7 Tips on Choosing the Best Business Software for Startups
If you are starting a business that provides services online, the right software can keep data safe. Here are tips on choosing the best business software.
Choosing the right new software application for your business can prove challenging.
Analysts forecast that the adoption of new software such as cloud services will generate nearly $270 billion as 2020 draws to a close, according to a report published by Gartner. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies is on the rise.
If you feel overwhelmed in your search for a new software solution, you’re not alone. As businesses grow, software developers come up with innovative ways to fulfill corporate needs. However, it can prove challenging figuring out the best business software among a host of hundreds.
For seven tips on choosing the best business software for startups, continue reading.
- Determine Your Users
Begin your search for a new application by considering people, rather than technology. Everyone who uses your new software has an interest in your selection. For example, consider your team, your managers, and your IT support staff when making selections.
You must also think about how your software selection will impact your clients or customers. This point is especially important if your customers will interact with the new software.
- Consider the Source
Depending on the software that you need, your search will vary. In some cases, the name of a supplier will come easily.
In other cases, however, you’ll need to do plenty of research. Google is a good place to start.
You can also check out software comparison sites. Whether you need protection from the latest common cyber threats or a resource monitor to negate the need for adding memory to Mac, it’s important to make comparisons and find the best option. A software comparison site can give you a quick overview of features and functions, helping you to become familiar with various offerings.
- Figure Out Your Problems First
Once you assess your stakeholders, you’ll need to figure out your company’s needs. It’s important that the software you choose aligns with your business goals.
You can begin this process by identifying problems within your organization. The issues that you choose to resolve with the software should further your organization’s agenda. If you’re not sure about your company’s most pressing issues, talk to department heads about problems that they struggle with regularly.
- Consider What You Need for Solutions
Now that you have a better grasp of your organization’s problems, you can start thinking about software that will provide a solution. More than likely, there are tens to hundreds of available solutions that can address your company’s issues. Furthermore, new solutions enter the market every day.
However, you only need one solution. Herein lies the problem.
You can overcome an abundance of choices by choosing software that matches your organization’s needs. Understanding what you need will move you closer toward figuring out the right software choices for your business. Also, think about how the number of required licenses will affect your buying decision.
- Narrow Your Selections
As you search for software, you don’t want to miss any opportunities. Accordingly, it’s in your best interest to make a comprehensive list of every solution available.
Now, you can use that list to start narrowing down the best options for software vendors. You can eliminate most potential solutions by figuring out which options aren’t realistic for your application.
For instance, start by crossing software off the list that’s too expensive or requires too much technical expertise for your organization. When you finish this task, you should ideally have only five to ten remaining potential applications. If you try to perform a comprehensive review of more than a handful of solutions, the process will become too overwhelming.
- Pick a Winner
Now that you’ve narrowed down your list, you can put some thought into how you feel about each potential solution provider. For example, think about whether you trust a given company with your business and personal data.
If you’re not familiar with a potential vendor, you can turn to online reviews to find out about people’s experiences with potential them. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection to a handful of vendors, take their software for a test drive. For example, you can schedule demos and ask questions to get a better idea of what it’s like to work with a company and its software solution.
- Share the Knowledge
Before you make a final decision, it’s a good idea to gather feedback from stakeholders. If you’re going to roll out a new software solution, you want organizational buy-in. Accordingly, it makes sense to include stakeholders in the decision-making process.
If possible, include anyone that the new software change will affect. During your discussions, share your research and the reasoning behind your selection process.
Finally, make sure you set up a system to collect and evaluate stakeholder feedback. Assessing feedback from all stakeholders will help you find a balance between what they desire and what’s in the budget.
Finding the Best Business Software Is a Team Mission
When you find the best business software solution to resolve your company’s pressing issues, it’s important that you clearly show decision-makers how it offers value. It’s critical to present your findings to top executives, team leaders and internal stakeholders.
In your presentations, make sure to include the benefits, drawbacks and latest software features of your solution. Also, include important details such as pricing and support information as well as whether the vendor provides regular software updates. By providing the right people with the right information, your team can find a software solution that will help you meet your corporate objectives.
Learn More About Your Business
In business, you need every advantage possible. Accordingly, it makes sense to learn everything you can to help you earn more revenue.
Keep coming back for more of the latest tips and trends that can help you gain a competitive edge in the business world.