Wow, BatchBlue.com has done a bit of growing up since last time I checked. Adam Darowski was twittering about his site today and so I took a second look. The site is just about perfect for a small business, but the software is not Batch Blue’s competitive advantage.
The strongest feature is their people. I have met at least a couple of the people at Batch Blue and they are the nicest people you will ever meet. I have to admit I usually do not evaluate software based on the people that build and support it – especially not with online software. In this case, though, that makes a pretty big difference.
See, I have worked with enough small businesses to realize that even though the software is easy enough that any geek could figure it out, it is still probably quite the mystery to the average small business. Batch Blue makes the software accessable for small business. I you are a geek and this is making no sense to you, don’t worry I did not get it for a loooooong time. Just take my word for it, they are doing something most geeks can’t, and that makes them pretty cool.
My geek eye quickly picked out a few features I would love to add, like off-line editing and auto-import directly from other contact repositories, but for real customers this site is really great. And no Adam did not pay me to write this. He is just a really nice guy.
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Wow… I’m not even sure what to say! Thanks so much for the kind words!
I’m not immune to evaluating or using software based on who’s running it. In fact, one of the examples of this I’ve had in my head is how I’m finding value in LinkedIn over Facebook for many different reasons, but one of them is the fact that the LinkedIn staff makes themselves so darn accessible. And they’re great people. There are many great folks at LinkedIn, but I’m thinking Mario Sundar and Steve Ganz off the top of my head.
I think with software-as-a-service, one of the unsung “features” that people will use to evaluate companies and offerings is trust. That could be anything from looking “legit” by having a professional web presence to putting your security policies front and center to making yourself accessible for any questions, comments, or simply friendly banter.
This is also a testament to Providence itself. I’ve never felt the sense of community that I have in last year at any other time in my professional career (I worked around Boston the rest of the time). The people are just s’darn nice. Everyone wants each other to succeed. The relationships are genuine. I love it.
Thanks again for a great write-up! I’m honored!
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