Inspired by my morning chat with Mandy Burns from Variety Victoria, here is my list of Top 10 Things Charity CEOs Should Know about Implementing Salesforce.
- It's not a one off project - it’s a new way of thinking and working. You can implement bit-by-bit, as your budget allows. Even if you only use it as a fancy Roladex - it's still much better than excel.
- You need to walk the walk. You cannot expect your staff to use something that you don’t.
- Digital transformation should be a top level goal in your board-approved strategic plan.
- You need a budget to pay for expert advice. See point 3.
- You need to engage a certified Salesforce NPSP Consultant, or have a certified Salesforce Administrator on staff - just because Jane is really great with websites or pivot tables does not mean she can be System Administrator on your new Salesforce Instance
- You need to commit to learning - Trailhead is free and easy
- You can connect just about anything with Salesforce. It is the powerful platform on which your entire organisation can run. You are only limited by your imagination.
- The community is VERY supportive. There are local user groups, forums, free training and loads of resources on YouTube.
- There is an endless supply of volunteers keen to get hands-on experience - which is fine if you know what to ask them to do (and can manage and supervise them). See point 5.
- Salesforce offers 10 donated user licences (worth $25,000 each year) to registered charities. It's an incredible gift. Like a puppy. It will eat your shoes if you do not invest the time and energy it needs.
Any questions? Ask me! You can book a free 30 minute consultation with me - or ask Wyan Carter - Salesforce Mentor and leader of the local Non Profit User group in Melbourne and a wonderful person.
