Writen by Warren Van Duesbury
As we all know, not all advances in technology are necessarily for the better. Some people swear that having a computer program to manage a business is a 'must have', but is this really true?
I have a friend, Chris, who runs a physiotherapy clinic. For the last ten years, he's used a paper diary and a pen. And it's not a small business either. Two receptionists, five practitioners and hundreds of clients every week. When I ask him why, he says it's totally reliable, never breaks down or crashes, doesn't require updates, no license fees and doesn't need any equipment to run it.
I must admit, those reasons sounded quite good to me too!
Before finally committing his business to paper, Chris hired a developer who wrote a custom application for him. Unfortunately, the developer disappeared and after a short while Chris was left with software he couldn't use. This ultimately made the decision for Chris to stick with what he could comfortably manage himself.
Desperate not to repeat this bad experience, Chris carefully weighed up all the options that were available to him. Does he go for another paper based system? Or does he try his hand again with a computer?
He knows very well, that there are many disadvantages to his paper system, but he also feels there are many advantages too. And this is an important point. Whatever system you employ, you need to be happy that it's going to work well for you and that it's manageable. Chris says he sleeps well at night because he knows his books will always be working when he opens up shop in the morning.
Chris's business is situated in a very old, very grand, Georgian house. When you walk in, you're immediately filled with a sense of nostalgia. The massive leather bound appointment book on the secretary's desk, looks perfectly in keeping with the surroundings. It's a very warm feeling that would in some ways be spoilt with a modern computer.
Chris's thriving business is testament to the fact that it is possible to run a successful business without business software. There are many benefits for and against any system so what you must do, is weigh up all the options and then decide what is going to give your business the greatest benefit.
Don't automatically fall for the assumption that installing business software will be the great fix that everyone says it is.
About The Author Warren Van Duesbury is the CEO of KnockYourSocksOff.com, developers of The Monkey - The time and money organizational software for personal and small business use. |
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