In a software demo, you are trying to find out how the product and partner can contribute to your personal ambitions and your organization's goals. If you simply sit back and listen, you won't get the most out of the demo. Here are 5 tips to better understand software demos and help you in your software selection process.
1. Be prepared
Of course, you expect the software vendor to prepare well for the demo. But as an audience, you should also prepare for the demo! Make sure you have some knowledge about the software vendor, the product, technology, processes, key features, references, and so on. It will help you better understand what you are looking at during the demo and better understand the pros and cons of the product you are evaluating.
2. Be focused
You need to be focused during a software demo. Don't be distracted by your phone, incoming emails or anything else. Carefully follow each step in the process demonstrated by the software partner, imagine how it would be used by you or within your organization, take notes and ask relevant and critical questions.
3. Be open
You want the software vendor to demonstrate all the key features of the software and explain how they provide value to your organization. In other words, you want the software partner to open up. But to find out if the software suits you, you will have to be open yourself. Talk about your personal frustrations, pain points you are currently experiencing and the goals you want to achieve with the new software. This makes the software demo more personal, relevant and to-the-point.
"Talk about your personal frustrations, pain points you are currently experiencing and the goals you want to achieve with the new software. "
4. Be energetic
Do you attend a demo because you MUST or because you WANT to? Hopefully because you see it as an opportunity for improvement. Make sure you go into software demos with positive energy. It's fine to express your frustrations, but even better to discover the potential of the software. How will it help improve your business or make your job easier? When you are energized, you encourage new ideas, interaction and positive thinking.
5. Be honest
Don't like the demo? Say so. Not interested in any of the topics? Say so. Why waste your precious time on something that is not going to move you forward? During and after the demo, it is very important to share your thoughts and express your feelings. If you want to know more about a specific topic, the demo consultant can tell you more about it and go into more detail. Honesty and transparency are the best way to start a potential collaboration.
Ashley Harris is a support consultant at Dysel specializing in how business software helps equipment dealers become more successful.
