5 Key Considerations for Selecting a Salesforce Managed Service Provider

It has been some time since you integrated Salesforce as your cloud CRM. While the tool appears to be helpful, your team occasionally encounters issues with Salesforce that disrupt your business.

Additionally, your team may be unable to manage routine administrative tasks within Salesforce due to other responsibilities or a lack of expertise. Regardless of the issues you are facing with Salesforce integration, there’s a fairly simple solution: hiring a Salesforce-managed service provider (MSP). 

With the help of CRM consulting services, you want to ensure that you’re utilizing Salesforce to its full potential. This guide can assist you in selecting the appropriate CRM service provider for your business.

Salesforce managed service provider (MSP)

Salesforce is a Customer Relationship Management platform that helps businesses capture customer information from every touchpoint. This empowers core customer-facing teams like marketing, sales, and customer support to delight customers with a high-end customer experience. 

Though it seems a straightforward tool, in reality, it has multiple features and functionalities that require a certain set of expertise to manage properly by managed IT services or CRM consulting services firms.

A Salesforce MSP is an external team of Salesforce experts that manages all tasks related to Salesforce. The biggest reason to hire these service providers is that they’re experts and can handle your platform without disruptions.  

Salesforce MSPs mainly provide daily administrative support, ongoing maintenance, consulting, training, customized development, salesforce integration, etc. 

Once you have an initial call with the MSP they’ll finalize the scope of their services, what’s included in the package, and their deliverables. After hashing out the details they’ll appoint an account executive or a project manager (PM) to work with you.

Do You Need a Salesforce Managed Service Provider?

Before diving into the world of Salesforce MSPs to find the perfect fit, it’s crucial to understand how it’ll align with your business needs. Here’s how to determine if outsourcing Salesforce management is the right move:

Signs You Need an MSP:

• Resource Strain: Are your internal teams overwhelmed with administrative tasks, integrations, and ongoing platform management? Offloading these activities to an MSP frees your team to focus on core business functions.
• Skill Gaps: Does your team lack specialized Salesforce expertise? MSPs offer access to certified professionals who can optimize your platform and unlock its full potential.
• Performance Bottlenecks: Are you experiencing sluggish system performance or underutilized functionalities? An MSP can assess your setup and streamline processes for improved efficiency.
• Training Needs: Does your team require ongoing Salesforce training? Look for MSPs who offer training programs as part of their service, ensuring your team stays up to speed.

Below are self-assessment questions to analyze your needs before fixing a meeting with any MSP. It helps determine what kind of service will truly be helpful. 

• Assess your internal knowledge of Salesforce. Are you comfortable with basic functions or do you require advanced guidance?
• How often do you anticipate needing assistance with Salesforce management? Daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis?
• How crucial is Salesforce to your daily operations? Downtime can significantly impact some businesses more than others.
• Consider your budget allocation for Salesforce automation, maintenance, and potential training needs.

Considerations for Selecting the Right Salesforce Managed Service Provider (MSP)

Finding the perfect Salesforce MSP requires careful evaluation. Here are 5 crucial factors to consider:

1. Deep Salesforce Expertise with certified professionals:

Ensure the MSP has a team of certified Salesforce professionals with proven experience. Look for relevant credentials like Salesforce Administrator,  Sales Cloud Consultant, or Service Cloud Consultant.

2. Check for a Proven Track Record:

Request case studies showcasing the MSP’s ability to handle complex Salesforce challenges similar to yours. Past successes demonstrate their problem-solving skills and approach.

3. Comprehensive Range of Services:  

Choose an MSP offering a comprehensive suite of Salesforce services. This will offer you greater flexibility if you ever need more services. These might include:

• Salesforce Consulting
• Salesforce Training
• Routine Maintenance
• Salesforce Implementation and Integration
• Workflow Automation
• Salesforce Optimization and Improvement Recommendations
• Reporting and Data Analytics
• Managed cloud services

4. Reliable Support and Security:

Evaluate the MSP’s support model. Look for a combination of reactive (issue resolution), proactive (preventative maintenance), and predictive (anticipating potential problems) support.

Additionally, the MSP should prioritize data security.  Verify their compliance with relevant security standards to safeguard your business data.

5. Seamless Communication:

It’s important to communicate effectively. The MSP should clearly explain processes, issues, and recommendations. You should be kept informed and involved throughout the engagement.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a Salesforce MSP that empowers you to optimize your CRM platform and achieve your business goals. 

Conclusion:

Partnering with a skilled Salesforce Managed Service Provider (MSP) can be a game-changer. Your internal team can focus on core business strategies by offloading routine tasks like maintenance, integrations, and implementations. Additionally, MSPs offer expert guidance, reducing the need for extensive in-house training.

However, choosing the right partner is crucial. Consider the 5 key factors outlined above: technical expertise, proven track record, service portfolio, support structure, and communication style. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select an MSP that aligns perfectly with your needs and empowers you to unlock the full potential of Salesforce.

Are you in search of expert Salesforce-managed service providers? Look no further, hire our team of certified Salesforce experts who offer a wide range of services.