Original Publish Date: October 15, 2016
Konverge takes pride in building partnerships with its clients. We believe that trust and good business is more important than mere transactions. Every B2B or service related relationship should be examined for these 9 points we think show that you and your software provider are on the right track. It’s a relationship, and both parties need to be fully committed.
1. In depth research.
Always check a company’s online presence. It’s imperative that you get familiar with the culture and ethos of a company you plan to do work with. Software is an intimate and often long-term commitment, and you want to know exactly who you’re picking and what their beliefs and work ethic is like.
Learn a bit about the industry, check out competitors and blogs and get familiar with pricing and target markets of each company. Make sure the fit is there by checking reviews and social commentary.
2. There are no bad questions, so don’t be afraid to ask.
There is often a lot of lingo and foreign jargon that you may not understand when you’re dealing with a software company. It’s better to ask the simplest question than not to. The impact on your business down the line due to miscommunication is not worth it.
3. Don’t be afraid to answer questions and give information.
In a business setting, there are some tough questions that need answers. At the end of the day, the more your software company knows about and understands about your business, the better it will do. You want every project to be as close to the core of your brand as you can get it, and you’ll have to give information to get there.
4. Documentation is important.
Always get copies of agreements, RFPs, Requirements, Project Plans and anything else you’re working on.
With projects being in constant flux and often more than one running simultaneously, you want to document everything and keep it in good order. A company that fails to provide you with what you ask for, or refuses to do so is a company you should run from quickly.
If you are working on a complicated project, ask for the explanation and details to be documented too. It’ll help anyone looking over the work down the line.
Don’t forget to give the same in return, your software company also wants to have everything catalogued!
5. Empathy and understanding are key.
Projects always become living beings, and people working on them are only human. Make sure that you did your research about what the company is like, and then always come to the table with compassion and the belief that the other side is working for your benefit together.
Every project has its challenges, and not every delay and setback is the fault of the supplier, and likewise it’s not always the fault of the provider.
6. Finances and budgeting are a conversation to have.
Be honest with yourself when you’re looking at your budget and be honest with the company you’re asking to work for you. If you don’t know what the future budget will be, make it clear. If you don’t have extra cash in case of something needing change, make sure the software company knows this to prevent problems, overcharges and frustration.
Estimates are just that, estimates. Be realistic about the fluctuations and educate yourself on what the pricing is based on.
7. Be open to new ideas.
The field is ever changing! Exciting opportunities, new software, and specialty programs are always cropping up. Listen to your software company when they bring you a new idea or potential change. It may not be for you, but it’s worth knowing different options exist out there. Who knows? Your next project or hurdle may just be in need of some innovative new thing.
Trust that your software company knows what it’s doing. If there’s some new changes or alterations in how a project is being done, the company most likely has a very good reason to do it that way.
8. Protocol is important.
If you’re given a contact for a project, follow up, and use them. Your appointed person is most likely to know any question you have and are tasked with helping you. Going to someone else will end up frustrating everyone. You’re probably not going to get all the information from someone else and the person tasked with helping you may get in trouble.
9. Stay in touch, even if the project is finished.
Your project may be done, but your partnership is not. It’s always a good idea to continue to check in, get updates, the latest information, and help. Companies most often keep the same software provider for more than one project, and keeping in touch will have a positive effect resulting in better relations and a shorter learning curve.
Here at Konverge, we value relationships with our clients. We always put your needs first. Our Custom Software development solutions help you bring your business vision to life. People first, tech second. Let us be your ideal tech partner. We’re people first, tech second.
Find out more about Konverge’s approach or book a consultation today.
