Did you know that only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or longer? Having a business can be difficult, especially when you run into issues you don’t know how to handle. This is where a consultant can help you.
Read on to learn about ten things to look for when you are ready to hire a Salesforce consultant.
1. Do Research
No matter your business need, someone else has probably already dealt with it. This means researching a Salesforce consultant will bring you to the right one. Always check for a portfolio when doing research.
You can narrow down options by finding someone who has already addressed your issue and done so adequately. Other industries can also be of aid in this process. The businesses that you want to model after probably used a Salesforce consultant too.
2. Don’t Pick the First Vendor
A Salesforce consulting partner should benefit your needs perfectly. Don’t just choose the first vendor you come across because you don’t feel like looking any further.
You should also be wary of fancy business proposals. Don’t let Salesforce consulting services drive you in a direction you don’t want to go in.
Pick the Salesforce consulting firms with the best business strategy. If their strategy is not relevant to your company, they aren’t the firm for you.
3. Find a Close Match
A close match when it comes to a consultant for Salesforce means someone who understands your business process. This is where the research you do can come in handy. A partner who is familiar with your industry will be the best bang for your buck.
You want them to integrate into your world of business smoothly. The easiest way to ensure that this happens is by finding the closest match possible.
4. Communication Is Key
A great Salesforce consultant will communicate no matter how hard the conversation is. This means they will disagree with you no matter how much you don’t want to hear it. This is a sign of someone who truly wants the best for your business.
Not only will this person not be afraid to disagree, but they will also ask the difficult questions. A feeling of interrogation into your business plan is good because it means they want to get a proper understanding of how things work.
These people have seen the failures that come with business models so they can stop you from making a mistake. In other words, you don’t want a consultant who will just blindly do what you ask. If there is a problem, a consultant should be ready to help you solve it.
5. Ask About Certifications
A Salesforce consulting partner should have proper certifications that qualify them for the job. Always ask about a firm’s certification program before hiring a consultant, architect, developer, or marketer.
If the firm has a large group of experts, they will often rank them. Those awarded platinum tiers or have the title of strategic partners are the ones you want on your team.
A good consultant will be a certified Salesforce partner. They will also have a good customer satisfaction score (CSAT). These are must-haves when looking for a Salesforce consultant.
6. Don’t Focus on Cost
Salesforce consulting services are not cheap, so don’t focus on the cost too much. The truth is, if you want a great consultant, you will have to spend the money.
Instead of looking for the most affordable option, look for someone who fits all of your needs. The right person will end up saving you money in the end even if you have to spend some extra money. The cost is worth the benefits of a great Salesforce consultant.
7. Discuss Execution
When hiring Salesforce consulting firms, you will need to agree on the scope of work that needs to be completed. Once the terms are set, the “how” needs to be discussed.
Ask your Salesforce consultant how they will execute your needs. Certain factors should not be handled as you go. Before beginning any work, you need to discuss the responsibilities, SLAs, and a plan for mitigating risk.
8. Set Long-Term Goals
Hiring a sales consultant for one project should not be your goal. Building a relationship with a firm is important. If you ever need a consultant for future projects, you want someone you can trust who knows the business already.
You should approach a firm with the goal of finding someone who can support your organization as it evolves. A long-term relationship is preferred to benefit your business for years to come.
9. Check for a Sufficient Team
Salesforce consulting firms should be sufficient in more ways than one. Not only do you want their work to be beneficial, but you also want it to get done promptly. To ensure this can happen, you have to check that a firm has a sufficient team size.
A project’s success rate highly depends on the people who are working on it and the time it takes for completion. The team should have experienced developers, business analysts, consultants, admins, and QAs.
10. Experience Matters
Experience is important in every industry, but especially important when you are considering hiring a Salesforce consultant. Experience is an advantage because you will be able to meet project deadlines, requirements, and have the best implementation practices.
A partner who is experienced will understand the scope of your project thoroughly. They will also be able to educate you on how to solve your problem properly.
The partners who are already familiar with your industry will be able to solve issues quicker. This results in a smoother implementation process.
Hire a Salesforce Consultant Today!
A Salesforce consultant can benefit your business in several ways as long as they are the right partner for you. Following these tips will ensure you find the right firm for your business.
To hire consultants that are ready to help you request a free consultation now.