Who should I bring to the dance – vendor that is!

The Chris Elmore

August 29, 2013

Share with

I am not a big fan of using the word “vendor” as it pertains to finding a company that sell and services automation software. I believe that if you do accounting automation correctly as a provider you will be more than someone who simply sells software. That’s why I call automation software vendor, “Service Providers”.

Now, onto the dance and which service provider you should bring. This series of posts is related to the definition of automation. I wrote about creating a definition that was more suited to the outcome and impact of automation, rather than the software that drives the automation. If you buy into the idea that automation is only as good as the people, time, and effort that is freed up, than selecting a service provider will be much easier.

What makes choosing a service easy comes from the idea that there is an amount of time… a physical number… a black and white measuring stick that can be used and benchmarked to know which service provider is right for you. I call this stick, “New Time”. New Time is the amount of time that is freed up by automation. If you have three service providers working for your business, and each provider can tell you how much time they will give back to your company, then the one with the most time wins! Easy huh?

Be warned, there is more to it than just the amount of time, however time is the driving factor… time is the thing that separates service providers. You do need to pay attention to time combined with return (ROI) and the ROI needs to accommodate for the price the service provider is charging, but (still) the provider with the most time wins!

Last thing to think about are the two buckets that time shows up in… that’s my next post… stay tuned.

Buy the book – The Argument to Automate – How Innovation Can INSPIRE Not Fire – click here to buy

(Also) To get your copy of The 8 Pitfalls of Accounts Payable Automation – click here to buy

Tagged in :

Accounts Payable Automation, AP Automation, Business, Change, CostPerInvoice, CPI, payment automation

The Chris Elmore

**Entrepreneur | Speaker | Author | Sales & Innovation Expert** Chris Elmore is a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker, and author known for his engaging storytelling and deep insights into sales, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With over 30 years in the tech industry, Chris has built a career at the intersection of business growth, human behavior, and market disruption. Recognized as a “Startup Hero” by *North Carolina Business Magazine*, Chris was the first employee at AvidXchange, where he played a key role in its growth and success. Today, he serves as the **Sales Director at Community Financials**, helping communities streamline financial operations with innovative solutions. A sought-after speaker, Chris captivates audiences with his unique blend of humor, wisdom, and real-world experience. He has delivered keynotes for companies like Schneider Electric USA and teaches **Entrepreneurship at UNC Charlotte**, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of business leaders. Chris is also the author of 12 books, including his latest project, *The Convergence Theory of Entrepreneurship*, which explores how innovation, people, wisdom, and market insights drive success. His practical, no-nonsense approach to business and sales makes him a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, executives, and sales professionals alike. Outside of business, Chris is a professional Christian songwriter, musician, and co-host of the *True Financial Crimes* podcast, a lighthearted yet insightful look at financial fraud. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind the mic, Chris brings an infectious energy that inspires and challenges audiences to think differently, sell better, and lead with impact.

3 responses to “Who should I bring to the dance – vendor that is!”

2 Buckets of Time! | Automation

August 30, 2013

[…] about the definition as well as what automation is not. Then I gave you advice on how to choose a service provider based on time. I concluded choosing the service provider post with somewhat of a warning. I wrote […]

Loading…

Reply
I am on a roll – setting up your cost. | Automation

September 9, 2013

[…] defining automation as only being as good as the time that is freed up. Last week I wrote about finding your number in five steps. This week, because I am on a roll, I am going to help you build that spreadsheet to […]

Loading…

Reply
Purchase Orders and AP Automation | Accounting Automation

November 15, 2013

[…] about negative assumptions) generally shows up in the vetting process or the initial process of finding an automator. The chief assumption that hurts the most is that the automated process is just like the paper […]

Loading…

Reply

The Chris Elmore