Why Did You Buy Your LMS? Common Mistakes When Purchasing a Platform
Everyone wants to believe they made the right decision, especially when it comes to important elements or situations. Choosing the right LMS for your organization certainly falls under the category of important decisions. See how the eLeaP system can provide you with the tools and resources you need to succeed.
Did you know that regardless of all the thought and effort you put into researching your purchase, it can be easy to be swayed from your decision? This is especially true when it comes to highly technical products like an LMS that are based so heavily on trends within the industry.
There’s also the issue of changing last-minute decisions based on influences from within your organization. Regardless of whatever situation you’ve faced, let’s examine why people buy LMS platforms under improper guises.
Too Many Choices
In today’s competitive world of sales, there exist multiple options for any given product at one time. At some point, these options were looked at as a benefit. However, when it comes time to pull the trigger, having all of these options can indeed be a kiss of death.
Compare it to walking into the grocery store and walking down the ketchup aisle. In the past, you had a couple of options for ketchup based on a few select brands. Nowadays, you don’t just have different brands; you have specific types like low-sodium options, ketchup mixed with mayo, organic ketchup – the list goes on and on.
Think of purchasing your LMS in this same manner. Sometimes too many options aren’t necessarily the best for business. But before we go too far, let’s go back to the beginning. Why did you make your decision in the first place?
Most decisions are based on trends. Let’s examine these trends and what their downsides are.
1. “I Need One Quickly, RIGHT NOW!”
The simple trend of most companies having an LMS, in general, can trigger you to make the wrong decision. “Everyone else has one, so I need one right now!” This way of thinking can be very detrimental to a company.
This can lead to you not considering all the vital options when choosing your LMS. Many important elements are overlooked, and the next thing you know, you have a platform that doesn’t even suit your organization.
In this case, normally, the bigger names in the industry lead to the buy. However, this doesn’t always equate to the best decision. Don’t let the need for an LMS cloud your judgment when picking the right one for your company. Knowing what to look at when doing a learning management system comparison will be very helpful in choosing the right one.
2. Reading Use Cases
Sometimes people get too wrapped up in use cases and simply choose a certain product because, well, let’s face it – the use case sold them. It pulled on their heartstrings and did exactly what it was supposed to do. The problem is that what’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander.
You need to differentiate yourself in terms of finding the right LMS for your organization. Remember, it’s important to remain independent and not get lost in the never-ending sales tactics you may experience when it comes to purchasing these types of products.
Focus on what your company needs, not what worked for another company. This is a surefire way to get a platform that is not efficient for your organization.
3. Too Many RFP’s
There’s nothing wrong with sending out a few RFP’s. This gives you access to the most viable options when it comes to your LMS. However, sending out too many can be a real killer.
These RFPs are often sent out without even having a firsthand look at the platform. In reality, what good is this doing your organization?
Think of it like this; if you send out a bunch of RFPs, you get a lot of information in return about all these platforms. Sure, there’s information on all the cool new features the latest version of the platform has. But what if the cool new features don’t benefit your organization the slightest bit?
You’ve just wasted a lot of time and resources. What you should do first is examine the platform first, then ask for the RFP. This way, you at least know beforehand if the type of LMS they provide has the framework of a platform you could use. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your time and making a decision based on features you don’t even need.
4. Stop Looking for a Learning System and Start Looking for a Platform to Fulfill Your Needs
Looking for “the best” LMS will lead you on a journey to the biggest names in the industry. Sometimes these companies aren’t well-known because their products are top-notch. Instead, their marketing team is top-notch.
Think about it; how does a company get you to buy a $7 bottle of ketchup you’ve never tasted? It wasn’t because you tried it before or read the reviews. The marketing is what got you.
This is why it’s important to stray away from searching for a learning system. Instead, focus on your needs specifically as an organization, and eventually, what you need will find you. Another tip would be to look up learning management system reviews. This way you can get honest feedback from people who have tried a system out, helping you to gain insight into the function and reputation of options that are out there.
Many times, independent companies provide the best experience in terms of efficiency. Avoid paying for a brand name and instead start paying for quality. Have you ever heard the term “don’t get caught up in the hype?” Well, this term applies perfectly here.
Finding the right LMS platform can be intimidating and can even become stressful at times. A lot is riding on finding the most efficient platform for your organization.
However, it’s important to focus on the things that matter the most. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the trending features and bells and whistles. If your company doesn’t need these things, you’re not benefiting from them at all, no matter how trendy they are.
Stay focused on what your company needs from an independent standpoint. Make a list of the most important features you want in a platform and go look for those things. Sometimes you don’t always need the best LMS; you need the best LMS for your company.