Last week I had the pleasure of spending two incredibly intense work days at Infusionsfoft’s HQ in Gilbert, Arizona.

Full disclosure… I am a certified Infusionsoft consultant and have been since early 2007.

If you aren’t familiar with Infusionsoft, and you own a small business of virtually any kind, you need to check the software out right away.

Want some free stuff to help you see the power of Infusionsoft? I am happy to share some really cool Marketing Automation Maps (MAP) and other free stuff with you if you contact me.

This was an two-day, highly intense implementation event for a group of select business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals from all industries and backgrounds- eCommerce, information marketers, consultants, automotive, healing professionals, artists, authors, physicians, etc.

Here’s the big lesson I learned from this powerful focus on implementation of campaigns, sequences, web forms, copy, video, design of templates, design of landing pages, and much more. (It was an all-out, A to Z attack on each clients’ Infusionsoft system.)

1. All software has it’s issues.

2. The biggest software issues are usually people related.

Like any great piece of software, Infusionsoft adds tons of value to a small business IF the owner and users of the system implement it consistently well. Is it perfect? Define perfect, please. Then we’ll talk.

Software implementation is not a one time thing, really. Implementing, applying, leveraging and getting a return on investment from software requires daily management of the system and clear communication among the users as to how the system is being used.

Software implementation is a moving target. Your list changes. Your marketing campaigns change based on testing data. (What, you’re not split testing? Ask me about this.)

Most important, you will likely change your mind about how to use Infusionsoft, for example, as you get to really know the software and see it’s potential at work.

What do I suggest then, if people are generally the issue with software, me included? I am writing in the context here of Infusionsoft, but this can apply to virtually any software implementation.

1. Create a mind map or flow chart of your marketing automation plan. We also call these Sales Acceleration Maps or SAMs. This is the foundation of all the moving parts that tie to your follow up and marketing automation. It is a critical advantage to have a MAP.

2. Pick a pilot for the system. Most business owners should not be their own pilot. Now tons of people may disagree with me on this. But if your area of strength is making and selling wing nuts or reefer trucks then hire someone to be your pilot for the system. They will work under your MAP and plan of attack, within the system, making it sing. You do what you do best. Sell more trucks.

3. Be consistent. The discipline of implementing a system like Infusionsoft requires daily and consistent use, maintenance and active management of the application. Otherwise, people get lazy, the system is not maintained and updated, and it starts failing. This usually leads to someone believing the software has failed them. It is usually not the case.

So there you have it. More lessons learned as we work in the trenches to help small business owners better start, fund, market and grow successful businesses. This is how we help people create real wealth through entrepreneurship.

Do you agree with me that people are more often the issue with software?

What are your experiences with Infusionsoft? What other applications do you feel my points would apply to?

We always appreciate your comments here on the WealthNet Partners blog.

To your success!