You want to use the best software for your work. Whatever your line of work, well made tools make your work more efficient and fun.
But how do you choose the best software? And how do you define best? There are more apps than you could ever test, and if you ask your colleagues, each will recommend a different tool.
Focus on Your Business
When you are launching a company, you need to just get started. Tools, like your software, can be distracting and can wait. Your first priority should be building and selling your core product.
It’s crucial to limit your distractions when getting started, and while software can be a valuable tool, it can also be a distraction. There are so many options out there that managing them can be tricky. Be careful of feature creep when making your selections.
Determine Your Needs
You should take a hard look at your processes and workflows, and consider tools which closely match them. Remember, features are bullet points, workflows are what you have to live with. But most of all, you should consider your pain points, and ensure that your solutions address those pain points. Focusing on this will help you directly address what you need to do better.
Less is more
With business software, less is usually more. Instead of drawing up huge lists of features, you should focus on the core aspects you need. Simple processes, a clean interface and excellent customer support offer so much more for small businesses than clunky, enterprise software that wasn’t built for them in the first place.
Do Your Research
A good place to start would be to investigate what companies similar to yours use. This information will be immediately objective and relevant to your team. Doing research up front can help you to avoid the expensive and time consuming task of switching later if you pick the wrong tool. Take your time, make sure that you address your specific needs.
Don’t Be Cheap
Most companies feel that cost is the most important factor when choosing software. And while there are plenty of cheap or free tools, like Gmail or Hubspot, you should focus on the value. Consider price, but buy on value.
Customize Everything
Understanding your own needs will help you get the most out of your tools. Don’t be afraid to change default settings, and don’t be afraid to use a tool for a purpose for which it was not designed. Spreadsheets are a good example of this, as they are flexible enough to be turned into almost anything you would want. What matters is getting what you need.
Integrate Everything
Minimizing complexity is a great way to maximize the value of your tool spend. Service such as Zapier, Microsoft Flow, and Tray.io connect your tools. They can automate workflows, and remove steps, reduce human error, and help you to get more done, faster.
Remember, tools don’t do your work for you, they help you do your work better, faster, more efficiently, and more accurately. If you have chosen the wrong tools, you could be less efficient and slower, compounding your problems.
Contact us today and let us help you stay focused and productive.
Photo by Jacky Chiu on Unsplash
