Social Networking with Your Software Provider:
A Smart Strategy for Profitable Construction Management

by Brian Andrew

A social network is a group of like-minded people that share information for mutual benefit. While social networking outlets like Facebook, Twitter and blogging may be making headlines right now, construction company owners will find greater business building value with more traditional social networking channels.

When searching for social networks that add value to your business and profit to your bottom line, consider your construction software provider as a top pick. Forging a stronger alliance with your provider helps you discover better ways to use your software and often gives you early access to new technology developments.

Using innovative ways to communicate with your software provider delivers enormous benefit – if you understand how to get the conversation going. To get you started, we’ve outlined three ways to employ social networking savvy to engage with your software provider:

1. Build Key Relationships

Pick up the phone and give your account manager a call. If you have outstanding software issues, bring them to light. Also, find out what enhancements are in development. Finally, ask for personal introductions to other key individuals, such as the support and training managers, so that you can address these people directly in the future.

2. Leverage Online Resources

Most software developers offer a variety of web-based solutions for enhancing the end user experience. Taking advantage of an online Knowledge base and the ability to submit support requests from a secure portal expedites issue resolution and decreases your downtime. In addition, participating in web-based training sessions will improve your software knowledge and, ultimately, your operational efficiency.

3. Attend User Conferences

If your software provider hosts an annual user conference, make arrangements to attend. These events are a fantastic opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry leaders and network with other construction business owners.

A Reminder to Give – Not Just Take

Social networking with your software provider requires that you give something in return for the value you receive from the relationship. Start by keeping your account current and your maintenance agreement up-to-date. You can also volunteer to be a sales reference or participate in joint marketing initiatives like case studies.

The Social Bottom Line

Your software provider should be a valuable business partner that contributes to a healthier bottom line for your organization. If your current vendor isn’t willing to engage with you for mutual benefit, it might be time to consider a more social software provider.

You can follow Jonas Software on Twitter or add Jonas Construction to your Facebook groups.
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Brian M. Andrew is the Product Manager for Construction at Jonas Software, a leading developer of fully integrated construction accounting, project management and service software solutions. His 20 years of experience in the construction industry includes seven years as the CFO of an Atlanta-based electrical contractor and six years as a construction software trainer and consultant. Brian holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in MIS and Accounting from the University of Georgia.

Phone: (888) 789-9073
Direct: (770) 338-5310
E-Mail: brian.andrew@jonassoftware.com
Web Site: www.jonas-construction.com
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