In a world where technology drives business growth, Salesforce® has emerged as the leading customer relationship management (CRM) platform. It now supports over 150,000 businesses worldwide and 90% of the Fortune 500 companies.

According to recent data, poor adoption of sales tools is a top reason why 76% of companies say teams miss their sales quotas. Is your business leveraging its Salesforce® investment to its full potential?

Could a Salesforce managed services provider be the missing piece to this puzzle? Keep reading to discover how to plan your outsourcing for continuous, quality Salesforce® support and steer your business towards a higher level of operational efficiency.

The Value of Managed Services

Salesforce® has reshaped the landscape of customer relationship management. But to tap into its full potential, effective support is crucial. That’s where Salesforce support services come in.

Managed services providers specialize in offering support for Salesforce®. They bring a wealth of expertise to the table. This can be a game-changer for your business.

It’s about more than troubleshooting problems. Managed services can help you use Salesforce® to its full potential.

So, what’s the real value of these services?

Expertise at Your Fingertips

Managed services providers have a deep understanding of Salesforce®. They know its ins and outs.

This expert knowledge is crucial for unlocking the platform’s full potential. It’s like having a team of Salesforce® experts in your business.

Efficiency Boost

Salesforce® managed services providers can help streamline your business processes. They know how to optimize Salesforce® to match your business needs. This leads to improved efficiency, and when your processes are efficient, your business can grow.

Cost Savings

Hiring a full-time, in-house Salesforce® expert can be expensive. But with managed services, you get access to top-tier expertise without the high cost. It’s a cost-effective way to get the Salesforce® support you need.

Key Considerations When Outsourcing Salesforce® Support

Choosing to outsource Salesforce® support is a big decision. It’s not one to be taken lightly. So, what are the key considerations when looking to hire Salesforce support services?

Approach to Business Processes

The first thing to consider is the provider’s approach to business processes. Look for a provider who takes a systematic approach.

They should be able to design efficient business processes tailored to your needs. They should also have a proven track record in platform development.

Experience and Exposure

When choosing the best Salesforce support services, consider the provider’s exposure to diverse business domains. Experience is crucial here.

A provider with broad exposure will have a deeper understanding of different business needs. This can be a huge advantage.

Track Record

A provider’s track record is a key consideration. Look for a provider with a proven record of delivering effective solutions. Check customer testimonials and case studies as these can give you a clear idea of the provider’s capabilities.

Your Requirements

Finally, make sure the provider understands your unique requirements. This is essential. Without a clear understanding of your business needs, a provider won’t be able to deliver the right solutions.

So, have an open discussion about your needs before making a decision.

Planning Your Outsourcing

Outsourcing your Salesforce® support services is a significant step. It requires careful planning. Without proper planning, your outsourcing venture could hit roadblocks.

Here’s a guide to help you plan your outsourcing efficiently.

Understanding Your Requirements

First, you need to understand your business processes thoroughly. This step is crucial. It sets the stage for everything that comes next.

If you don’t define your business processes correctly upfront, problems can occur later. You could end up with logical bugs. Or you might find yourself needing to add functionality that should have been included at the start.

When you have a mature business model, these issues are even more important. Therefore, it’s essential to understand your requirements well. It’s also helpful to outline them clearly for your chosen managed services provider.

Choosing the Right Model

Next, decide on the best model for your needs. Do you want to hire Salesforce support services on a project basis? Or do you prefer staff augmentation?

In the project-based model, the provider takes complete responsibility for the project. You’ll have a dedicated team working for you. The team might include business analysts, architects, developers, and project managers.

In the staff augmentation model, you add to your existing team. You bring in skilled workers from the provider to augment your team. This model can be helpful if you need to scale quickly.

Both models have their benefits. Your choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

Evaluating Potential Providers

Once you understand your requirements and decide on a model, it’s time to evaluate potential providers. Here are some factors to consider:

Experience

How long has the provider been offering Salesforce support services? What kind of projects have they handled? Experience often equates to expertise.

Customer Testimonials

What do past customers say about the provider? Check the testimonials on the provider’s website. You can also look for reviews on third-party sites.

Range of Services

What services does the provider offer? Do they match your needs? The provider should offer services that align with your business goals.

This step is crucial for finding the best Salesforce support services. Don’t rush it. Take your time to evaluate each provider carefully.

Communicating Your Needs

Lastly, communicate your needs clearly to your chosen provider. Effective communication is key to a successful outsourcing partnership.

Your provider should understand your needs thoroughly. This understanding enables them to deliver the right solutions for your business.

Transitioning to Managed Services

Transitioning to managed services is a pivotal move. It’s about embracing a new way of doing things and reaping the benefits of Salesforce support services. Let’s look at how to make this transition smooth and effective.

Preparation is Key

First and foremost, be prepared. Understand that transitioning to managed services is a process. It takes time and effort but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth process.

Start by preparing your team for the transition. Make sure they understand why you’re making this move. Explain how it will benefit your business as this will help them embrace the change.

Effective Communication

As with any transition, communication is key. Keep the lines of communication open with your managed services provider.

Share your expectations. Discuss potential challenges. The more you communicate, the smoother your transition will be.

Leveraging Provider Expertise

Your Salesforce managed services provider is there to guide you. They have the expertise and experience to navigate this transition smoothly. Don’t hesitate to lean on their expertise as they can provide valuable insights and advice.

The Power of Patience

Remember, transitioning to managed services doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that takes time. So be patient.

With each passing day, you’ll see improvements. Your business processes will become more efficient. Your Salesforce usage will improve and your team will become more comfortable with the new setup.

Managing the Relationship with Your Salesforce Managed Services Provider

In any outsourcing scenario, maintaining a strong relationship with your provider is crucial. The relationship you have with your Salesforce managed services provider is no exception. Here are some strategies to effectively manage this relationship.

Open Communication

Firstly, keep communication lines open. Regularly share updates, changes, or new goals with your provider. Similarly, encourage them to share insights, recommendations, or concerns they might have.

Remember, good communication is the cornerstone of a successful outsourcing relationship.

Set Clear Expectations

Ensure you have clearly outlined expectations from the outset. This includes the scope of work, timelines, key deliverables, and performance metrics. Having these agreed upon from the start will help prevent misunderstandings down the line.

Regular Reviews

Schedule regular review meetings with your provider. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss progress, resolve issues, and adjust strategies if needed. They also help keep everyone on the same page.

Foster a Partnership

Aim to foster a partnership with your Salesforce support services provider rather than just a vendor-client relationship. When your provider feels like a part of your team, they are more likely to go above and beyond to deliver results.

Feedback and Flexibility

Provide constructive feedback to your provider and be open to receiving feedback as well. Also, remain flexible and be willing to adapt as your business needs evolve.

Embrace Salesforce Managed Services

Embracing the right Salesforce managed services provider is a strategic move towards reaping maximum benefits from your CRM investment. Not only will you gain access to specialized expertise, but also enjoy smoother, more efficient processes.

Thinqloud is committed to delivering exceptional customer experience, driving operational efficiency, and helping businesses unlock the full potential of their Salesforce® platform. Get in touch with us today and let’s make your Salesforce® journey more rewarding.