Why think about people first when doing a Salesforce project?

When most thank begin thinking about a Salesforce project, the conversation often starts with the technology. What tools do we need? Can we integrate our systems? How quickly can we go live?

But the real question should be this: who are the people behind the project?

Because more than any platform or product, it’s the people who determine the success of a project. That includes your own internal team, and just as importantly, the delivery partner you choose to walk alongside you.

Have You Thought About How Much Your People Shape the Outcome?

Every nonprofit, school, local authority, or membership organization I’ve worked with has one powerful thing in common. They are filled with people who care deeply about their mission, impact and making a difference within their organization. And often, another thing they have in common is that they are stretched thin, wearing many hats. (Sound familiar?)

That’s why the people you’ll work with in your Salesforce delivery team are so important. A strong partner brings experience and empathy. Many have been the customer, our CRO, Hannah Kahn was actually a ImagineCRM customer twice at Arnold Ventures and leading the Chan Zuckerburg Foundation.

We have people like me who started as a business analyst, or spent years in delivery before becoming a solution architect or project manager.

As I said at DevOps Dreamin’:

“We want to make sure we’re looking at having the right people with the right skills, and putting them in the right role — really helping to drive successful, impactful implementations.”

That means choosing people who have been in your shoes, who understand the challenges, and who are not afraid to challenge your ideas in a positive, constructive way.

If you are new to digital transformation or Salesforce, you might not know where to begin. That’s completely normal. You don’t need all the answers. You need a partner who helps you ask the right questions.

Start with my top tips and think through:

People
Who will be on the delivery team?
Have they worked with organizations like yours before?
Will they take the time to understand your people and your culture?

As I shared in my session at DevOps Dreamin’ this year:

“Every engagement has a different need and skill set. When it comes to staffing or learning, it’s important to find the right niche. Having a growth mindset and clearly defined roles, using a tool like a RACI, can eliminate the ambiguity and provide clarity  eliminating any confusion.”

Process
Will your partner start by understanding how you work before suggesting technology?
Do they help you think through your workflows and key decision points?

Technology
Will your system be future-ready?
Are they building something that grows with you,  not just for today, but for the next two or three years? Is it scalable?

In my experience, the most successful projects share several key qualities and areas. They are led by a strong, cross functional team that thoroughly tests solutions before they ever reach your hands.

The delivery approach is rooted in quality and built for scalability. There is a clear and continuous focus on how people will actually use the platform in their everyday work. Most importantly, the partner takes time to understand your goals, your challenges, and the bigger picture of what you're trying to achieve.

As I said in Chicago while speaking at DevOps Dreamin’, we take the QA piece seriously. We have a designated QA person who carries out testing before any user acceptance testing takes place. It’s our way of ensuring the solution has been built in a scalable, thoughtful way, and that we’re putting our best foot forward before handing it over. It’s never just about building fast. It’s about building well. And that always starts with the right people.

Advice When Thinking About Selecting A Partner - Key Things to Think About.

Technology is powerful. But it is people who bring it to life and bring out the best in your team! It should be an enjoyable process that enhances your work!

When you choose a Salesforce partner, you’re not just choosing a vendor. You’re choosing the people who will help shape your systems, your workflows, and your team’s daily experience.

“People are the constant,” I always say.

“Things change all around us, but people with a growth mindset and in the right roles are the key to making things work.”

So choose a team that values your people, not just your platform. Choose a team who will build with you, think with you, and grow with you. Because in every successful project, it’s the people who make it all come together.

By Denise Carbone.