Salesforce deployment is a crucial decision for your business. It will take your company to new levels of productivity and customer engagement. When ready to make that decision, you will be hiring a Salesforce consultant to help with the technical aspects of the deployment.
But finding a reliable consultant for your business can be uphill. Not everyone posing as one is qualified to do the task. Even those with relevant experience may not be the right candidate for your industry or specific needs. You must invest time and effort to pick the best candidate. This post will help you with six factors to consider when hiring a Salesforce consultant. Here they are:
1. Understand Your Needs
Your business is unique in every aspect. You must never compare your firm with others, even if you fall in the same domain. Your goals, location, customer base, and processes are different. Hence, your Salesforce deployment should also be unique like using Process mapping software.
Outline what you want to achieve before looking for a consultant. Your current business standing will dictate the Salesforce features you need. For example, if you are a startup with a limited customer base, you will need a different deployment than an established firm looking to scale up its sales.
Finding a Salesforce consultant with the right skills and experience is easier when you know your needs. Enumerate your requirements and measure them against the consultant’s credentials. Determine how you intend to use Salesforce in your business. Do you need help with data migration? Or do you want to set up a new process from scratch?
2. Verify Their Credentials
Salesforce certification is a training and testing program that covers various aspects of the Salesforce platform. A certified professional has demonstrated their skills in one or more Salesforce modules and can deploy them seamlessly.
Salesforce offers various areas of specialization for consultants. You will most likely need a business analyst, OmniStudio consultant, or an Experience Cloud consultant. The ideal candidate should have at least one Salesforce credential. If they have multiple, they are better suited for the job. Use Salesforce’s credential verification service to confirm that the candidate’s certification is legit.
3. Field Experience
How long has the consultant been operating? The ideal candidate should have several years of experience in the industry. They should also have a few Salesforce deployments under their belt. You can verify this by looking at their portfolio and client references.
Also, verify if they have experience in your business line. Look for a consultant who has worked with hospitals or clinics if you are in the healthcare industry. Asking for industry-specific references is a must.
Look for a candidate with experience with data migration, process automation, or Salesforce implementation. Do not shy away from new consultants. They may have fewer years of experience but are up-to-date with the latest Salesforce trends. They can also be more affordable than established professionals.
4. Ask About Their Process
You have the goal, but your consultant will help you realize it. However, it does not mean they will follow everything you tell them. An experienced professional should have the plan to help realize your business goals. Their input is crucial even if you know what you want.
The ideal candidate should have a tried and tested process for Salesforce implementation, data migration, or process automation. They should be able to show you their previous work and how they helped their clients achieve success. Also, allow them to ask you questions to understand what you need for them to provide an effective solution.
5. Check Their Availability
You will need to work closely with your Salesforce consultant during the deployment process. There will be times when you will have to hold meetings outside of regular business hours. The ideal candidate should be available when you need them.
One way to gauge their availability is by considering their timezone. If they live in a different country, there could be a time difference of several hours. That can make communication difficult, especially when you need an urgent response.
Also, consider their work schedule. Are they available for meetings during the evening? You can ask them directly or check their social media accounts to see if they are responsive to messages.
6. Your Budget
How much should Salesforce implementation cost? The price will vary depending on business size, the number of users, and the complexity of your Salesforce deployment. You will need to work with your consultant to define an accurate estimate.
The ideal candidate should give you a ballpark figure based on your business needs. They should also offer a flexible payment plan that will not strain your finances. Avoid working with consultants who require a massive upfront deposit since the process will take some time to complete.
Also, consider the long-term costs of working with a Salesforce consultant. Will you need their help later after the implementation? What about when you need to make changes to your Salesforce org? Ensure you are comfortable with their fees before hiring a salesforce consultant.
Summary
Your business will do better after implementing Salesforce. However, the process can be challenging, especially if you do not have experience. You can hire a Salesforce consultant to help you with the deployment and implementation. Consider their experience, certification, availability, long-term costs, and process before hiring a salesforce consultant. Doing so will help you find the ideal candidate to provide an effective solution for your business.
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