Although is possible to do all the paperwork and analysis for a telemarketing operation manually, this no longer makes sense in these hi-tech days. The thought of churning out a mountain of paper every month by filling out numerous forms by hand to record essential information, is surely long past. It costs too much and it takes too long. The consequence of working without a computer is a mountain of figures...work that quickly becomes a backlog...and soon becomes a formidable obstacle.

That is why computerization is no longer and option but a necessity. A computerized operation puts you - and keeps you - in control. It enables you to understand what has happened and what is happening. It permits you to check actualities and trends. It prepares and provides summaries and reports on demand.

It helps you draw the right conclusions from every success and every failure. Hour by hour. Day by day. But installing a new system from square one is a daunting task. Consider a few of the questions which must be asked - and answered - when you go shopping for your hardware and software:

What Hardware?

A good P.C. is all you may need. If you have one you could be off to a good start. If not, here are some questions you'll have to ask:

1. A PC or a mainframe computer?
2. Network?
3. Operating System (Windows, Unix, OS2, etc.)?
4. Disc Capacity?
5. Back-up and retrieval?
6. Off-site storage?
7. Technical Staff?

What About the Questions You Don't Ask - Because of Inexperience?

Hardware decisions are a lot easier than software decisions because most hardware will accommodate your programs. Few (if any) off the shelf programs are likely to solve your problems.

Eight Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Software

1. Should you purchase an off-the-shelf program?
2. Should you develop your own inhouse customized program instead?
3. How can you be sure either will meet your needs?
4. Who will amend your program to suit the needs of your business - test it - refine it - and resolve each new problem as it arises?
5. Who'll upgrade your program to meet your changing needs?
6. How can you be sure your software vendor won't go broke? Or be taken over by a company to whom you're just another name? One which owes you no loyalty should they decide not to support the original software you bought?
7. What back-up will you have if your system crashes?
8. Will you be locked into a situation that requires you to pay whatever your vendor asks, every time you request a little bit of extra programming?

Four Questions to Ask About the Management of Your System.

1. Who will be in charge of your system? Will that job be yours in addition to the one you're already doing?
2. Or will you hire an experienced telemarketing manager? (Certainly the best way to go.)
3. Nevertheless, will you get the right one? Will he/she be comfortable working with your people?
4. If your manager leaves you, how long before you can hire the right one in time...to keep your project going.

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