Why Keeping a Bad Sales Rep Could Cost You: How to Get a Great Software Deal and Strengthen Relationships

As a customer, when you are looking to buy software, you want to get the best possible deal and build a strong relationship with the software provider. However, this can be difficult to achieve if a bad sales rep is working with you. In this blog post, we will explore why keeping a bad sales rep could cost you and provide actionable tips on how to get a great software deal and strengthen relationships.

Why Keeping a Bad Sales Rep Could Cost You

A bad sales rep can cost you in many ways. A bad sales rep:

  • Will not give you straight answers and will likely give you the runaround. This can be frustrating and time-consuming as you try to get the information you need to make an informed decision
  • May not be loyal to you and may be more interested in meeting their own goals than yours. This can lead to added costs, such as licensing, deployment, ongoing support, and increased costs over time.
  • Focuses on their quota and how they get paid. If you find a rep forcing you to buy products or services you don’t need, there is a reason. Reps that are focused on themselves are not going to help you accomplish what you need. 

Actionable Tips to Get a Great Deal and Strengthen Relationships

Now that we’ve looked at why a bad sales rep can cost you, let’s explore some actionable tips on how to get a great software deal and strengthen relationships.

  1. Do your research

Mistake: Not doing research 

Tip: Before making a software purchase, do your research. Look for reviews and testimonials from other customers, check the software provider’s website and social media accounts, and speak with current or past customers if possible. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid wasting time and money.

  1. Communicate your needs

Mistake: Not communicating your needs 

Tip: When speaking with a sales rep, be clear and specific about your needs. This will help the sales rep understand your needs and make appropriate recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.

Statistic: According to a survey by TechValidate, 97% of B2B buyers said that the sales rep’s ability to understand their needs was an important factor in their decision to purchase.

  1. Negotiate

Mistake: Not negotiating

Tip: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the sales rep. Ask for discounts or special pricing, especially if purchasing multiple licenses or a long-term contract. If the sales rep is unwilling to negotiate, consider speaking with management or looking for a different software provider.

Statistic: According to a survey by HubSpot, 89% of B2B buyers said negotiating pricing was an important factor in their decision to purchase.

Get in Touch with Us to Avoid That Bad Software and Sales Rep

As a customer, if you’re looking to buy software, you want to get the best possible deal and build a strong relationship with the software provider. We’ll help you avoid those bad sales reps that cost you, and we’ll provide even more actionable tips on how to get a great software deal and strengthen relationships.

 

  1. Don’t let a lousy software sales rep cost you more. Look for warning signs like poor communication and lack of support.

 

  • Don’t settle for vague timelines or complex deployments. A good sales rep should be clear and transparent.
  • Watch out for hidden costs and “shelf-ware” bundles. A good sales rep will work to provide value and meet your needs.
  • Work with a sales rep who prioritizes your goals and vision, not just their own. Loyalty and support are critical.
  • Choose a sales rep who values security and supports your business needs. Don’t compromise on protection or solutions.

 

  1. Don’t keep a bad sales rep if you want a great software deal and strong relationships.
  • Look for warning signs like poor communication, lack of support, and unclear timelines.
  • Don’t settle for hidden costs or unnecessary “shelf-ware” bundles. A good sales rep should provide value.
  • Prioritize your own goals and vision. Choose a sales rep who will support you and work to meet your needs.
  • Don’t compromise on security or protection. Choose a sales rep who values these aspects of software purchasing.
  • Take control of the purchasing process. Don’t let a bad sales rep drive up costs or hurt your relationship with your provider.

As businesses continue to rely more and more on software, the role of the sales representative has become increasingly important. A good sales rep can help enterprises to find the right software at the right price, while a bad sales rep can do the opposite. In fact, a bad sales rep could end up costing your business more than just money. According to a study by HubSpot, over 50% of customers say they have stopped doing business with a company because of poor customer service. So, how do you avoid keeping a bad sales rep, get an excellent software deal, and strengthen your business relationships?

  1. Identify Warning Signs

The first step in avoiding a bad sales rep is to know what to look for. Here are some warning signs that you might have a bad sales rep:

  • A sales rep who is challenging to reach, doesn’t respond to emails, or doesn’t listen to your needs is a red flag.
  • A good sales rep should be there to support you throughout the entire software purchasing process, not just during the sale.
  • Be wary of sales reps who aren’t transparent about costs or try to bundle unnecessary features or services.
  •  If the sales rep is only concerned with their own goals rather than yours, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Actionable Recommendation: Watch for these warning signs, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns to their management team. A good sales rep will be transparent and responsive.

Error to Avoid: Don’t assume that a sales rep who seems nice or friendly will automatically be a good fit. Always do your research and ask questions.

  1. Prioritize Your Goals and Vision

Your business has unique needs and goals when it comes to software. A good sales rep should prioritize your vision, not theirs. Here are some ways to ensure that your goals are being met:

  • A good sales rep will be open and honest about what they can and can’t provide.
  • Your software needs might change over time. A good sales rep should be willing to adjust to your changing needs.
  • Look for a sales rep who provides ongoing support, not just during the sale.
  • A good sales rep will be loyal to you and your business, not just trying to make a quick sale.

Actionable Recommendation: Clearly articulate your goals and vision to potential sales reps. Look for reps who show a willingness to work with you to achieve these goals.

Error to Avoid: Don’t settle for a sales rep who tries to push their own agenda or goals onto your business. Always prioritize your own needs and vision.

  1. Don’t let your sales rep talk you into unnecessary add-ons:
  • Evaluate whether add-ons align with your goals and objectives
  • Ask for data or case studies that demonstrate how the add-on has helped similar clients
  • Push back if you feel like the add-on isn’t necessary or won’t provide a good ROI
  • Don’t let a bad sales rep pressure you into making a decision that isn’t right for your business and your budget.

Sales reps are often incentivized to push additional products or services, even if they don’t add value to your specific needs. Before agreeing to any add-ons, take the time to evaluate whether they align with your goals and objectives. Ask your rep to provide data or case studies demonstrating how the add-on has helped other clients in similar industries. Don’t be afraid to push back if you feel the add-on isn’t necessary or won’t provide a good return on investment. 

Remember, it’s your business and your budget— don’t let a bad sales rep pressure you into making a decision that isn’t right for you.

IBM Licensing Costs Tips – Reduce Expenses, Maximize ROI

IBM Licensing Costs: Tips for Lowering Costs and Maximizing ROI

 

Software solutions have become vital for modern businesses to stay competitive as technology evolves. However, software licensing costs have become significant, especially for IT and procurement stakeholders. The challenge has become even more critical as IBM raised its prices recently. But fear not; I’m sharing some insider tips and tricks for optimizing your IBM licensing costs. Following these strategies can reduce your licensing expenses and maximize your technology investments. So, please grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and dive into some IBM license tips to save your business significant time, money, and aggravation!

Unleashing the Secrets of IBM Software Licensing ModelsUnleashing the Secrets of IBM Software Licensing Models

 

IBM offers a range of licensing models, each with advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to understand the details of each model to choose the most suitable option for your organization.  For example, the Authorized User licensing model grants access to specific users, while the Concurrent User model limits the number of users accessing the software simultaneously. The Processor Value Unit (PVU) model is based on the number of processor cores and their power.  The Resource Value Unit (RVU) model measures CPUs, memory, and storage.

Pro Tip – Many products offer different license metrics.  

 

You must ensure you pick the suitable IBM license for your needs, or it could cost you. Also, don’t forget to regularly review that metric to ensure it is still the best one for your requirements (at renewal time).

Understanding the licensing terms and conditions is equally important to avoid unexpected costs. For instance, some licenses may require specific hardware or software configurations or limit the usage to a certain number of servers or virtual machines.

The Power of IBM License Optimization Tools

 

IBM offers several tools to help organizations optimize their software licenses and reduce costs. The License Metric Tool (ILMT) is a critical tool for sub-capacity licensing that allows organizations to monitor their software usage and remain compliant. The ILMT provides reports on software usage, which can help organizations identify usage patterns and optimize licenses accordingly.

 

Mastering Best Practices for IBM License Optimization

 

Organizations can follow several best practices to optimize their IBM software licenses. One fundamental approach is to monitor and manage software usage continually. This helps organizations identify over-licensing and under-licensing and make necessary adjustments.

Regularly reviewing license agreements and terms are crucial to avoid unexpected licensing costs. This helps organizations stay informed about the terms of their licenses and ensure compliance with the usage limitations.

Organizations can also avoid over-licensing or under-licensing software by implementing IBM license management policies and procedures.

Harnessing the Wisdom of IBM License Cost Reduction Experts

 

Industry experts have several tips for reducing IBM license costs and improving IBM license ROI. One effective strategy is negotiating license agreements with IBM to secure better pricing and favourable terms.

Optimizing virtual environments is another way to reduce costs. By leveraging virtualization technologies, organizations can reduce the number of physical servers required and optimize their software licenses accordingly.

Finally, leveraging bundled licensing options can help organizations get more value from their IBM software licenses. Bundled licensing options combine several software products into one license, providing more flexibility and cost savings. You just have to ensure that the bundle you buy makes sense and that you’re not falling into a trap from an IBM seller.

 

It’s a Continuous Process, but We’ll Guide You Along the Way

 

Optimizing IBM licensing costs is a continuous process that requires constant attention, planning, and management. By implementing the tips and tricks we’ve shared in this blog post, you’ll have the necessary tools to reduce your licensing expenses and optimize your software usage, enabling you to gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving digital marketplace.  

Review your license agreements regularly, leverage IBM’s license optimization tools, and consult industry experts like us for guidance on reducing license costs. With these steps in place, you can maximize the value of your IBM software investments and drive your organization’s success toward high IBM license ROI. 

Along with these steps, you can speak to us today at MetrixData360, and we’ll help you along the process of optimizing your IBM software licensing costs.

The 7 Best Software Asset Management Tools of 2023

As technology continues to evolve, it has become increasingly important for businesses to have the proper tools on hand to manage their software inventory. Software asset management (SAM) tools are designed to help companies keep track of licenses and usage, as well as other critical information related to software assets. From advanced security measures to automated systems that can improve communication between teams and stakeholders, novel tools offer an unprecedented level of efficiency and reliability that significantly increase a company’s overall productivity. 

 

With powerful SAM tools in play, organizations will be better equipped than ever before to take full advantage of their investments in technology.  In this blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at the seven best free IT asset management software or SAM tools of 2023 that are revolutionizing the way businesses stay organized. 

Software Asset Management (SAM) Tools Explained

 

SAM (Software Asset Management) tools are invaluable in an IT setting, as they help businesses to better monitor and manage their software assets. They provide a range of features that can be customized to fit any need and help to save time, money, and resources. SAM tools allow for account monitoring and management, license compliance checking, usage reports, inventory tracking, software installation tracking, asset reporting, and more. 

The Benefits of SAM Tools

Software Asset Management (SAM) tools offer tremendous benefits for any organization wishing to maximize their investments and ensure their long-term success. SAM tools allow for cost optimization by providing visibility into the total cost of ownership for a piece of software, so organizations can make smarter choices about which software products to acquire. They also enable seamless license management, giving organizations control over licensing for multiple products in one place.

 

Additionally, SAM tools improve life cycle management, providing metrics around renewal and usage costs that empower organizations to reduce risk during the software purchase decision-making process. Finally, SAM tools streamline risk mitigation by ensuring that the software installed within an environment is done so legally and securely, making it easier than ever before to worry less about any potential non-compliance issues.

Today’s 7 Best Tools for SAM

 

For businesses of any size, the right Software and IT asset management software can be a game-changer. Here we explore seven industry-leading solutions, both cloud, and on-premise systems, to help you find the best fit for your needs.

 

1. AWS License Manager

 

One of the best asset-tracking apps, AWS License Manager, is a cloud-based solution from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows businesses to easily manage their license compliance and usage across multiple cloud environments and accounts. This tool allows users to track licenses from multiple vendors, as well as check for violations and enforce policies. It also features advanced reporting capabilities that provide insights into license consumption, usage trends, and cost optimization opportunities. 

 

2. Microsoft Volume Licensing

 

Microsoft’s Volume Licensing program enables businesses to purchase large volumes of licenses at discounted prices with flexible payment terms and access to special benefits such as extended support and upgrade rights. This tool is ideal for companies who need to quickly deploy large amounts of Microsoft software across multiple devices or accounts. 

 

3. ServiceNow Software Asset Management

 

ServiceNow offers a comprehensive set of software asset management tools designed to help organizations get the most out of their IT investments by optimizing license spend and minimizing the risk associated with non-compliance issues. This platform features automated workflows, powerful analytics dashboards, detailed reports on utilization trends, built-in security controls, and more – all designed to improve visibility into your IT environment while driving cost savings. 

 

4. FlexNet Manager

 

FlexNet Manager is a comprehensive suite of digital asset management solutions specifically for medium and large enterprises that need a powerful but easy-to-use system that can handle complex licensing requirements across multiple vendor products and locations around the world. The platform offers integrated automation capabilities, enhanced control over license utilization data, cost savings opportunities through policy enforcement, and more to keep your organization compliant while helping you maximize ROI on IT investments over time. 

 

5. Zluri

 

Zluri is an AI-driven software asset management platform that helps organizations optimize their budgets by predicting future license needs based on historical usage patterns as well as current industry trends in pricing. This enables users to make smarter decisions about how they spend money when it comes to software procurement.  Additionally, Zluri offers detailed analytics dashboards that provide real-time insight into your IT environment so you can make informed decisions about where best to apply budget dollars going forward without sacrificing quality or compliance standards in the process.

 

6. USU Software Asset Management

 

USU Software Asset Management (USU SAM) is an enterprise-grade solution mainly for global organizations that need advanced asset tracking capabilities tailored to meet their specific industry requirements while still offering robust automation options in order to ensure accurate compliance with internal policies as well as external regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. USU SAM leverages big data analytics along with predictive models powered by AI/ML algorithms in order to help you get the most out of your IT investments while keeping costs under control.

 

7. SLIM 360

   

The cost of over-licensing personnel can cost organizations millions of dollars every month in lost revenue. For this reason, SLIM 360 is built to evaluate your utilization of the accessible licensing levels and illustrate any areas where your staff members are over-licensed and how much it is probably going to cost you.

 

SLIM360 organizes your licensing in a form that is both simple to grasp and thorough, creating a condensed and contemporary method for managing software assets. This method makes licensing rationalization more approachable so that you may plan your software budget wisely. You can quickly, affordably restructure your licensing by seeing how many issued licenses are truly being utilized using SLIM 360.

 

Conclusion

 

With so many different software asset management solutions, such as Zoho asset management, available today, it can be difficult knowing which one will work best for your organization’s particular needs. By examining the advantages of each option outlined above, it should become easier to narrow down those choices until you find the one that fits perfectly within your infrastructure budget. Take some time researching each one carefully before making any decisions, as it could save you from costly mistakes down the road. That being said, there’s no denying that the right SAM tool can help simplify managing your digital assets no matter what size of business you’re running.

 

Finding the right software asset management tools can be a hassle. In order to ensure that you have the right data and insights at the tip of your fingers, Metrix360 offers SLIM360, allowing you to streamline all the necessary information for your software assets. So contact us today or visit our website for more details.