PST Newsletter

What are the Critical Success Factors... whether you are using ManagePro or not

I saw an interesting process occuring this past week.  We are working
on a project for one of our larger customers, who is in turn using a
vendor who is missing their deadlines and isn't using ManagePro...
but this isn't about ManagePro.

Here's what was interesting.   They were making the same comments I often hear struggling companies make about ManagePro... but they were talking about their own software system.   We were hearing familiar complaints like: "I don't have enough time."  "Why do you need to see what I'm working on?" "That software plan isn't accurate (it's not current)."  And the same old tired and slow process of long meetings and fuzzy defined outcomes that rapidly eat away at any organization's ability to get things done.

For all of you who have encountered push-back from users, citing various reasons related to ManagePro, I just wanted to encourage you and help you see that it really doesn't have much to do with the program.  You could substitute another program and you would still be getting the same response set.

In some ways, like our own body set point, most people resist the push to elevate their game and work more effectively.  If you don't know or aren't prepared for that, you might focus on what they are talking about, e.g. not enough time, or the software, or something else, instead of addressing the fact that it's a people issue and you're in the middle of a change process... and change always encounters resistance at one or more points along the way.

We've created a simple rating scale by which we can determine how effective people in an organization typically work.  It's not only an helpful rating scale on 9 behaviors that consistently divide highly effective vs less effective people, it also turns out to be a good predictive device to assess the relative resistance to change.  e.g. the more scores at the bottom of the scale, the bigger hill you have to climb.

Here's a picture of the graph it kicks out.   Try it out and let us know what you think.   Click here to download it at no cost.  Use it to help your business and your people work more effectively and focus on the right things.  As good as our software is, most of the critical stuff is between people's ears, after that the software is just a well formed tool.

2. Service Management Software - Do You Need It?

Everyone needs to track, schedule, deliver and bill on time. If you’re in the service business, or have service as a key part of your business, we’ve found a great tool (ProBusiness Tools) that will help your business run smoother and be more profitable, right along side ManagePro.

ProBusinessTools' CEO, Jason Warren, and his organization not only offer a great solution, but they do so in a way that is very professional, responsive and a pleasure to work with.

I know they support businesses worldwide that range in size from less than 100 service calls a month, up to 100,000 calls a month across multiple locations.

This is a solution for you to consider if your business provides and bills off of:

1. Service calls
2. Tech support calls
3. Installation and configuration appointments
4. Time and materials appointments


ProBusinessTools has a well laid out web-based solution.  Running on a MS-SQL server back end, it
lets you link your service results right back into ManagePro for easy scorecarding and business management purposes.

Click http://www.probusinesstools.com to review the different modules that make up this software solution, with
each having several screen shots for your review, or give Jason Warren a call to answer questions you might have
and/or to request a demo at 304-455-5900 x-302.

Jason told me that I can promise that you'll get a free service business analysis, including helping you estimate your ROI, as well as a quick review of the pros and cons of ProBusinessTools versus what you're currently using - if you mention that you are a ManagePro customer.  And I also had him promise that there's no sales pressure.

You owe it to yourself to take a peek.

3. ManagePro version 10 - Still in Process

Just a quick update.  Wish it was different but we've run into several delays which are making it impossible for us to finish the changes we've mid-streamed in, with ManagePro 10.  I've missed predicting our release date the last two months because of these "unforeseens", so this newsletter I'm just going to say, we're still working on it and I'll let you know as soon as it is ready.  No promises of exactly when.  But it does make me feel like singing a modified version of the old Bill Bailey song... "MPro 10, I mean Bill Bailey, when will you come home?"

Until then, wishing you lots of success using ManagePro in whatever area of the world you work, and whatever vertical you work in.  Thanks for your patience with the extensions of our release date.  It's in your best interest. 

Before I wrap-up, here's a request for comments on my blog, I've been writing about a number of ways to improve your strategic plan, but haven't heard anything back from most of you.

 
Rodney Brim,  Ph.D.
CEO Performance Solutions Technology
Blog - http://www.PerformanceSolutionsTech.com/Blog
Twitter Account - http://www.twitter.com/RodneyBrim

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