For AnyLinuxWork, the India Soft 2011 Show was more than a success in very many ways. With a clear objective in mind and a comprehensible focus for sourcing of open source development in LAMP – PHP and ROR; joint venture with global product Development Company and attracting strategic partners/investors, ALW held talks with clients under a systematic strategy.

However, what made ALW really stand apart in the crowd was the perspective with which it participated and tried to attract clients this year during the show. The team was determined to get a low-down on project management from the client’s point of view. The focus of this year’s participation had been to get into the shoes of the clients and look at projects from their eyes.

And this is what made us look not only focused but also genuinely interested in fostering long-term business relationships with potential as well as existing clients. “Team ALW knows what it is doing and is very professional and focused. This is a reflection of Vivek’s (CEO) vision for the company,” was what a Swedish client observed.

“What I really liked about Indian software industrialists in general and ALW in particular is that they really reach out to clients without qualms and hold personal interactions. This goes a long way in understanding each other,” commented another client from France.

“For me, building strong personal bonds with the people I work with is key to doing business. And ALW Team did just that. I feel comfortable working with them,” opined a client from Dubai.

ALW’s approach right from the preparation level of the show to the stall showcase was nothing short of professional. Meetings were scheduled beforehand for the India Soft Pune show and apt management of the showcase of products and services added up to a successful participation. The company interacted with a lot of potential clients and is currently busy doing the follow-up.

ALW later invited a client delegation of six members from France, Dubai and Sweden to its Indore office for interaction at a more personal level. Here too, the company’s focus was getting the feedback of clients about project management so that steps could be taken to improve the project cycle. The team invited the clients to share their points of view so that it could understand their needs even better.

Says senior Project Manager (eCommerce) Manish Pathak, “ I came to know about their thinking direction so that we can avoid a lot of problems on issues related to the site design and data representation. It was a pleasure learning their point of view.”

“ I am inspired by their culture of enjoying work instead of taking it like work. Also now I know that if they said something, why they said it,” shares Senior Project Manager (CMS) Dinesh Panchal.

After the meetings, an informal dinner was organized during which teams working directly with the client delegation showed their presentations on project management cycle. This was a gesture to show our point of view to the clients.

Clients’ Rule Book: During the informal interaction with Team ALW in Indore, clients were candid enough to share some very useful tips from the team. The team vowed to imbibe some of the tips like:
• Mean it: There is no difference between what the Western world says and what it believes. It believes when something is said and expects the same honesty from others. So when something is said, it must be taken as cent per cent true.
• Two-way traffic: For a successful project delivery, an effective two-way communication is important. So a team member must not just listen to a client because he is a client. Come up with a suggestion if required. And say NO whenever necessary.
• Time, time time: The Western world is punctual. So stick to time schedules – both for client interaction and work delivery.

These tips have now been circulated to each team member for effective implementation. In addition, the team also learnt many things from our clients.