Jim Nivette is a software executive with more than 20 years of experience. He has developed a strong reputation in the industry for his ability to manage sales strategy and planning, strategic planning and analysis, P&L management, thought leadership and client relations. In addition to his skills in software management, Mr. Nivette is known for his expertise in premise model software and software-as-a-service.
Mr. Nivette is a highly successful business executive who has spent over 20 years working in the software development industry. He has held a variety of sales and management roles at companies such as Business Objects Americas and SAP. In 2015, he founded his own SAP services company, which quickly grew to become a significant player in the industry. Jim Nivette is also a highly sought-after speaker and thought leader in software development and use, and he is widely recognized as one of the top experts in the field. Throughout his career, Jim Nivette has earned several accolades for his work, including an award for being a strong team leader at Business Objects and Rookie of the Year at SAP.
Outside of work, Nivette is a dedicated family man who loves spending time with his loved ones. He is also into philanthropy, and never misses an opportunity to give back. He has been a community pillar for over 20 years, volunteering his time and resources to support suicide prevention and youth development programs. He developed a love for helping others early on in his life, working as a counsellor for abused and neglected children and later as a volunteer for Suicide Prevention Services. A firm believer in giving back, Jim continues to collaborate with charity organizations to provide much-needed support for programs close to his heart.
How did you get started in this business?
I started out by working for other companies for two decades. This helped me build the experience necessary to start my business. This was an very positive experience for me however, I felt the need to move back into the Software realm and am back doing what I do best, helping companies operate more efficiently and effectively.
How do you make money?
I make money by charging a consultancy fee for my services. Mostly the fee is dependent on the size of the client company and also the work involved. It’s a very simple process that pretty much anyone can understand.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
I was profitable within the first six months of operations. Due to the pandemic, getting clients in the first few months of the business was hard. However, after that, clients started streaming in, and by the 6-month, we had broken even and were operating at a profit.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Yes, in the first three months, things were so bad that I started questioning whether going the independent route was the best option. At that time, the world was going through the worst of the pandemic, and businesses were being hit hard by the lockdowns. Many were not willing to spend and this really hurt my young startup. Thankfully, I have a strong reputation, and a few referrals here and there helped me land a few clients. To survive the tough times, I kept reminding myself that what was happening had nothing to do with my business, but rather a global phenomenon that hadn’t been experienced in over 100-years. This gave me the hope to keep going, and ultimately things normalized.
How did you get your first customer?
All of my customers were through prior contact and my personal network. As I had stated earlier, I had worked at different companies for more than 20-years before I launched my company. In this period, I built the necessary networks to help me at launch, and they did help a lot. Without my networks, it would have taken a lot longer to get my first client.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
I rely heavily on my work as a marketing tool. Whenever, I land a client, I make sure to go over and above the client’s expectations. Most of them are so happy that they literally become ambassadors for my business. It’s a strategy that has helped me land a lot of clients, and I don’t intend to stop using it. That’s because besides it being effective in bringing in new clients, it is also very cost effective.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
In the last few months, I have not made any tough decisions. Compared to when we launched in the middle of a pandemic, things are pretty good at the moment. I really hope that we never go back there, where I have to make tough decisions, such as having to fire workers.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I believe it is my passion for my job. I really love what I do, and it is what gives me the drive to give my all at my job. Clients love it, and usually either give repeat jobs, or refer other companies that may also be in need of my services.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
That would be when I first landed a Fortune 100 company as a client. It was such a big deal, because it was a validation of the work, I had put into building the company. It also gave me the drive to keep pushing because it showed me that as long as I kept working hard at my company, the sky is the limit.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future is bright. Now more than ever, more companies are going digital. This means the implementation of software systems is likely to keep going up. It also means that companies that handle software accounts, are likely to record revenue growth for many years to come. It’s exciting to know that we have room to compound our growth by many multiples going into the future.
What business books have inspired you?
I am most inspired by the book, “I don’t know the word ‘quit’. Either I never did, or I have abolished it.” It is a quote that inspires me to keep going, and to never quit no matter how hard the going gets.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to be bold enough to take risks. When you are young, age is on your side, and any mistakes can always be rectified. On the flipside, when decisions turn out right, you could be set for life.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
My hands are full as I have a couple of people that I am mentoring. Once I am done, I will definitely take more.