3 Ways to Implement Salesforce
A successful Salesforce implementation needs to start with proper planning.
This doesn't simply mean designing and architecting the tool you want to actually use.
It requires a top-down look at your organization: current Business Systems utilization, internal Salesforce capabilities, business units impacted by this new technology, and ongoing resource allocation strategy.
Using the Internal Salesforce Team
Very few organizations can handle a new Salesforce implementation project without outside Consultants.
However, there are established Salesforce Centers of Excellence that possess the Digital Transformation vision, the Salesforce architecture capabilities, and the hands-on resources (Administrators and Developers) needed to handle the actual build.
That means either hiring full-time staff, or finding the right expert consultant for the job.
But hiring a consultant is more complicated than many people realize, especially if you have limited working knowledge of Salesforce. There are many different types of Salesforce projects, and there’s also a lot of variation among Salesforce Consultants. You’ll be choosing between offshore and local, many skill sets and specializations, and between individual freelancers and partner consulting firms.
Engage a Salesforce Consulting Partner
Salesforce Consulting Partners are Professional Services organizations that are Strategic Partners to Salesforce, particularly in helping companies implement Salesforce for the first time. Consulting partners are given a Consulting Partner Trailblazer Score that is based on a 1,000 point scoring system. Points are determined based on the partner’s ratings on Customer Success, Innovation, and Engagement. This system is meant to ensure that all Salesforce Consulting Partners are held to a quantifiable standard and represent the Salesforce brand well.
It's worth noting that much of Consulting Partner's business comes from Salesforce directly, who also relies on them to help "co-sell" and acquire Customers to purchase additional Salesforce products. Also important to note that just because a company is a Certified Salesforce Partner, it doesn't mean they focus specifically on new implementations. Partners focus on a wide range of Salesforce projects and it's important to evaluate their core capabilities to ensure alignment with your project goals.
Hire Independent Salesforce Consultants
A Salesforce Contractor (or Independent Salesforce Consultant) is a professional available for hire whose skills and experience focus on Salesforce. These are usually individuals who can assist with Salesforce projects, but they are not directly connected to the Salesforce organization the same way as a Consulting Partner. These individuals work independently and consult directly with end Customers, helping them to implement, support, maintain, or enhance their Salesforce instance. Often, Salesforce Customers will use a Contractor to help identify the right Consulting Partner, if needed, and then work as the Project Lead to oversee their work.
You can expect to hire a Salesforce Contractor for ~60% of the cost of utilizing a Consulting Partner.