Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

New Unique Web Clinical Charting Service Launch.

Posted by Anonymous on 9/23/2008 at 3:08 PM ET 25 Points
I am the lead developer of a database application custom designed for Assisted Living Care facilities serving Mentally Ill and traumatic brain injury patients. By accident we have discovered that we are the only online application provider that specialises in this demanding and state regulated service.

Our product has national sales potential extending to millions of monthly sales. Is there a company or individual that can provide a marketing plan and execute it for us?

I am a database developer. Not salesman. and not wealthy. How does a company like mine solve the marketing puzzle with limited funds and a national audience of prospects?

www.assistedlivingsoft.com
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  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 9/23/2008 at 7:27 PM Accepted
    You might talk to your local SBA/SCORE chapter for free advice. I'd suggest expanding your in-state customer base first (to ensure that your software is robust) and get referrals to out-of-state potential clients who would be willing to help you learn the ins-and-outs of other states' regulations.
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 9/23/2008 at 7:32 PM Member
    I'm confused-- you are in a STATE regulated biz and think u have a national biz.

    K ,if you feel you have developed a unique niche then you have to take your software cap off and put on the sales cap. There is nothing scary about it. Just go out and tell someone. That is all sales is-- and is amazingly simple. I don't think Bill Gates saw himself as anything else
  • Posted by Lazenby on 9/23/2008 at 9:41 PM Accepted
    Software in the medical field is very fragmented right now. I am not surprised by your niche and have some limited exposure to this marketplace.

    I would consider a third alternative to the two mentioned above. You can find a partnership/distributor. There are some other software firms which I am sure are already doing a big portion of the total software solutions needed. You can find a way to tie into their sales and distribution network.

    I think you could also easily find a small firm who could represent you as this feels like a very targeted program with the main issue being able to install the software at the same pace of sales and marketing.

    Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss further as I know some people who you will want to speak with I think.

    Thanks - clint
  • Posted on 9/24/2008 at 6:39 AM Author
    Thanks, our target is called, "Adult Foster Care" and it is regulated by each state however the legislators have a bill on the table presently to regulate nationally the treatment and methods used on Mentally Ill patients.

    Our software is web based and is available nationally now. it has been a three year project for me. We charge by the client by the month as a subscription fee.

    we are generating sales at a very slow pace locally and some across the states from search engines. My thought is that we need major national exposure sooner than later. Perhaps a rep in each state.

    We also discovered that our application is suitable for companies providing "Reentry" services for ex felons A company in Toledo OH is using it for that service.

    Minnesota for example has 5000 registered Adult Foster Care Providers. A typical provider will generate us $1000-$2000 per month income. so 3% of MN would be worth around 30-60 K monthly.

    If we were to connect with the state departments and become a tool in the efforts to standardise care that would be a significant income. like I say I am not a salesman and I pretty much went broke getting here.

    The project is complete, The data center is running at two locations and a few new customers are giving rave reviews to the application, I just need a sales force.

    My concern is that it needs to be handled in a professional manner.

    Another key element is that most of our customers are doing their charting manually on paper, they are not so eager to change or talk about going computerised. My system "ALS Adaptive"generates quarterly reports in seconds that take them hours to construct by hand.

    Problem for me is I talk way to technical to communicate with most of them (so Ive been told)

    How would I manage a nationwide campaign? a single marketing provider or many reps?
  • Posted by Lazenby on 9/24/2008 at 9:00 AM Accepted
    Thx for the additional info here.

    If I were you I would be looking at a combnation approach. I would want to have a dedicated marketing resource who understand sales quite well. I would then find a partner company to leverage their sales force for joint calls.

    Let them do the prospecting and getting the client to the table then you get in for the close and everybody wins...I think.

    I would personally be interested in discussing more as I think this is very interesting.

    BTW - do not sell yourself short, have the technical background is the hard part, adapting to sales and marketing is much easier.
  • Posted on 9/24/2008 at 9:43 AM Author
    Lazenby,

    I sent you an email. Please let me know if you don't get it!
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