Okay, full disclosure. We are a Value-Adding Reseller (VAR) and business consultancy.

The past 14 years we’ve been matching, selling and implementing CRM and Marketing Automation software to clients all over the world.

We’ve seen how the market has grown, demands have changed and technology has evolved, so believe us when we say it does matter who you buy your software from.

Having the right partner by your side will not just help you save time, money and frustrations, but also, help you succeed with your project.

Why buy software from a partner instead of directly from the software company.

1. Unbias consulting

Software companies are great at developing software, no doubt about it.

However, that doesn’t necessarily make them great at implementing the software or adjusting it to fit your needs as a buyer.

Just as any other company they have sales targets to hit and investors to please. Meaning that you might end up with an ill-fitting software you shouldn’t have purchased in the first place.

With a trusted partner / VAR by your side, that would never happen. We’re only as good as our last project, so we simply can’t afford unhappy clients.

So, instead of initialising a project we don’t believe in, we rather risk losing a sale and point you in a different direction.

We look at your business from every angle and perspective.

Making sure we understand your business pains and needs, so we can help tailor just the right solution.

Ultimately, leaving no stage, phase or stone unturned and helping, challenging and driving you to the best possible solution.

2. Your software is only as good as the implementation

IT projects can be tricky. Especially, CRM projects have proven difficult for many organisations.

In fact, 80% of all CRM implementations fall short.

Not because there’s something wrong with the software, or the people using it.

But simply because is a major project. Besides solid project managing skills, it requires attention to detail, technical knowledge and a good understanding of how your business works to implement a CRM that oversees your entire organisation and all your business needs.

With a trusted partner by your side, you’ll have someone to lean on and guide you through the entire process.

Someone that knows the ins and outs of the CRM process and all the nuances of implementing a new technology, and which features to insist on and which are just bells and whistles.

Buying software directly from the software company rarely provides you any assistance in the implementation process.

They’re rightfully so focused on perfecting the software, whilst us VARs / partners are focused on matching, selling and implementing just the right software to the customer.

How to find the right partner

1. Check their references

Whether or not the partner is out starting out or have several years of experience within the industry, it’s always wise to check their references. Do they come highly recommended?

Do they have the necessary understanding of your industry and specific business needs.

2. Make sure they aren’t afraid to challenge you

Don’t get me wrong.

You probably won’t get far, if your partner constantly questions everything you say and do.

But if your partner is afraid to challenge your ideas and suggest alternatives, you’re not getting your money’s worths.

No doubt about it, you’re the expert on your business, but your chosen partner should be an expert on the selected software, and be able to see how you can utilise the software more efficiently than you.

3. Beware of partners who insist on hard-coding ‘everything’

Having a completely hard-coded system eats at your flexibility, and makes even the smallest system updates unnecessarily expensive and time-consuming.

Instead, you should rather build on a standard solution based on best practices and learn how to master what’s included.

However, you shouldn’t run scared if a partner wants to help you customise or develop something.

Whether it is technical adjustments to integrate your other systems or extra functionalities, some coding is almost always involved to help ensure you get exactly what you want.

Just try to keep the hard-coding to a minimum.

Now what?

Well, it depends. You might just be starting out.

Rightfully thinking this is a major decision and needs help guiding you through the process, or you might have been doing this for years and are just looking to match your business needs, to your budget and the best possible solution out there.

Either way, we’ll be happy to assist you and help you optimise your processes – just get in touch.