Full Sail Partners Blog (56)

All Employees Complete Their Timesheet On-Time…April Fools?

Posted by Wendy Gustafson on April 01, 2015

What’s the biggest nuisance of every company? What is that one activity that makes almost every employee groan with boredom?  Timesheet completion! Getting employees to complete timesheets on time and accurately is a thorny problem that plagues many firms.  While it can be a laborious process, it’s also an enormously important part of the accounting function.  

Full Sail Partners Mock Interview with Michael Scott of the Office

michael scott

Wendy Gustafson oversees accounting and human resources at Full Sail Partners, Inc. With 25 years of accounting experience, including 12 years in the architectural and engineering industry, she is always prepared to guide clients developing financial solutions and best practices using Deltek Vision®.  As with many financial professionals, one of the biggest curses of Wendy’s existence is … you guessed it, timesheets!  Wendy decided to do some research and find out how “the best of the best” in the industry deals with this small, but vital, matter.   

Michael Scott is the co-manager of the wildly successful Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of Dunder Mifflin, the New York City-based regional paper and office supply distributor, and the central character on NBC’s mockumentary “The Office.”  Let’s see how Michael handles this.

Wendy:  So, Michael, what’s the key to getting your employees to complete their timesheets?

Michael Scott:  Here at the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, we don’t believe in timesheets. Because then we would have to pay our employees based on the hours they actually worked.  And we don’t want to do that.  We find that paying our employees for their actual hours really hurts my numbers, and I end up looking bad.

Wendy:  You know, of course, that you still have to pay your employees, even if they don’t submit timesheets.

Michael Scott:  Oh…uh, of course was just joking – you need to lighten up [smiles and laughs uncomfortably].  We used to have a “timesheet trophy” that employees kept on their desk if they were the last to submit their timesheet.  Then we had David Wallace sit at employees’ desks until they completed their timesheets.  But he got mad at that, because I was calling him to drive from New York every week.

Wendy:  Now that many employees are virtual, what do you do?

Michael ScottI have found electronic shaming successful. I post pictures of my employees with little signs around their neck stating, “I was late submitting my timesheet” on their Facebook pages.  You’ve seen the dog shaming pictures …they always make me laugh [chuckling to himself for several minutes]!  Oh, and we got Ryan to set up a twitter account #timesheetyouarelateagain.  We are up to 9 followers!

Wendy:  Public shaming is probably not the most effective way.  You might want to look at your timesheet process:  maybe it’s too difficult or laborious.  Also, you could communicate the value and importance of timesheets which might help them understand the impact on your accounting process.  Or you could …

Michael Scott:  [Interupting] Blah, blah, blah … you corporate eggheads are all the same. Employee communication, streamlined processes … I don’t know what any of that stuff means.  You know [leaning forward] the best way to truly motivate employees? Buy them stuff!  I take most of my weekly paycheck and buy my employees things in order to get them to complete corporate forms.  Why just last week, I bought Stanley a refrigerator.  Sure, I don’t have much left over for my own needs, but it’s completely worth it.  I look like a corporate hero and my employees are happy! 

Wendy:  Well Michael, this has been an interesting and enlightening conversation!  

So why are timesheets so important?

Getting employees to complete timesheets on time and accurately is, as we’ve discussed, a difficult problem. In a professional services firm, we sell our consultant’s time which equates to the largest expense on your income statement. The importance must be conveyed from the top down and here are reasons why firms should be concerned:

  • The sooner timesheets are in, the quicker your firm can get paid
  • The sooner you can get paid, the more you have to invest in your firm
  • Incomplete timesheets lead to inaccurate reporting and wasted time
  • Delayed timesheets (especially 1-2 weeks) can lead to overruns

So how do you get timesheets submitted?

Once employees understand the importance of timesheets, there are a variety of ideas to get those timesheets submitted accurately and on-time.  Some have suggested withholding paychecks until a timesheet it submitted, but know that there are laws that protect employees for non-payment due to lack of timesheets.  There are other ways for companies to incentivize employees to take care of this function.  First, after you’ve explained the importance of timesheets, you could try some of these serious (and perhaps not so serious) ideas.

  • Give late employees a paper check instead of the more convenient direct deposit.
  • Make timely submission a portion of the performance review process.
  • Incentivize positive behavior by offering awards for consistent timely submission – gift cards, paid days off, office lunch, etc.
  • A lawyer, William Peacock, describes one solution he knew:

One firm installed a kegorator with a homemade card scanner that checked to see if the timeslip had been submitted. If so, employees could pull a pint, reported AdWeek.  Did it work? Oh yeah. Timesheet completion was up 90 percent.  People drinking in an ad agency -- that's a novel idea, [but] is there any way this is a Bad Idea? No. Heck no…In all seriousness though, a lot of businesses freak out when alcohol is involved. And it's for good reason: injuries, social host liability, sexual harassment, general stupidity -- whatever. We'd venture a guess that the automated dispenser only put out once per timesheet. Giving someone a single beer as an incentive is one thing -- throwing a full-on kegger is a whole different (and legally dangerous) matter.

Glad we’ve figured that out!

Despite all these ideas (including Michael Scott’s “buying them stuff”), the absolute best way to get employees to submit accurate and timely timesheets is to make sure you have the most efficient timesheet system in place.  Making the process clear, understandable, and efficient will ensure that you get those necessary timesheets making your firm, once again, a smooth sailing enterprise. 

Photo Credit: NBC

 

Deltek Vision custom solution, Daily Timesheet Reminder

 

What Will Happen to Deltek Vision with Spartan, Microsoft’s New Browser?

Posted by Sarah Gonnella on March 30, 2015

spartanYou may have already asked the question or may be wondering, what will happen to Deltek Vision with the new announcement of Spartan?  For those that don’t know, Microsoft announced that the Windows 10 operating system will debut an entirely new web browser, code-named Spartan. Many IT savvy clients have already been asking the question, what does this mean for Deltek Vision? Will Deltek Vision still work? The short answer is, “Yes.” 

Microsoft made the following statement, “Project Spartan is Microsoft’s next generation browser, built just for Windows 10. We will continue to make Internet Explorer available with Windows 10 for enterprises and other customers who require legacy browser support.” Additionally, Kyle Pflug, program manager for Spartan, wrote in a blog post, “Based on strong feedback from our Windows Insiders and customers, today we're announcing that on Windows 10, Project Spartan will host our new engine exclusively. Internet Explorer 11 will remain fundamentally unchanged from Windows 8.1, continuing to host the legacy engine exclusively." He added, “Enterprises that adopt Windows 10 will be able to set IE11 as the OS's default browser using group policy settings”. 

Internet Explorer is a staple performer and Microsoft will continue to support it for years. Microsoft has promised to support the browser with security updates for at least the next eight years or through January 2023. So rest assured that Internet Explorer will still exist and therefore Deltek Vision will still work. 

With that being said, Deltek has already been looking at ways for firms to connect to Vision without Internet Explorer to become more system agnostic. New features that can run on any web browser include, the new project manager portal (Navigator) and an upcoming CRM portal. Additionally, Deltek product developers are looking at ways to further minimalize reliance on Internet Explorer with future releases. 

For those firms that need to connect to Deltek Vision from a MAC or any tablet or phone today, there is Vision Unleashed. This solution allows your firm to access your Deltek Vision data anywhere with almost any device. Additionally, a 30-day FREE provisional test period is available. 

Bottom line: 

  1. Firms already have options already available to you to access your Deltek Vision data without Internet Explorer
  2. Internet Explorer isn’t going away any time soon
  3. Deltek is committed to the Vision product 

Should you have any questions regarding this or any other technical questions, we encourage you to reach out to your Deltek Partner.

 

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Ryan Felkel Joins Full Sail Partners to Expand Brand Awareness to Project Based Firms

Posted by Full Sail Partners on March 27, 2015

Ryan Felkel, Marketing Full Sail PartnersFull Sail Partners, a Deltek Premier Partner, is excited to announce the addition of Ryan Felkel as a Marketing and Communication Specialist. In this role, Ryan will join the marketing and business development team to identify new market verticals outside of the architectural and engineering industry. With the addition of Ryan, Full Sail Partners is prepared to expand their offering to a broader range of customers who may not have realized how our products can streamline their processes and increase their profitability.

“I am honored to be a member of the Full Sail Partners team,” Ryan said. “Full Sail Partners has a world class set of products and services to assist project-based firms with managing their complex and growing needs. Their strong focus on customer satisfaction coupled with their great mix of products and services will assure that Full Sail Partners remains a valued and trusted partner to their customers well into the future.”

Ryan has nearly five years of experience in energy markets. During this time, he was an accomplished proposal manager and marketing professional working for a company that provided demand side management services for electric and gas utilities across North America. It is his goal to utilize this experience to provide a fresh perspective and new ideas to foster relationships with these new market verticals.

“As a Deltek Premier Partner, our firm has led the charge in expanding and servicing new market verticals beyond the architectural and engineering industry.” stated Sarah Gonnella, VP of Marketing and Sales. “Ryan’s self-starter attitude and marketing acumen will help our firm continue to position our existing products and services into new markets. I’m excited to have Ryan join our marketing team to focus exclusively on targeting new project-focused professional service firms. We recognize the need to continue to service our existing clients, and therefore have split our existing marketing role into two. This allows our firm to have a dedicated marketing resource that will focus on customer satisfaction and ensure our existing clients know about new features, products and services, while Ryan focuses on these new market verticals.”

Want to learn more about the Full Sail Partners' Team? Check out our crew!

 

FSP Staff, Deltek Vision Consultants

 

 

11 P’s for Peak Performance of a 'Perfect Employee'

Posted by Sarah Gonnella on March 19, 2015

PERFECTIONOur modern day culture is often obsessed with perfection. Magazine covers are graced by photoshopped professional models and our TV screens are filled with successful eclectics whose wealth is their biggest problem.

Fortunately, perfection is not an attainable goal; the real goal is the path we follow as we strive for peak performance which is the essence of a 'perfect employee'.

It was Vince Lombardi that said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” Considering that the NFL Super Bowl trophy is named after Vince Lombardi, you could say he knew a thing or two about peak performance…

So, what qualities help us along this path to being the ‘perfect employee’? 

What are the 11 P's of Peak Performance?

If obtaining peak performance is our professional goal, then, what exactly are the attributes that we need to be the 'perfect employee'?  Following is the list of benchmark qualities you should strive for on your path:

1. Proficient. Sure, you can’t have all the answers but you know how to dive in or connect with the right people to figure them out. You come to the table with suggestions - not more problems. You are constantly looking at how to improve the process.

2. Proud. You are proud of your work because your efforts are always well thought out, tested and reviewed. You don't rely on others to finish your assignments but ask others to quality check your work to make sure it is always correct.

3. Persistent. We all know to learn from mistakes, but the 'perfect employee' personifies this concept. You admit when you are wrong sooner than later. If you don't know how to do something, you find out how … with no excuses.

4. Passionate. You LOVE what you do and radiate emotion when you talk about your work!  You learn on your own, offer improvements, and share with others what you know.

5. Productive. Your willingness to push up your sleeves and work overtime while not jeopardizing other commitments is renowned. While we all have parts of our jobs that are not favorable, 'perfect employees' realize the goal of those less desirable tasks and get them done.

6. Positive. You exemplify “Can Do!” by accepting that you can always improve, you see challenges as opportunities, and you think about how things can be done instead of complaining about what you can't change (including the past).

7. Professional. You understand that while comradery is important with co-workers and clients, there is a fine line between “fun” and unprofessional “fooling around.” You make sure your work is top notch and your comments will not ever be construed as childish or offensive.

8. Able to keep Promises. You are always thinking about priorities and when the job will be completed in order to deliver in order to keep your promise. You communicate when a conflict arises but still look to deliver on time. You are faithful about deadlines and rarely provide excuses.

9. Punctual. You understand the value of time, yours as well as others. People think “punctual” is your middle name.

10. Able to Promote … others and yourself. You promote great deeds and great work regardless of who completed it. You are always thinking and talking about ways to make the workplace a better environment for your colleagues and services better for clients.

11. Purposeful. Each day has a purpose. You take each day and every action seriously; constantly thinking about what needs to be accomplished and how to generate purposeful results.

HOW to be “perfect” (or close)?

Providing professional services, by nature, means that we are tasked to serve our clients. We often measure billings, schedule delivery and quality of deliverables, yet fail to objectively measure the real goal - driving client delight. Strive to be the 'perfect employee' to your clients by evaluating how to obtain your peak performance and implementing continuous improvement with feedback!

 

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Open Architecture - Why It's Good for Professional Services Firms.

Posted by Wendy Gustafson on March 04, 2015

open architectureAmong many things, today’s professional service firm managers are constantly striving for the most effective and efficient way to operate their business. They are inundated with data and, while reviewing latest financial results, finding the right business indicators for planning, understanding modern marketing trends and, of course, keep up with technology – simply managing the business can fall through the cracks. If your business is thriving, then it is evolving, and you need technology that can keep up with it and keep your business moving ahead. Enter open architecture (OA).

What is Open Architecture?

Open Architecture is when a systems specifications are accessible and allows further system development. Additionally, systems that allow an application programming interface (API), new system features can be developed and integrated with other software.

How Can I Benefit?

  • Flexibility – Your business is unique. Although you may perform similar functions as other professional services firms, how you conduct business is uniquely – you. The reality is there is not one system “out of the box” that completely provides everything for your very individual business needs. Finding a system that gets you most of a specific functionality is one thing. Finding a system with an open architecture allows you to meet the specific functionality and meet the special needs of YOUR business is quite another. A system with open architecture will allow you to customize the design (both in processes and fields for data collection) to meet your specific needs
  • Efficiency – Time is precious (not to mention expensive). Open architecture systems allow you to reduce duplicate entry and incomplete processes – reducing errors and omissions. When your software systems “talk” to each other (for example the information from your opportunity system automatically converts to a project when awarded) the data is automatically transferred between the systems eliminating the needs for staff to duplicate entry and reducing errors. You can also build in validation requirements to ensure YOUR business process is followed.
  • Connectivity – Access is important. You need your data regardless of which system you’re looking at or when you need it. An open architecture system will share your data with other systems and allow you seamless access to it. For example, when you are awarded a project that meets certain requirements that project information can be automatically uploaded to your website – keeping your site relevant to YOUR business.

Don’t take our word for it

Now that we know what open architecture is, let’s talk specifically about how an OA will help your professional services firm. An ERP like Deltek Vision allows even those with limited IT knowledge to customize and build business intelligence processes through the use of workflows

Let’s say during your sales cycle when you change the stage to “Awarded” you typically have a series of other fields and processes you have to go through. A workflow can trigger those processes:

  • Change Status to Sold
  • Change Probability to 100%
  • Change the Date Closed to Today’s Date
  • E-mail Accounting to open a project (or even allow the system open up a project)
  • E-mail Marketing to advise a new project was won

Duplicated or unnecessary efforts equates to lost time. Alternatively business processes that are not followed can spin cycles down the road (that is why the process is there in the first place – right?). Many of these items are easily resolved through workflows where some can take advantage of the flexible software solution already available, while others may need to take it to a higher level to tailor to their unique requirements. The possibilities for innovation are limitless with a system that has an open architecture.

Don’t Go at It Alone

While technology fads come and go, it can be hard to tell which ones you should ignore and which you should embrace. The benefits of open architecture are clear – flexibility, efficiency and connectivity. But don’t go at it alone – you have better things to do with your time then sifting through mounds of technical documents – reach out to your friends at Full Sail Partners to consult on how open architecture can make you shine.

 

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What's New with Deltek Vision 7.4

Posted by Full Sail Partners on February 25, 2015

vision7.4The much anticipated wait for Deltek Vision 7.4 is finally over! To kick off 2015 on a high note, Deltek is releasing the most powerful version of Vision ever. So what features and enhancements are included with the newest version of Vision? Let’s see!

Deltek Vision 7.4 Features and Enhancements:

  • Increase project management accuracy with new task dependencies Plan projects with Task Dependencies, change dates and choose the Predecessor and Successor date changes along with it. Additionally, added right-click functionality to easily move dates.
     
  • Deliver consistent opportunity estimates even faster with the new fee estimate tool | Standardize the way professional services firms develop fee based scopes:
    1. Create Fee Estimate for the Opportunity based on templates
    2. Create reports to include with proposals
    3. Create projects from the Fee Estimate mapping compensation values and Work Breakdown Structure
    4. Project Fee estimates stay intact in Project Info Center
       
  • Manage your purchasing approvals in Vision with new workflows as simple or complex as you need them | The new Approvals workflow engine in Vision has been applied to the Purchasing module! Utilize new workflow capabilities to automate your approvals.
     
  • Customize your invoices with enhanced invoice template editor | Ensure that the details you and your customers need most are always included.
     
    1. Include User Defined Fields on Invoices
    2. Control your Invoice Subtotals
    3. Group your billing phases for your fee invoices
       
  • Much, much more | In addition to the above enhancements, there are dozens of additional features and improvements, including:

    • Associate All button - Quickly associate a supporting document with all voucher lines
    • Key Convert and Combine Records even if they have planning data.
    • Audit Trail for Closing/Opening Accounting Periods
    • Create and schedule recurring/reversing Journal Entries

    Have questions about the newest enhancements and features included in Deltek Vision 7.4, or looking for information on how to upgrade to 7.4? Reach out to us below, and we will be happy to help you get a grasp on all of the new functionality available to your firm!

     

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    Deltek Vision and Adobe InDesign: Stop Focusing on the Boilerplate

    Posted by Full Sail Partners on February 19, 2015

    I think by now we can all agree: The ability to automate proposals with InDesign and Deltek Vision is the greatest thing to happen to proposal creation since the copy and paste function! In this blog we are going to dive deeper in to the realm of automating information out of Vision in to InDesign and take a look at the two coolest ‘outside of the box’ features currently available. If you are just looking to get started with automating information from Vision to InDesign be sure to check out this previous blog.

    detelk vision adobe indesign integration

    It is important to continue looking at ways to increase efficiency throughout the entire procurement process. From proposals to the short-list interview, integrating Deltek Vision and Adobe InDesign can give your firm the competitive advantage needed to wow the client. Answer in days, not weeks. Spend less time on boilerplate material and more time on compelling, tailored responses that will further set your firm apart from the competition.

    So, how can we use the Adobe InDesign and Deltek Vision integration in new powerful ways? Let’s get started with my two favorite outside of the box features:

    1.  Create new, customized, cover sheets while preserving your firm branding.

    Utilize the power of integration to create customized cover sheets for each new proposal. By utilizing the powerful template system created by Deltek you are able to wow the client by creating a beautiful combination of your firm branding and project specific information.  This marriage of project-specific information and targeted marketing media will allow you to quickly separate your firm from the competition with the first thing the client sees – the proposal cover!

    2.  Stand above the rest and break away from the chains of PowerPoint

    You’ve landed that ever elusive short-list presentation. Congratulations! Now you have to win it, or all of the work that you did was for naught. This is your opportunity to separate yourself from the competition. You can basically guarantee that the other short-listed firms are going to present a boring old standardized PowerPoint presentation. This is your chance to stand out and relate to the client on a personal level.

    How does the Adobe InDesign and Deltek Vision integration help your presentations stand out from the rest? Simple:

    • First impressions are everything | Too many professional services firms fail to differentiate their firm from the competition and let the client mistakenly believe that the decision boils down to price. By creating your presentation in InDesign, you are able to break away from the design restrictions of PowerPoint and instantly differentiate yourself from the competition.
    • Eliminate mistakes | How embarrassing is it when our proposals and presentations reflect two different sets of data? Avoid this pitfall by automating all client and project specific information directly from your Deltek Vision system.
    • Reinforce your firm branding | Your firm spent countless combined man hours putting together a proposal that got you to the short-list stage. At this point the client likely feels like they know your firm on a basic level. So why change your overall branding now, and start anew? By creating your proposal and presentation from the same set of templates and data-sources, you reinforce your firm branding at every stage of the sales process.

    These are two of my favorite ways to use the Adobe InDesign and Deltek Vision integration to make my life easier. Are you thinking outside of the box and using this functionality in any neat ways? We would love to hear - please comment below.

    Not currently integrating your Deltek Vision system with Adobe InDesign? Click below to learn how to begin:

    Technology service offerings continue to grow as Heath Harris & Wayne Johnstone Join Full Sail Partners

    Posted by Full Sail Partners on February 17, 2015

    Full Sail Partners, a Deltek Premier Partner, is pleased to announce that Heath Harris, and Wayne Johnstone, have joined the Full Sail Partners’ team. These new hires highlight a continuing effort to further bolster the information technology service offerings of the firm. Both of these employees have the skills and knowledge to help clients optimize their IT solution systems to grow and enhance their operations.

    Heath Harris is a well-rounded network specialist with 10 years of experience focused on providing Deltek Vision installations, data migrations, upgrades, and customization for small to medium sized firms. As an IT Consultant, Heath will help firms leverage their investments in the Deltek Vision platform by ensuring that systems are optimized for efficiency and advising clients on how to use technology solutions to meet their business objectives.

    “I am thrilled to be joining the Full Sail Partners’ team," said Heath Harris. “I am excited to join a company with the passion for helping clients utilize technology to drive and manage profitable growth. I look forward to collaborating with clients and implementing the right solution for their needs.”

    As a Product Developer, Wayne Johnstone assists in the development of custom solutions to automate critical business processes for professional services firms. His extensive background in .NET development, SQL programming, and solution architecture surrounding Web based development technologies provides Full Sail Partners with the expertise required to provide solutions that will bridge the gap between independent silos of information.

    "Becoming a part of the Full Sail Partners’ team is a wonderful opportunity," said Wayne Johnstone. "In both the professional services industry and the technology community, the Full Sail Partners’ team is known for developing innovative technology solutions to assist professional service firms optimize their business. I'm really looking forward to working with the talented product development group to advance our offerings and continue to deliver solutions that help our customers grow their firms, and get better business results."

    As business continues to grow for professional services firms, these recent hiring’s are indicative of Full Sail Partners’ commitment to helping clients excel in today’s quickly-changing economic environment

    “Historically, automation has focused on the reduction of manual processes internal to Deltek Vision,” said Wes Renfroe, VP of Technology, “but many of our clients are embracing next generation solutions in the cloud to further augment their processes. With the addition of Wayne and Heath, Full Sail Partners’ development efforts are focusing on enabling clients to integrate their data in Deltek Vision to and from other disparate sources.”

    Interested in meeting the rest of the crew? Check out are updated staff page!

     

    FSP Staff, Deltek Vision Consultants

    Complete Cloud Solutions – Does Your Technology Have the Ability To Evolve?

    Posted by Wes Renfroe on February 11, 2015

    COMPLETE CLOUD SOLUTIONSIn the modern business environment, decision makers observe daily how technology is driving business transformation. More and more CFOs, CMOs and business leaders with IT leadership roles are having the conversation about how their businesses are growing and the impact the cloud is having on their organizational IT plans.

    I often speak with customers about the ways we are helping organizations transform into digital businesses and how that enables greater responsiveness in a mobile-driven, cloud-first world. As there becomes less separation between our digital work and digital life, enabling experiences delivered across devices and through the complete cloud is vital.

    But what is the ‘complete cloud’? While it is tempting to think of the cloud as a single-entity consisting of raw processing power; the truth is that the complete cloud is more of an ecosystem with many distinctive parts that interact with each other.  To take things a step further, the complete cloud allows you access to your entire technology setup, and all of your data, from anywhere, on any device!

    Complete Cloud Solutions - What does this even mean?

    So, how is the complete cloud changing the way firms do business? Let’s first examine three aspects that define what exactly a complete cloud solution is:

    • A truly complete cloud offering includes everything from SPAM protection to server intrastructure and software in one package.

    To get even more specific, when you utilize a complete cloud solution, your technology package should minimally include hardware like an LCD monitor, a cloud-computer with the latest operating system, virus and SPAM filtering, and Microsoft Office. You should also be given unlimited storage with a server plant fit to run all of your business applications.

    CLOUD 

    • Ability to unite all of your systems and processes with one single contact.

    Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to wade through several phone numbers when you have a problem, negotiate with several vendors when costs start to rise, or read through mountains of separate manuals when you need specific product help?  When you have one phone number for all your IT needs, the gift of time is given back to you.  

    • Managed by a true partner whom has your best interest in mind.

    It’s more than just throwing together a list.  It’s really about vendor management.  Being that partner who works on your behalf.  A partner who is technologically proficient to make sure you’re getting the best technology and services available allowing you to focus your energies on what you do best.  And what’s more is having a partner who knows your business, your industry so that the IT offerings in your complete cloud solution truly reflect what you need to get your work done.  

    So, what is all the hype about with the complete cloud?

    Now that we’ve discussed what real, complete cloud solutions are, let’s talk about the benefits:

    • Reliability – 24/7 access

    In-house problems:  Systems go down but your IT department can only work so many hours OR disaster strikes in the form of Mother Nature.  How long will it take to get everyone working again?

    Complete cloud solutions You know those factories that put up signs indicating how long it has been accident free?  That same concept exists in the technology world – except they are virtual signs denoting the complete lack of interruption in service.  In this world, they take 24/7 seriously.  And as a complete cloud customer, you will never lose access, have data issues, or lag times.  Never.

    • Mobility – access anywhere, anytime.

    In house problem:  Ever been in front of a client trying to answer a question, but you can’t access your data either because the VPN is lagging or the data isn’t synchronized?

    Complete cloud solutions: We live in a mobile world.  We have tablets, smart phones, and virtual offices.  We need access from anywhere – Carolina to California – at any time.  We need systems that are optimized for uniform performance with no lag or data conflicts, as if we are in HQ with our servers next door.  With the complete cloud, your data is, in fact, accessible wherever you are.  

    • Fixed cost – no surprises.

    In house problem:  How often did you think you were getting an all-inclusive cost?  Or, how difficult is it to manage the contracts and costs of multiple IT vendors; pay thousands of dollars in technology upgrade costs, licensing fees, and unexpected technology replacements (printer died, monitor cracked, etc.); or cope with expensive IT management issues (human, technology, and vendor)?

    Complete cloud solutions:  With a complete cloud solution, all costs are detailed up front. Period.  No surprises, no emergent expenses. 

    Evolve with the future

    Business is evolving, so should your technology! Server flexibility, storage and memory are the life-force that drives modern business. Successful business leaders have identified the need to be able to react to the changing requirements of their technological environment. Lack of resources can impact business, and stump growth. Today, the complete cloud solution is the perfect marriage of business with modern technology.
     

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    Inside the client mind: Is your brand what you think it is?

    Posted by Full Sail Partners on February 05, 2015

    clientmindTo thrive in the professional services industry, client satisfaction must always remain a top concern. All successful project-based firms have the resources and ability to deliver high quality projects. This ability does not separate truly successful firms – it is the bare minimum needed to enter the conversation.

    What truly separates one professional services firm from another is the capability to understand how they are perceived by their clients and utilize this information to build more meaningful relationships. How many people reading this blog can truly say that they know how their clients perceive them? I’d guess not many of us could answer that question.

    Unfortunately most firms fail to recognize the impact that the client experience throughout the lifespan of the project plays on the overall perception of the firm in the clients mind. This failure to leverage feedback and ensure a positive project experience equates to a failure in your brand.

    Utilize feedback to dig in to the client mind

    So – how DO we utilize feedback to establish our brand in the clients mind, and differentiate ourselves from our competition? Let’s examine three key factors:

    • Open the lines of communications between your clients and your project managers – The experience your clients have with your firm is based on communication.  Provide the means for clear, honest and timely communication. 
    • Put your clients mind at ease - Improve your bottom line knowing your clients expectations. Avoid dissatisfied clients that can too often become “former clients”. 
    • Go above and beyond the standard - Strengthen project delivery by focusing on specific client expectations that can only be identified through open communication channels. Know your deliverables. 

    Improved communication between your project managers and your client is crucial to the ongoing profitability and viability of your firm – coincidentally, it just so happens to be a key factor to establishing your brand in the mind of the client and winning new business. So, how do we continue to develop our brand, and improve the lines of communications with our clients? Register for this free webinar on March 4th to find out:

     

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