The British Are Coming!

A Revolution in the Making 

On a warm July morning in 1776, the air was thick with anticipation. The brave souls of the thirteen American colonies had reached a tipping point. They were tired of the constraints imposed by the distant monarchy, yearning for freedom and the chance to chart their own destiny. With a quill and parchment, they declared their independence, igniting a revolution that would forever change the course of history. 

Parallels to Small Business 

This month, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, we reflect not only on the birth of a nation but also on the essence of freedom. In the spirit of this historic milestone, let us draw a parallel to the modern small business world where many companies find themselves shackled by the limitations of Excel. Just as the colonies broke free from the British Empire, businesses can liberate themselves from Excel and embrace transformative data practices. 

When Freedom Turns into Anarchy 

Many businesses rely on Excel for their data needs, but its limitations in scalability, collaboration, version control, and automation can severely impact efficiency and accuracy. The limiting nature of Excel can create real problems for a company, especially when the data makes sense only to the person who created it. Excel's flexibility, while initially appealing, often leads to anarchy where collaboration and security become challenging and difficult to maintain. Furthermore, this lack of structure can make it hard to pass on processes to the next generation of employees. 

Imposing the Right Limits 

Building solutions with sensible controls is essential to overcoming these issues. Businesses must implement systems that make sense and get the best out of the team. These solutions should be scalable and adaptable to the changing needs of the team, rather than rigidly following the mindset of the original Excel creator. By doing so, companies can enjoy the benefits of security and scalability while fostering a more productive environment. 

Recognizing the Individual 

Recognizing the individuality of each team member is also crucial. Standardized package systems can stifle individuality by assuming all processes need to be done the same way. This can make employees feel like mere cogs in a wheel. In contrast, tailored systems act as extensions of the team that created them, fostering a sense of ownership and innovation. 

Real Life Freedom Story 

Consider the real-life success of our customer, a crop insurance and grain marketing advisor, who replaced the complex equations in Excel with a simplified app. By embracing freedom from the constraints of spreadsheets, they could visually show their clients potential outcomes in real time. This transformation embodied the spirit of independence and innovation, much like the American colonies breaking free from British rule. 

Embracing a New Era of Freedom 

As we celebrate the spirit of freedom this Fourth of July, let us also embrace the freedom to innovate and improve our business practices. By breaking free from the constraints of Excel and adopting transformative data practices, businesses can achieve true independence, efficiency, and success. Just as the colonies declared their independence and paved the way for a new era, so too can your business by liberating itself from outdated processes starting with a phone call to us. 

Happy Birthday Ablesoft!

Ablesoft Solutions (and photo quality) has come a long way since renting office space, to now owning their own building and reaching customers nationwide with a growing employee base.

Taking the Leap  
"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” famously said by hockey player Wayne Gretzky—a sentiment every small business owner understands. In 1994, Noel Bruns took his chance, leaving behind a lucrative 15-year career in information services with ComEd to establish Ablesoft Solutions in Oregon, Illinois. With steadfast support from his wife Sally and their four young children, Noel embarked on a journey that now spans three decades. Under his guidance, Ablesoft Solutions has thrived, marking 30 years of crafting customized software solutions for small businesses. This ongoing journey reflects perseverance, transformation, and a steadfast commitment to values and teamwork. 
 
Early Challenges: Sales and Marketing 
In the early days, Noel first faced the unexpected challenge of mastering sales and marketing. It wasn't his forte, but he knew it was crucial for the early stages of his business. With few connections and a remote small-town software operation, he found early success by serving as president of the Chicago Access Users Group (CAUG). Coordinating activities and presenting content at several meetings not only expanded his network but also brought in pivotal early customers. This role became a critical stepping-stone, providing the confidence and connections needed to propel Ablesoft forward. 
 
Building a Values-Driven Company Culture 
Noel’s personal values have been the cornerstone of Ablesoft’s culture. He believes that one of the greatest benefits of owning a business is the ability to choose your colleagues. “For me, surrounding myself with talented and considerate people not only created the best work environment but also fostered a team spirit that made coming to work each day pleasurable,” Noel remarks. He emphasizes the importance of pride in one’s work and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. These values have ensured that Ablesoft’s clients always receive top-notch service, and when mistakes happen, they are owned up to and corrected swiftly. 
 
Defining Success 
While Ablesoft had early success, Noel recalls a particularly sobering moment in 1999. He had a variety of customers, a solid staff, and was turning a decent profit. While he felt like he had made it, in fact, it was a false positive.  “Knowing you will succeed suggests you are certain of sustainable success and stability. I truly didn’t feel that until my two sons joined me in the business around 2017,” he admits. He explains: their infusion of youth, fresh ideas, and boundless energy revitalized the company. It was in those subsequent years that Noel felt a genuine, sustainable success taking root, knowing that the future of Ablesoft was in good hands. 

Keeping Pace with Technology 
Technological advancements have dramatically reshaped Ablesoft’s business model over the past 30 years. From the infancy of email and web to the necessary adaptation to remote work during the pandemic, Noel has adeptly steered the company through these challenges. The transition from client-server systems to web-based development was a significant milestone. Embracing the philosophy, “If someone is going to put you out of business, it might as well be yourself,” Noel led Ablesoft to innovate and stay ahead of industry trends, combining their early successes with modern web-based tools. 

The Gamble that Revolutionized Small Business Solutions 
During an early slowdown, and wanting to retain his staff, Noel self-funded an internal initiative to design and build a baseline package to improve the quality and speed of ASI’s future development projects. This foundational investment enabled Ablesoft to bridge the hard times and ultimately, helped to entice new clients, while promoting long-term success and client satisfaction. 

Transformative Customer Relationships 
Out of many memorable customer relationships, one stands out to Noel. A small service company operating from a home basement sought Ablesoft’s help to manage waste hauling services more efficiently. Their business was spreadsheet-driven, and as it grew, so did its complexities. Hiring and retaining good employees became nearly impossible. They were unable to grow the business. Noel and his team developed a web-based system that guided users through their processes, validated their work, and enforced business rules. This transformation allowed the fledgling company to add staff, expand and relocate, turning a struggling home-based operation into a thriving business. 
 
The Legacy Continues 
As Noel reflects on the future, he feels immense pride in the qualities his sons brought to the business. While he jokes about their hostile takeover, he recognizes their critical contributions in many areas. Ben’s business acumen and thirst for new ideas, combined with Eric’s exceptional project and team management capabilities, ensure that Ablesoft is in good hands. Their shared values and mutual respect create a cohesive leadership team that is poised to continue the company’s legacy of excellence. 

Noel’s journey with Ablesoft Solutions is a heartfelt testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of personal values in building a successful business. His story is one of not just professional achievements but also personal growth and fulfillment, deeply intertwined with the legacy he leaves through his sons and their shared vision for the future. 
 
Cheers to Noel and Ablesoft Solutions – here's to thirty more successful years!

Building Top Talent from the Ground Up

From Left to Right: Carson Hegge, Edgar Zarco, and Brian Baez

Celebrating Milestones and Building Future Leaders at Ablesoft 

This month, we're excited to celebrate the significant milestones achieved by our junior developers at Ablesoft. Carson is about to graduate from college after completing his final summer class, Edgar is transferring to a new school, and Brian is stepping up to take on more responsibilities within our team. Our "amoeba" program immerses junior developers in real projects from day one, preparing them for future challenges and enabling them to deliver immediate value to our customers. Through hands-on experience and a supportive learning environment, we ensure a smooth transition for our junior developers, benefiting both Ablesoft and our clients. 

From Novices to Vital Team Members 

Every professional journey begins with a single step. At Ablesoft, our junior developers start as college graduates, interns, or career changers, quickly evolving into key team members through our tailored onboarding process. This program equips them with essential skills and knowledge, emphasizing hands-on experience crucial for professional growth. 

Leveraging Ablesoft Core and Senior Developers for Junior Talent Development 

Our proprietary technology platform, Ablesoft Core, is integral to our training process. It streamlines development tasks, enabling junior developers to quickly become proficient and breaking down complex projects into manageable tasks matched to the developer's skill level. By having senior and junior developers collaborate on the same projects, juniors deepen their skills and gain insights while seniors can focus on more complex tasks. 

For example, Carson and Tyler recently spearheaded a project using Ablesoft Core to develop a sophisticated customer management system. Guided by senior developers, they delivered an exceptional application that provided significant value to the client while gaining invaluable hands-on training. 

Creating Value for Our Clients 

By empowering our junior developers, we ensure consistent progress and reliability for our clients. Their innovative thinking and commitment to quality translate into superior service and satisfaction. Juniors can make incremental progress on customer applications, allowing seniors to attend to more complex, long-term tasks. This helps maintain project momentum and show visual progress to clients. Junior developers bring fresh perspectives that foster customer-centric solutions, enhancing project outcomes. 

Fostering a Culture of Growth and Innovation 

At Ablesoft, we cultivate a culture of continuous growth and innovation. We encourage our junior developers to explore novel ideas and approaches, creating an environment where creativity thrives. This culture benefits our team and leads to unique solutions for our clients. For instance, our intern, Tyler, successfully piloted the use of AI to scan printed documents into text, which the senior team then integrated into production applications. 

Conclusion 

At Ablesoft, our investment in the growth of junior developers through on-the-job learning creates a win-win situation for everyone involved. Our juniors acquire the skills and experience they need to excel, while Ablesoft and our clients benefit from their fresh perspectives and innovative contributions. 

As we celebrate the achievements of our junior developers, we look forward to the continued success and positive impact they will bring to our projects and clients. We are proud to empower the next generation of developers, fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and excellence. 

Join us in this exciting journey and discover how our commitment to nurturing talent drives transformative results for your business by exploring some of our recent success stories delivered by our young talent. 

Less is More: The Minimalist Solution

Andrew has a storied past across technology jobs including infrastructure and application support, software development, and data analysis.

2020 was a transformative year worldwide. The challenges of the global pandemic prompted a collective reassessment of our priorities and lifestyles, reigniting interest in the 1960s art and design philosophy of simplicity and minimalism. As people spent more time at home, the desire to eliminate excess and concentrate on what truly matters became increasingly important to many. 
 
Ablesoft's developer, Andrew Currens, embraced these minimalist ideals, starting with a realization about material possessions. "I understood that material things don't lead to long-term happiness," he says. "This change in mindset has not only transformed my personal life, but also shaped my approach to software development."  

1. Using What Works: 
His minimalist approach values reuse and scalability, characteristics also found in the Ablesoft Core, our foundational software. "The Ablesoft Core is complex, but it helps us build projects that are straightforward and easy to maintain," he explains. By using Ablesoft Core, Andrew and the rest of the team can streamline development by reducing the need to start from scratch each time. "Less code often means cleaner, more maintainable projects," Andrew points out.  

The Illinois winters drove Andrew to move to Arizona where he works remotely.

2. Solutions Tailored to Specific Needs: 
Andrew focuses on addressing the core challenges faced by clients without adding unnecessary complexity. By concentrating on the essential aspects of each project, he ensures that the solutions are effective and user-friendly. This targeted approach accelerates the development timeline and delivers software that aligns closely with the client's expectations.  

3. Making Technology User-Friendly: 
Like our other developers, Andrew is committed to creating applications that are intuitive and easy to navigate. By breaking down complex interfaces into simpler components, he ensures that the software is accessible to users of all levels of tech-savviness. This user-friendly approach not only enhances adoption but also simplifies maintenance and updates.  

When he’s off the clock, you can find Andrew conquering bike trails and discovering craft brews.

Applying Minimalism Beyond Software: 
Not surprisingly, Andrew's minimalist principles extend beyond the world of software. In his personal life, he gravitates towards hobbies and activities that offer genuine value without accumulating unnecessary stuff. For instance, he enjoys biking, which combines exploration, fitness, and skill-building without requiring a lot of equipment. This approach could be mirrored by companies considering custom software. Starting with a minimal but robust foundation like the Ablesoft Core, mentioned above, businesses can start small and expand as needed, like how Andrew approaches his hobbies.  

Conclusion: 

Andrew's minimalist approach to software development offers small businesses a pathway to efficient, user-friendly solutions in the context of the challenges and changes of 2020. By focusing on simplicity, addressing specific needs, and prioritizing user experience, he demonstrates the enduring relevance of minimalism even in creating effective software solutions.  

If you're interested in exploring how a minimalist approach can optimize your business in these changing times, we invite you to give us a call. 

March Madness Strategies for Small Businesses

March Madness isn't just about buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories; it's also a masterclass in risk assessment. As small business leaders, you're no strangers to the uncertainties lurking in the shadows of daily operations, whether it's dealing with unclear processes, trapped data, or Excel overload. But what if I told you that borrowing a page from the playbook of sports bettors during March Madness could help mitigate those risks? Just as successful sports bettors meticulously analyze data to make informed decisions, small businesses can harness the power of daily process assessments to confront uncertainty head-on. Let's explore how the principles of sports gambling risk analysis can revolutionize your business operations, with Ablesoft's expertise in workflow management leading the way. 

Analyzing the Variables 

In both sports betting and business, the misinterpretation of data can spell disaster. Recognizing genuine risks is essential; much like how bettors can't rely on dominant teams to guarantee success (as evidenced by only one occurrence of the top four seeds making it to the Final Four), businesses cannot lean on stagnant processes as the cornerstone of their success. It's imperative to step back, reassess, and avoid fixating on 'stale' data for effective risk management. 

Delving into the Details 

Successful sports bettors don't settle for surface-level analysis; they dive deep into player performance, team dynamics, injuries, and even weather conditions. Likewise, in business, prioritizing leading indicators such as customer feedback and market trends empowers informed decision-making and adaptation to shifting landscapes. Embracing diversified strategies and steering clear of over-reliance on single factors are critical for fortifying resilience. 

Continuous Improvement 

Consider the journey of one of our clients who wanted to enhance their sales processes. Through an assessment conducted by Ablesoft, they gained invaluable insights into their sales process, uncovering bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Implementing Ablesoft's recommendations led to a significant surge in sales performance and lead conversions. Sales forecasts, once shaky, soared to a remarkable 95% accuracy and lead conversions increased by 12%. This success story underscores the transformative potential of leveraging data-driven assessments to optimize revenue through business operations. 

Embracing Adaptability 

Adaptability is key to success in both sports betting and business. Ablesoft's assessments offer a structured method for gathering stakeholder feedback, crucial for continuous improvement and precise navigation of uncertainties. By learning from successful sports bettors and conducting comprehensive assessments, small businesses can efficiently mitigate risks and continually enhance their risk management strategies with Ablesoft's expert guidance. 

Strategic Decision-Making 

As March Madness unfolds, remember the invaluable insights it offers for mitigating risks in your business operations. It's time to diversify your “bets” and embrace a strategic approach from Ablesoft that ensures resilience and success in the face of uncertainty. Take the first step towards empowered decision-making by engaging with us through our assessment quiz or initiating a conversation today. 

Heartfelt Connections: Balancing Tech and Team Dynamics Beyond Valentine's Day

Although the Valentine chocolates have been marked down to ½ off on the shelves, it's never too late to foster sweet dialogue and collaboration within your office. Having recently celebrated 8 years of marriage this month, I can confirm that communication in relationships often involves navigating through unclear expectations. Similarly, in the business world, we often overlook the crucial interplay between technology and communication within our companies.

The Pitfalls of Technology-Driven Solutions 

You invest in cutting-edge software, hoping it will revolutionize your team's workflow and encourage collaboration. Yet, despite the technological advancements, productivity remains stagnant, and tensions simmer beneath the surface. What went wrong? The answer lies in understanding that technology alone cannot mend broken lines of communication or bridge the gap between differing perspectives. 

Aligning Technology with Genuine Needs 

On the similar side of the coin, imagine planning a grand romantic gesture for your partner without truly understanding their desires. You might shower them with flowers when all they crave is quality time together. Similarly, implementing software to automate flawed processes without addressing underlying communication issues leads to efficiency without true effectiveness. 

The Importance of Open Dialogue 

To truly optimize efficiency, it's essential to align technology with the genuine needs of your business, ensuring that speed serves accuracy rather than merely masking inefficiencies. Last month, we delved into the importance of communication within teams, emphasizing the need to identify root problems before investing in significant technological upgrades. 

Empowering Teams through Collaboration 

Just as meaningful conversations deepen personal relationships, effective leadership encourages open dialogue within teams. Instead of imposing tools, leaders should foster collaborative discussions to identify challenges and customize solutions accordingly. This approach prevents costly missteps, such as the experience of a past customer. In this instance, the project lead introduced a new software system without understanding his team’s perspectives. Consequently, the team rejected the system, leaving the underlying problem unresolved. Ablesoft facilitated a conversation among team members, but ultimately the project lead left the company, and the project was abandoned. 

Striking the Balance in the Digital Age 

In today's fast-paced digital age, striking the right balance between technology and human interaction is crucial for business success. While technology offers efficiency and automation, it's vital not to overlook the significance of encouraging genuine human connections within organizations. 

Active dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving are the cornerstones of effective communication strategies. Through assessments like those provided by Ablesoft, businesses can gain valuable insights into team dynamics and communication styles, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and transparency. 

Embracing Balanced Solutions 

It's time for business owners to reassess their communication strategies and technological integration. Are they striking the right balance between efficiency and interpersonal relationships? Evaluating current practices and incorporating tools like Ablesoft assessments can empower teams to thrive. 

Driving Business Forward with Balanced Technology and Human Connection 

In the journey towards long-term business success, achieving harmony between technology and communication is essential. Remember, behind every line of code and digital screens are real people with unique perspectives and emotions. Let's embrace the power of balanced technology and human connection to drive our businesses forward. 

Growth Sabotage: Stop Before You Buy

In an advancing world where both society and businesses are enticed by quick fixes, the allure of instant solutions can be irresistible. Much like nurturing our overall well-being, success in your small business demands more than impulsive decisions—it calls for thoughtful reflection and informed choices. 

Health Setback: A Personal Gut Check   

I recently experienced a health setback just before Christmas, and it made me realize how similar this is to how businesses operate. Faced with underlying issues, my initial reaction was to seek immediate solutions – whether through supplements or a wait-and-see approach. It's a familiar scenario for businesses too, where a reactive approach can often do more harm than good. 

A Strategic, Comprehensive Approach   

In both personal health and business, the key is to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Instead of addressing individual problems, it's more effective to view the body (or business) as a holistic entity. For my health, making lifestyle changes to my diet effectively addressed most of my primary issues. Similarly, in business, taking a step back often reveals a more comprehensive solution. 

At Ablesoft Solutions, we encourage starting with a comprehensive assessment before diving into any project. Our team empowers you to express the specific challenges your business faces, so we can better understand your unique processes. Together, we take all the information and form a plan that works for your unique company. 

This process parallels when my blood test revealed internal damage to my body. From the outside, everything seemed fine, but waiting for things to go wrong wasn't the solution. Instead, taking informed steps to map out a long-term plan is essential to prevent future issues from knee-jerk reactions. 

Health Setback: Small Business Point of View 

Reflecting on our collaboration with a local painting company during a phase of rapid growth, they chose an off-the-shelf HVAC software package to swiftly address the immediate challenge of handling extensive paper in their operations. Unfortunately, the selected package didn't fully resolve their issues; it continued to restrict their business and came with irrelevant features they had to pay for.

In response, our assessment took a more comprehensive approach. We re-evaluated the company's needs versus wants, ranked features based on their business value, and introduced a software application that gradually replaced their reliance on paper.

By leading with the desire to understand the problem before diagnosing a solution unnecessary time and cost can be saved. In a couple of instances our customers have toyed with the idea of pursuing a new system to maintain client data. But after initial discussions it became realized that either the problem needed to be better defined or the tools that existed were sufficient. In both scenarios the more thoughtful approach won out. 

Expert Diagnosis for Business Health 

While we may not be able to diagnose your body's health, we are experts at diagnosing the root issues of your business. If you need an accountability partner to help unlock your full potential for success, take our assessment quiz to see if we’re a good fit, or let's have a conversation. Don't let quick fixes derail your journey; choose strategy over haste. 

6 Ways the Excel Grinch Steals Productivity

With only days left in 2023, we conclude our ‘common business’ pain series. Our journey began by Jingling all the way through Unsolved Headaches, then we navigated the treacherous terrain of the Data Trap. Now, we turn our attention to a festive foe stealing productivity in offices around the world: the Excel Grinch. Reports have flooded in from various industries, with employees discovering that excessive reliance on Excel has led to a decline in overall productivity. 

Grinchy Ways Excel Steals Productivity Across Teams 

The Excel Grinch is said to thrive on the chaos he creates, turning once efficient offices into disorganized workshops of confusion. Channel your inner Cindy Lou and question the chaos the Excel Grinch brings: 

1. Data Integrity on Ice: Imagine a frosty breeze sweeping through the heart of Whoville—similarly, your data's accuracy, consistency, and timeliness face a chilly compromise, jeopardizing the core of decision-making. 

1. Failed Dance of Collaboration and Version Control: Picture a chaotic Whoville waltz where tracking changes transforms into a confusing dance, finding past versions becomes a frustrating melody, and confirming shared sheets are correct feels like a daunting performance on the lively streets of Whoville. 

1. Insufficient Auditing and Control: Just as Cindy Lou worked diligently to unravel the mystery of the Grinch's actions, your business also needs a festive quest to attain clarity and control over your spreadsheets. 

1. Lack of Security: Prepare for an unwelcome chill as vulnerabilities surface, echoing Cindy Lou's shock at the Grinch pilfering Christmas presents. When data exits closed systems, risks to reputation and economic consequences become as loud as blaring trumpets, disrupting the peace with relentless NOISE, NOISE, NOISE! 

1. Juggling the Interconnectivity of Data Sources: Processes relying on Excel grapple with multiple data streams, mirroring the Grinch's struggle juggling stolen presents up Mount Crumpit. This often results in a precarious tower of both gifts and data, frequently tumbling off the sleigh. 

1. Fat Paws: Human mistakes can happen as easily as letting Max the dog type out the inventory of stolen presents with his paws.  

A Whoville Style Miracle for Your Processes: A Merrier Alternative to Spreadsheets 

Just as Cindy Lou transformed the Grinch with her kindness, let's transform our workplaces from Grinchy chaos to Whoville magic with custom applications from Ablesoft Solutions. Bring your essential pantookas, your dafflers and wuzzles as we guide your business down Mount Crumpit, away from Excel dependence and vulnerable excel sheets into industry grade applications with the Ablesoft Core.  We’ll take your snoof and your tringlers and fuzzles and deliver results sure to make your heart for Ablesoft grow three times too big.   

Still feeling Grinchy? We invite you to unwrap one of the successful Excel migration stories we have on our website.  

As the curtains fall on 2023 and our Common Pains series, the lingering message remains for you to embrace a new way of doing business – still your way, but efficient.