Eliminate Complexity. Strive for Simplicity.
At GuildQuality, we rely on a simple web-based project collaboration tool called Basecamp. It helps us communicate internally and keep track of product development, marketing campaigns, office management issues, and any other project-based endeavors we’re pursuing. We’ve been using it for over two years, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.
Basecamp is developed by 37 Signals, an eight-person Chicago-based company that, over the last couple years has pioneered the movement toward simplicity in web-based solutions. Are you tired of stuff that just has too dang much going on? Don’t need the zillion options in Microsoft Project? Don’t need the gajillion features in your CRM tool? Well, these guys probably have something you’ll like.
We take a lot of inspiration from them, and I think all businesses–regardless of whether they are web developers, homebuilders, or real estate brokers–could learn from the lessons they offer.
37 Signals was recently featured in Time Magazine. The article does a great job describing why they are succesful, why their customers love them, and what you can learn from their strategy. My takeaway is this: Making it simple is a whole lot more difficult than making it complex–but the long-term payoff is huge.