Thousands have visited RIDGIDConnect thus far to see how it could possibly help them share, store, and simplify their digital assets. We have heard from some via email and forum posts that they think it is only for bigger companies, or that they can't see the value in it. Let me invite you to look behind the front door and take a free trial. Never hurts to look! http://www.ridgidconnect.com/Home.aspx

Over the last three days I have had the privilege to walk three different contractors through the site via WebEx, or on-line demonstration. Before we started the demonstration I asked about their business, what types of inspection or diagnostic equipment they used, and what their perception was of RIDGIDConnect. All three contractors came from different occupations and scale of business. They had varying degrees of inspection equipment; one was still using VHS on some camera systems. The three had two things in common. 1) They know that their industry and business is going digital via the tools they use in the field to the equipment and tools they use to run their business. 2) They thought that RIDGIDConnect was simply for videos. Boy were they surprised.

In just a short while these three contractors were shown how easy it is to upload any digital file to the system via the browser, the desktop application, or their mobile phone. One contractor immediately got excited and said that all the CD's of owner’s manuals and parts sheets that he has from equipment manufacturers was going to be uploaded so he could keep the information directly with before and after pictures of customer jobs going forward. A quick, easy way to reference back when a service call or question comes in.

Managing their customer lists so they could see their business plotted against a map gave them insights into the viability of purchasing direct mail promotions or where to focus in on growing their business. The ability to load a personal navigation device, like a Garmin, from RIDGIDConnect was seen as a major convenience tool since some have technicians with fingers that just can't navigate and type on those small screens.

The job report functionality was what all three contractors thought was the coolest thing. From the ability to schedule and track the work that is ongoing, to the ability to allow your customer to upload media (pictures, video, documents) to the report and then control the viewing rights was a powerful tool in their minds. Having private note and media sections would allow them to document all the insights and facts that went into a job and make them smarter in the future via having the reference. One contractor was asked just last week to look at another contractor’s inspection video and estimate. He shared that he hoped that didn't happen to him, but he knew it likely does. The ability to restrict job report access by expiration date or total number of views was viewed as being a game changing tool in making sure the contractor stayed aware of possible shopping of bids or sharing of reports.

So that's a brief run down on how a little bit of time with RIDGIDConnect totally impressed three of your peers. They are signed up and using the system as you read this. Will you be next? Is it worth a little time exploring what RIDGIDConnect has to offer you and how it might enhance your productivity and help your business? If you have questions - send us a note via the Contact button at the bottom of our home page. Want to see more, check out the See It In Action tab. http://www.ridgidconnect.com/Public/SeeItInAction.aspx