Picking the Right Tools for Your Business (Part 4): Smooth Software Implementation

Welcome back to “Leverage Your Spark,” I’m your host Brandy Lawson! We’re continuing with our 5-part episode series on how to make a decision on a tool, app, or software service. Today, in Part 4, we’re tackling implementation – creating a plan to incorporate your new tool and maximize its value. It’s okay, I get it – talking about implementation isn’t very exciting… except, it can be because this is how you ensure that the sizzling potential of this app turns into real time and sanity savings in your day-to-day.

Picking the Right Tools for Your Business: Smooth Software Implementation for a Seamless Transition

I think most of us have been in this situation: we think we’ve found the perfect tool, app, or software for your business. Now comes the real challenge: implementation. It’s a fact: change can be hard, and incorporating new tools into your workflow can be an uphill battle, even if it is just you that needs to make the change. Not to mention trying to get a team of people to modify their behavior and change their workflow. But, you can smooth the road and ensure that you are choosing a good fit for your business by considering implementation before you hit “buy.”

That is why we are discussing this process for thinking through software implementation, ensuring a smoother transition, and ultimately maximizing the value of your new tool because it actually gets used!

Imagine the satisfaction of seamlessly integrating a new tool into your business, watching as it improves efficiency, productivity, and even team morale. Sounds like a dream, right? With a solid implementation plan, it’s possible!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Smooth Software Implementation: Maximizing Value and Embracing Change

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you think through software implementation:

First, accept that change is hard and that it will require effort, energy, and resources to implement any solution. Brace yourself and your team for the work ahead, but also remember that the payoff will be worth it.

Next, make a plan for how to onboard the company and team to the tool, embracing the places that will be challenging instead of ignoring them. Think about training, resources, and support your team will need during this process. Break it down into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, be very clear about the benefits of using the tool so that the team can see the value of the work they have to put in to incorporate the tool. It is really helpful if your implementation plan can reinforce these benefits and improvements as they happen. This keeps the team engaged and excited about embracing the change needed to realize the value of this new software, app, or tool.

By using these steps when considering new tools, you’ll be well on your way to successfully implementing it and maximizing its value within your organization. Change can be hard, but with a thoughtful implementation plan, you’ll be reaping the rewards in no time.

In the next episode we are wrapping up our 5-part series on making informed decisions when selecting a tool, app, or software service by talking about cost.

If you enjoyed this episode, you can head over to leverageyourspark.com to subscribe, leave us a review or share with a friend. Everyone deserves to have less stress and more impact!

I’ll see you in the next episode and until then keep leveraging your spark to ignite your possibility!