Running a growing small or medium size business is not easy, and to gain great success, businesses must fundamentally do three things well and continuously: 

1. Attract new customers
2. Execute operations efficiently
3. Retain loyal customers.

A key ingredient in making this possible is implementing a scalable business management software that provides the right framework. It must be software that is designed specifically to help you attract new customers, optimize your operations and create loyal customers. You need to take a close look at the feature sets and benefits of a particular solution and ask the vendors to explain, or better yet, demonstrate how they can specifically help you in each of these areas. 

But be warned, just software is not enough. You must be able to rely on the people who will implement, deliver, maintain the software, and be assured that they are ready to help you every step of way. Many small and medium businesses have learned the hard way that it's really beneficial to work with a single reliable vendor, one who is not dependent on any other company to make it all happen. This should be a vendor who is both the software provider and a provider of expert services, with a proven record and substantial references in your industry. This should be a software vendor capable of providing a wide array of services who can serve as the single source for your needs today and your needs tomorrow.  This should be a software vendor who understands your business, believes in your business and is there to help when you need them most. 

You really don't want to be stuck with your software provider and services provider pointing fingers at each other when things go wrong or don't perform as anticipated. Therefore, you need to evaluate a software vendor carefully and ask them upfront if they are going to take the responsibility to help you succeed.  If they don't listen, then it may be time to change.