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CRM implementations aren’t easy - there are many pitfalls to avoid and best practices to follow which is why it’s often best to outsource the project. And with that comes the next challenge: finding the right implementation partner to work with. One of the best approaches is to start asking yourself the right questions during your search.
Here are six questions you should be asking when you’re looking for and picking the right digital business consultancy to partner with.
1. How experienced are they in what I need?
The more experience a consultancy has across the board, from their basic solutions knowledge and recommendations to the actual implementation project, the better.
Have a read of their success stories and case studies. That can reveal a lot about their service and experience.
2. Are they experienced in my industry?
The more industry knowledge a consultancy has, the more confidently they can follow best practices and troubleshoot, when necessary. The best and highest quality consultancies will have years of experience in a range of industries. The right ones will have experience in handling implementations of a similar size and scale to yours.
Again, take a look at their success stories and case studies.
3. How reputable are they?
Client testimonials, awards and accolades say a lot about a consultancy. The best should be recognised for their successes by way of excellent reviews and awards from reputable bodies.
For example, if you’ve chosen Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement for your CRM, narrow down your research of Microsoft Partners by looking at their awards and accreditations. Some notable ones include:
- Microsoft Dynamics Partner of the Year
- Gold Competency status
- Being a member of Microsoft’s Inner Circle
4. Can they offer 24/7 support?
Issues can happen at any time – they aren’t limited to working hours. The right consultancy will offer 24/7 support so they’ll be watching your systems and checking they’re operating as they should even when you’re not online.
If there are any issues, they should be able to resolve them before they become a problem. The right partner will take a proactive approach, rather than reactive.
5. Do they offer a holistic service, such as a wide range of solutions?
The right consultancy will offer a range of solutions rather than a limited package because they want you to benefit from a better service. They won’t recommend a solution just because they think it’s the best on the market. They’ll recommend it if it’s suited to your business needs and challenges.
In other words, it’s not about what they think is best, it’s what they think is best for you.
6. Does their business culture match with mine?
CRM implementations aren’t typically quick projects. If you’re going to be closely working with another business for a while, their culture and yours need to click if you’re going to be working as productively as possible.
So, pay attention to how they work and see if it’ll fit with your business/team’s way of thinking.
Outsource your implementation and work with the right partner for the best chances of success
To ensure you get the most out of your new system, it’s not enough to find the right CRM. You also need to find the right implementation partner to work with. The six questions in this blog are a great way to narrow down your options but there are other things to think about.
That’s why we created a guide to CRM implementations, filled with tips on how you can ensure a successful project. Check it out by clicking the button below.
