Steps for finding a Salesforce implementation partner
Choosing the right Salesforce implementation partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your Salesforce deployment. Here’s a guide to assist you in finding the right implementation partner, and the perfect fit for the salesforce ecosystem and your organization.
1. Culture and language fit
Believe it or not, a cultural and language fit can be as important as technical expertise. A partner that aligns with your company’s values, vision, and communication style will execute tasks and provide valuable insights and support throughout the implementation process. This alignment secures a more collaborative and successful project outcome.
2. Industry and solution expertise
While technical skills are crucial, your Salesforce partner should also understand your industry’s specific needs and challenges. Whether in commercial real estate, healthcare, or e-commerce, an implementation Salesforce partner with industry-specific experience will offer accommodating solutions tailored to your unique requirements.
3. Certifications and technical skills
Certifications are a good indicator of a partner’s technical competence. However, not all certifications may be relevant to your needs, especially if you’re a small to mid-sized organization. Evaluate the scope of their technical skills through diverse project case studies and custom-developed apps. This will give you a better understanding of their practical experience.
4. Location and geographical presence
Your Salesforce partner’s location can influence your business engagement model. Whether you prefer a local partner, an offshore specialist, or a globally present company, ensure they can work in your time zone and meet your budget requirements without compromising quality.
5. Competency and customer satisfaction
Check the company’s ratings and completed projects to gauge their competency. Platforms like Clutch.co and AppExchange offer verified customer reviews that can provide valuable insights into the partner’s reliability and expertise.
6. Training capability
A good Salesforce partner will offer training and support to secure a strong adoption within your organization. Whether it’s marketing cloud creating educational videos or offering after-training support, this aspect of the Salesforce marketplace is crucial for long-term success.
7. Cost considerations
The cost of hiring a Salesforce implementation partner can vary widely, ranging from $5,000 to over $100,000. Factors influencing the cost include required functionality, number of users, level of customization, as well as data integration needs.
Freelance vs. consultancy
- Freelance consultants generally charge around 40% less, with fees ranging from $85 – $145 per hour.
- Consultancies offer a more comprehensive service, charging between $5,000 to $100,000 for a Salesforce implementation.
An outsourced Salesforce implementation team or a consultant partner often provides more long-term value than the annual salaries of maintaining a team of full-time Salesforce administrators.
Finding the right Salesforce implementation partner involves considering various factors, from cultural fit and industry expertise to technical skills and cost. And, evaluating that potential Salesforce partner against these criteria thoroughly will set the stage for a successful Salesforce implementation.
Tips for finding a Salesforce implementation partner
Navigating the sea of Salesforce consultants can be overwhelming. To help you find the right partner for your Salesforce implementation, here are some essential tips to consider.
Read between the lines
A good Salesforce consultant will ask probing questions that may challenge your existing business processes. This is a sign that they are considering all the aspects of your business process and model, and are not just order-takers or yes-men. Look for a consultant who can identify underlying issues and offer valuable insights.
Due diligence is a must
Don’t just rely on polished proposals and sales pitches. Investigate the actual work the consultant has done by reading case studies, watching demos, and studying proof of concepts. Salesforce’s AppExchange and your account executive can also be valuable resources for narrowing down your options.
Opt for a Salesforce specialist
While cross-functional experience may seem beneficial, choosing a partner whose primary expertise is in Salesforce solutions is crucial. This ensures you get a partner who understands the unique challenges, intricacies, and capabilities of the Salesforce platform deployment.
Assess the partner’s capacity
The size and scope of your project will dictate the kind of partner you need. Larger enterprises require a partner with advanced infrastructure and a robust sales team, while smaller organizations are better suited for a partner specializing in modest technical solutions.
Understand Salesforce certifications
Certifications are a reliable indicator of a consultant’s expertise, however, different certifications signify different skill sets, so understanding what each certification means will enable you to find a partner that meets your needs.
Budget transparency
Discuss your budget upfront to arrange financial alignment, as well as set clear expectations. Be prepared to adjust your budget as your needs evolve and consider factors like third-party add-ons, customizations, and app integrations.
Comprehensive support is key
Choose a partner that offers 24/7 support to help you adapt to Salesforce’s frequent updates. This makes sure that you can seamlessly evolve with the platform.
Evaluate the implementation approach
An agile and incremental delivery approach allows for better collaboration and ensures your project is completed on time and within budget. Ask prospective partners about the specific tools they use for flowcharting and prototypes.
Industry-specific expertise matters
A partner with experience in your industry will make the implementation process smoother. Review their website to see which industries they have worked in and how they have approached similar projects.
Questions to ask during the interview
To further assess potential partners, consider asking the following questions:
- Can you describe a similar project and its results?
- Can you provide case studies and customer references?
- What technical skills and certifications does your team offer?
- Have you worked in my industry before?
- What is your company’s culture like?
- Can you provide training for our admins and users?
- What is your delivery methodology?
- How much time will you need from our team?
By keeping these tips and questions in mind, you’ll be better equipped to find a Salesforce implementation partner that aligns with your needs and sets your sales cloud project up for triumph.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of a Salesforce implementation can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. A certified Salesforce implementation partner can be your strategic asset, offering real-world experience, customization capabilities, and long-term support to ensure your project’s realization. They can help you define your objectives, integrate Salesforce seamlessly into your existing systems, and even provide post-implementation training for your team. With the right partner, you can unlock the full potential of Salesforce and set your organization on the path to long-term success.
Ready to take the next step in your Salesforce journey? Contact Avenga today to find the perfect Salesforce implementation partner for your organization.