let me contrast the old-school article referenced above with a different publishing on software evaluation tips. Source: http://bit.ly/9ilKam. The key difference is how this latter reference places much less emphasis on YOU, what YOU should do. Instead, this publishing takes more of an informational, content-based approach.
Both articles have takeaways that are helpful for those researching business software options. As such, I hope this comparison increases awareness to buyers that finding software that fits your unique business needs isn’t a task…it’s a PROJECT. Therefore, give reasonable consideration, before you begin such a project, to outsourcing vs. insourcing. If you decide that outsourcing is the best option in your situation, or you want to explore this approach further, reach out to me for a complimentary consultation.
I look forward to discussing with you in my next few posts a thorough examination of the software research process that will clearly illustrate how much of a project this really is. Agree or disagree, your comments are welcome. It would be helpful to hear both from businesses that had rewarding experiences in both approaches. If internal, then what’s your take on the opportunity costs of time that could have been spent on daily responsibilities directly related to your mission or business purpose? If external, would you outsource again and why/why not?
Disclaimer: I’m biased in regards to this subject matter. In other words, I’m passionate about helping businesses outsource specialty projects so their resources can remain focused on daily operations directly related to their mission or business purpose. Outsourcing is certainly not for everyone. There, I said it. Whew!
