If you are a Software genius, getting software advice probably isn’t such a big deal. When asked whether a named ERP software is valuable and sensible, I guess you would do your own evaluation without hesitation. But most software buyers still need outside advice regarding the value of any tailor-made accounting, networking and communication solutions.
In this article, I want to give you the key reason why it is important to seek software advice. Indeed, there are various other good reasons why people look for advice despite these impressive facts you are about to read.
Generally, we all face trade-offs in our purchase decisions. Our income is limited and the ERP software choices available today are numerous. In order to make the right software choices, we have no option but to combine our budget constraint (What software we can afford) and our preferences (What software we would like to have). This is exactly why it is critical that you get right advice.
Every serious investor is looking world-class technology to provide them with tools to make their vision a reality. Unfortunately, intangible things are hard to quantify. It is practically difficult to see the value in a software solution without a clear understanding of the system functionalities. That is why some self service buyers take software advice seriously in order to make informed purchase decisions.
You might be saying, “Well but I live in ‘wired’ world why ask for advice when I can do my own research on Internet?” Truly, as individuals, we all do a lot of research for our personal purchases on the internet comparing product prices and credentials of various software sellers. That is not enough! Michael LeBoeuf wrote in his book Working Smart that, “Jumping around and splashing in water doesn’t mean you are swimming.” Besides, there is no reason to pretend to be a genius.
Interestingly, investigators found that “some people seem to be genetically geared either to make compromises or take more extreme options by selecting sure gains or simply take gabbles.”
To put it simply, the reason is simple. We all need advice in one way or another. It is up to you to decide whether to seek advice or not. If you don’t see any value in advice or your organization does not take any outside advice seriously, I would advise you to give it a try.
Do We Really Need Software Advice?
The Ugly side of a Software Consultant
The value of Software Consultants cannot be under estimated. However, with budget cuts sweeping across businesses, the thought of adding a high priced Accounting firm or a software consultant to a company’s budget is a thorny issue for most businesses today.
So, should you hire a software consultant or go it alone? Besides, what does it really take? As simple as installing or downloading software and if something goes wrong along the way, you simply erase everything and start all over again, Right? Well I would say, most of the times yes but not always especially when it comes to Accounting systems.
Allowing a certified consultant or a team of software consultants with deep industry knowledge in software training to help design, maintain or upgrade your software can help flip your business on the right track and improve productivity.
In the long run, you can save time, money and overcome your current business obstacles or even avoid costly mistakes in future.
In fact, it is estimated that those who invest 10% of their project resources in consultancy are most likely to save the remaining 90% while those who don’t are likely to lose 70% of their resources.
It is quite evident that, consulting Accounting firms in Zambia, particularly software consultants, is not a very common trend among business men and women.
What many companies fail to realize, however, is that the right software consultant can help minimize your project risk, accelerate the deployment process and educate your employees as to the proper use of the software product.
Honestly, there are very few people if any, that can take a 2011 paged Accounting system manual and a terminal, then sit, practice and become fully versed with the new software product. Most of us certainly need presentation or a tutor, including various forms of assistance in learning.
We have a lot of accounting firms in Zambia including consultants who are ready to provide such help, of course at a fee that no serious investor small or big would consider too high.
But, hang on a second. Don’t rush out and hire a consultant just yet before you know the ugly side. Before hiring a software consultant, ask the right questions when interviewing the candidates and check up on their references. I know you cannot afford to be stuck with a software consultant that can’t deliver on their promises.
If you have had any ugly experience with software consultant feel free to leave your comment.
Key Reason to Hire a Business Coach
If you have spotted the term “Business Coach” appearing more and more often in the Business press, you may be wondering just what is it that a Business Coach does. If you want to know the key benefit of Business Coaching then just read on.
Coaching has been around for some time in Zambia, in sports of course but it has in the recent years entered the Business world. Among the notable Business Coaches is Chibamba Kanyama, a Zambian Economist who conducts a number of small Business Coaching programs including the one dubbed Creating the Future Teen Conference hosted under the Teen Vision Trust.
Businesses worldwide spend millions on financial software that promises to turn them into all-singing, all-dancing performers, only to fail because the chorus line hasn’t been mastered by many.
It is not a secret that one of the main reasons most company’s investments in new IT systems never pay off is incomplete adoption. Despite companies’ best efforts to define and streamline processes through the use of advanced financial systems, many businesses use only the basic functions and fail to take full advantage of the systems capabilities. This is exactly where a Business Coach can help.
Just like sports coaches push athletes to achieve their optimum performance and motivate them whenever the going gets tough a business Coach will encourage you to stay focused and realize your business ambitions by consolidating your resources and help you make right decisions based on accurate information.
What can a Business Coach offer to a well experienced financial manager? The answer can still be found by returning to the sporting analogy: even the most talented sports stars use coaches because they can easily recognize the full extent of an athletes potential, tap into it and then use their expertise to guide the athlete to winning ways.
In the same way, business coaches have the skills to help entrepreneurs like you realize your full potential.
The business Coaching industry has comprehensive systems and training methods to help you succeed in your business. Before you finally give up on your business think about hiring services of a Business Coach it could save your Business.
