New to Tech? Here’s an Easy Way In
You've been running your business manually for years, but now it’s time to move it online. Here’s how to ease in
Making the switch from running your business with a pen and notepad to using business software can feel daunting, particularly if tech is not something you’re used to. The secret is to choose software that is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Before you know it, you’ll be saving serious time and hassle, and impressing new clients from your very first communication. Read on to find out how.
But there’s still a place for old-fashioned pen and paper in his day-to-day business. “I still use a writing pad to note down numbers or codes given to me over the phone, and to write lists,” he says.
“I like striking out jobs as they are completed and transferring the remaining items to the next page in the pad once the working page is too full. This will never go. But, for the rest of the business, we go the tech route,” he says.
“I like striking out jobs as they are completed and transferring the remaining items to the next page in the pad once the working page is too full. This will never go. But, for the rest of the business, we go the tech route,” he says.
Tristan Haddock, director at Renotech Building, made the switch to software three years ago. “We did it to remove the hassle of document handling and to have a more in-depth view of how jobs are tracking.
“At any given time, I can assess a site’s progress through daily logs and live schedule updates. It also tracks the financials of the project to ensure we are on track through live budgeting,” he says.
So how hard was it to transition? “We initially had the software running for two or three months before fully committing to it. There was certainly a teething process to work through, though this was eased with free training,” he says.
“At any given time, I can assess a site’s progress through daily logs and live schedule updates. It also tracks the financials of the project to ensure we are on track through live budgeting,” he says.
So how hard was it to transition? “We initially had the software running for two or three months before fully committing to it. There was certainly a teething process to work through, though this was eased with free training,” he says.
Pros who have relied solely on pen and paper are often nervous about switching their businesses online, says Melanie George, manager of the client success team for Houzz Australia New Zealand. “Learning tech can be difficult if you’re not tech-savvy, plus it takes time. But once you’ve got the hang of it, business software can save you serious time.
“Many pros tell me that switching to business software has resulted in better communication — particularly when they’re working with a team — improved customer service and, ultimately, happier clients.”
“Many pros tell me that switching to business software has resulted in better communication — particularly when they’re working with a team — improved customer service and, ultimately, happier clients.”
Some software, such as Houzz Pro, is easier to learn and use than others, making it a good option for tech newbies. “Some of our packages come with unlimited training calls, and we’ve been told by many pros that the user experience is better for clients,” George says.
Find out how Houzz Pro can help you run your business and manage your leads
Find out how Houzz Pro can help you run your business and manage your leads
If you are new to Houzz Pro, there are several easy-to-use tools you may want to start out with.
- Takeoffs. This Houzz Pro tool lets you quickly and accurately measure and mark up plans on screen in minutes, then turn them into professional estimates. “Just upload your floor plans and use the measuring tool to work out things such as wall length, area space, and to calculate concrete volume, wall cladding and the number of [electrical outlets]. You can even create groups to bring multiple measurements together. You can then easily generate estimates to send to clients,” George says.
- Product Clipper. This captures and stores product images and information from Houzz or other websites, or uploaded from a computer, which you can then share with your client for approval.
- 3D Floor Planner. This tool lets you create a visual of the finished project, which you can then show your clients. Start by drawing up the room using the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner tool or uploading the measurements from your smartphone. From there, select the structural elements, such as windows, doors, ceiling height and wall widths. Next, select products and resize them to match the product you are specifying for your client, and choose your flooring material and paint colors. You can then give your client a 3D walk-through of the “finished” space or show them a doll house view.
Watch video tutorials showing how to use Houzz Pro tools
- Stopwatch. This tool allows you to effortlessly track time spent working on each project.
- CRM. Use the Houzz Pro customer relationship management tool to keep up-to-date on where each prospective client is at and what you need to do next.
- Templates. Save time by setting up standardized emails for things you do repeatedly, such as contact new clients.
Your turn: How did you manage the switch to tech? Tell us in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Learn about Houzz Pro all-in-one software