There are plenty of software programs for businesses, but many of
them are overly complicated and too pricey to fit small companies. Menlo
Park-based Avanquest USA knows the difficulty small
businesses face when trying to find good software, and has whipped up a
solution, in the form of easy-to-use, affordable programs. President and
CEO Christina Seelye chats about product development, efficiency, and
getting on track in only 10 minutes.
How did the MySoftware product line get started?
MySoftware began 1987 when two small business owners saw the need
for small business/home office software that was easy to use and
inexpensive. Until then, small businesses used expensive and complicated
DOS programs. MySoftware's goal was to create software that didn't need
a manual and made the user feel productive quickly. Simplicity was still
the goal even when we added extra features. Our first products were Mail
List, Invoices, Label Designer and Database, products that we continue
to grow and support today.
What got you personally interested in doing this work?
Before joining MySoftware, I had owned a consulting business and
then worked with a small software sales company. In both environments, I
saw a real need for effective software that didn't need a supporting IT
staff. When I was introduced to MySoftware, I recognized it could make
a difference in the efficiency and growth of millions of small business
and home office users.
Why do you feel there's a need for what you provide?
Small business owners don't have the time to learn how software
solutions make their business more efficient. With our tools, they can
use databases, direct mail, and bookkeeping software as well as create a
professional image quickly and easily.
With so many small business software options available, what makes
you unique?
MySoftware solutions are task specific, affordable and truly easy to
use with start-up wizards and simple tab driven menus. For example, a
small business owner can create, print, and mail the type of invoice he
needs within 10 minutes of starting MyDeluxe Invoice & Estimates.
What do you think are the largest challenges facing small businesses
right now, and how do your products help to tackle those challenges?
Small businesses need to be organized, look professional and keep
themselves in front of their customers as they face more competition
from large companies and chain stores every day.
Products such as Checksoft, Bookkeeper, and My Deluxe Invoices
andEstimates provide simple accounting solutions to keep finances on
track.
Design & Print creates professional looking collateral,
stationery and business cards. My Mail List Deluxe lets small businesses
execute direct mail campaigns and obtain discounts on bulk mailings.
What kind of reaction do you get from customers about your products?
What do they seem to like the best?
Let me quote a recent email I received from a small retail business:
"We have found MyDeluxeInvoices & Estimates has served our needs
without a problem for almost two years now. This program is easy to
learn and use while giving us complete control on our billing needs for
both our domestic and international customers."
Small business owners expect to lose valuable hours learning new
software, so many of them are surprised when they learn what they need
to know within 10 minutes. What our customers like best is that our
products are easy to learn, yet offer robust features. Customers
frequently write us that their business has been impacted in a short
amount of time because the products are so easy to use.
What do you like best about what you do?
The continued creation of new and better small business solutions is
very gratifying and motivates us to develop more solutions to contribute
even further to the success of our more than 10 million customers.
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