When you started your enterprise, the chances are you slaved away on the most basic computer programs you could find. If you’re anything like most, you may even have made do with free options which were available to you. The right technology just wasn’t a priority to you back then. And, that’s understandable. You were laying the foundations for a brand new business, after all. You had rather a lot on your plate.
But, things are growing now. You have a whole office filled with team members, each with a computer of their own. And, you’ve come to realize that there’s no way you can keep this up unless you improve your IT. The trouble is that you have no idea where to start. You face spending a great deal of money on software, and you don’t have a clue which option would be best.
The good news is, you’re not alone in this. The majority of entrepreneurs don’t know the ins and outs of computer programs when they start. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to decide on the one true program for you. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Ask those in the know
One of your best bets would be to get recommendations from someone who knows what they’re talking about. If you have any business-oriented friends, ask them which programs they’ve found to be most useful. Nothing quite beats a personal recommendation like this. You’ll also then have someone to turn to if you get stuck at any stage. You could even turn to the real pros by opting for managed IT services like those offered by Xirtix. As well as taking care of general repair needs, services like these help you develop an IT strategy. This often includes finding the best programs for your needs. You may find that a guiding hand like this is a huge help when leaping new software.
Consider how you’d train your team
It’s also worth considering your team. They’re all going to use this software as well, after all. As such, you should spare a thought for how you could train them to use your choice. Options like Microsoft Office are pretty standard. You should find that everyone has basic skills here already. If you’re opting for an entirely new program, though, you may face training costs and teething issues. Consider, then, how easy a program is to pick up, and how much room for error there is before committing.
Make use of free trials
Few software developers expect you to part with vast amounts of cash on an untested entity. As such, you’ll find that most offer at least thirty day free trials if you look for them. Always make use of offers like these. That way, you can test a program on for size, as well as wrapping your head around how it works. If it’s a good fit, you can renew your license. If not, you can look elsewhere without losing a cent.