Finally, World Gym wanted to develop an agreement that created accountability for both sides. That meant clearly defined expectations, effective communication, and a willingness to work together to fix the “bumps and bruises” that come with a new relationship and major software change. In addition, he says, it's important to do business with people with whom you feel comfortable.
Other Considerations
Any software shift means thinking in-depth about your needs and about the impact the change will have on your organization.
“Do your homework,” advises Saracco. “To be completely honest and transparent, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ software system or company. Everyone has unique needs and requirements, and that's O.K. There are tons of options, and each company has its strengths and areas that may need improvement or may not exactly fit your needs.
At the end of the day, make good business decisions based on real facts—not hearsay from competitors—and look at the relationship you build with them during the process. It's still a people business, so what makes the best business sense for you, your people, and, ultimately, your end-users? In this case, the team at Club OS/ASF and my team really seemed to work well together, and that goes a long way to building trust.”
“It is important to really understand your own needs, much like buying a house,” echoes Hahn. “What are your non-negotiables? What are things that you can live without?” But beyond features, look for someone you can partner with; someone who, as Jarrod says, will listen and respond to you.
If you don’t know what to ask, talk to your peers in the industry to get feedback and support. Ask a lot of questions. How is your data being used? Is it a Payfac compensation data and technology platform? Does it integrate with other software or is it a closed ecosystem, which can limit what your clients can do? Does it offer the reporting you need?