Interview with Per Fragemann, CEO and Founder of Small Improvements
09 November 2011 - We asked Per Fragemann, CEO and Founder of Small Improvements, a few questions about his company and his view of the markets they serve.
Per Fragemann
Founder and CEO
GETAPP.COM: Who are you and what is your role in the company?
FRAGEMANN: I'm the CEO and Founder
GETAPP.COM: Are you a cloud or a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company?
FRAGEMANN: Both. I didn't even know there was a difference until you asked! But yes, we're in the cloud and the software is multitenancy-enabled, so it's SAAS too.
GETAPP.COM: How do you use and promote usage of cloud computing?
FRAGEMANN: Everything we do is in the Cloud. We work remotely most of the time, so except from a couple of applications like Photoshop and our Programming Environment, all we do is in the Cloud and in the browser.
GETAPP.COM: What are the points of difference of your solutions?
FRAGEMANN: Our software does employee performance reviews, 360 degree feedback, and goals and objectives management, and we're pretty good at it. Nobody outside HR will get excited about these topics though! So we focus on making it simple for all parties involved: The regular end user wants to get their reviews done quickly. The manager wants to see the team at a glance (and be done quickly as well). And the HR manager wants full control - but without being overwhelmed and buried in options and detail. We walk the fine line between being as simple as possible, and as comprehensive as necessary.
GETAPP.COM: How would you like to be evaluated by a prospect?
FRAGEMANN: Sign up, and start kicking the tires! We provide a "free for 10 users" plan so you can evaluate for as long as you'd like to, no pressure! Invite a couple of coworkers (preferrably outside HR to get a broader picture) and see if you like our system. Once you've got a good overview, get in touch so we can help you with any questions you might have.
GETAPP.COM: Why do your customers buy from you?
FRAGEMANN: Because we take the pain out of performance reviews. We believe that reviews should be easy. If someone wants heavy and complicated reviews, we can't provide that. But those who pick us are really excited that everything is so simple. Check out our testimonials: There's a recurring pattern about how happy our customers are that they ditched their old, cumbersome systems.
GETAPP.COM: Can you mention some of key clients?
FRAGEMANN: Atlassian (software), Quiksilver (the surf brand) and ModCloth (clothing e-retailer) are probably our best known clients. But you don't need an international reputation to be our client, our main audience are regular companies with 25 to 300 employees.
GETAPP.COM: What do you see as the key trend emerging in the industry?
FRAGEMANN: "Back to the basics." Although you can do really advanced and complicated things with software, it doesn't help in human interaction to have a gazillion options. Focus on what's important: people, and how they can improve to achieve comany goals AND overall work/life balance
GETAPP.COM: What is THE most important message you feel you should get across to someone considering buying your solutions?
FRAGEMANN: Performance reviews don't have to hurt. Focus on useful feedback and future improvements.
GETAPP.COM: Thanks for your time, Per.