In the last few years, I have often found myself researching application options and tools a customer is interested in.\u00a0 This usually starts with a suggested tool or two that they like (or have a few specific dislikes).\u00a0 Then I am asked to see what is available that is similar but better.\u00a0 The fruits of those little projects are a good start for this article and will likely surprise you.<\/p>\n
The first thing that jumps out at me when I start these projects is the number of application options that can be found with a search or two.\u00a0 Even “niche” applications like visitor recording, B2B e-commerce, and database development tools will return several options.\u00a0 Better yet, most of the alternatives I come across have at least a free trial period of a few weeks while often providing an unlimited free option.\u00a0 Cost is rarely an issue.\u00a0 The tools available these days are regularly priced in a way that allows customers to start simple and inexpensive or go all-out for a high-end solution.<\/p>\n
I mentioned a trial period available for most solutions.\u00a0 When you combine some of the training material often provided with the ability to “play” with these applications the time requirements can become overwhelming.\u00a0 However, an hour or two will typically be more than enough to evaluate the usefulness of these tools.\u00a0 At times, you will be able to eliminate options in fifteen minutes or less.<\/p>\n
This time spent perusing your options is well worth the investment.\u00a0 Your initial list of a few possibilities can grow to several.\u00a0 Then they can be pared back down to a short list.\u00a0 At this point,\u00a0 each solution is likely a good fit (or better) for your needs.<\/p>\n
The number of viable application options makes the selection process easy to overlook.\u00a0 When you feel you cannot wrong with any of the available choices, then it is logical to keep your investment small and avoid going deep into the evaluation.\u00a0 At this point, it is worth looking at the reasons that started the search process.\u00a0 Some requirements were not being met by the original solution.\u00a0 They should be verified in the short list of options.\u00a0 The search process will also provide new elements that are desired in the solution.\u00a0 That is just the nature of reviewing solutions in any vertical.\u00a0 Your comfort with a prior solution can keep you from considering what new advances and features can do for your productivity and company.<\/p>\n
Make sure your list of requirements is kept up-to-date with what the research has taught you.\u00a0 In my case, I am often in a position where I cannot make the call on that list of requirements.\u00a0 Instead, I make a note of features and enhancements listed by some of the solutions that may appeal to my client.\u00a0 As part of the review deliverables,\u00a0I always include these features as an addendum to the requirements list or as “other\u00a0things to consider.”<\/p>\n
Many tools have a way to invite others into a demo period.\u00a0 Take advantage of this and find some other people that can give you feedback on the product.\u00a0 They do not need to spend much time at all in the product.\u00a0 Instead, they can quickly provide their initial reactions to the features and interface.\u00a0 This is a great way to avoid making decisions in a vacuum while also sending a form of a trial balloon to determine how open others are to this change.<\/p>\n
I hope these brief suggestions spark you to re-consider your current tools and evaluate how the landscape has changed.\u00a0 A considerable productivity boost might be just around the corner for you and your team.\u00a0 Of course, I also am happy to help you in evaluating your options and finding the best tool currently available.\u00a0 I would love to discuss your specific requirements and how to find the best solution.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In the last few years, I have often found myself researching application options and tools a customer is interested in.\u00a0 This usually starts with a suggested tool or two that they like (or have a few specific dislikes).\u00a0 Then I am asked to see what is available that is similar but better.\u00a0 The fruits of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":437,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[30,21,25,27,5],"class_list":["post-436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-special-topics","tag-analysis","tag-consulting","tag-maintaining-software","tag-productivity","tag-solutions"],"yoast_head":"\n