Salesforce requires a very high level of skill and expertise as it involves complex workflows, data management, and customization. Salesforce administrators and developers must have a deep understanding of the platform’s capabilities and experience in order to manage and customize it properly.
Unfortunately, hiring employees through traditional hiring methods can be expensive and time-consuming. The demand for certified Salesforce professionals is high, which leads to a competitive hiring market and higher salary expectations. That’s where the Salesforce staff augmentation model comes in.
What Is Salesforce Staff Augmentation?
Salesforce staff augmentation is a staffing strategy that allows organizations to supplement their existing teams with external staff members. It offers several benefits including cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and access to specialized skills and expertise.
Why Are More Companies Turning To Salesforce Staff Augmentation These Days?
Companies usually turn to Salesforce staff augmentation services because of a skills gap issue within their workforce. Salesforce is a complex platform that requires specialized skills to be maintained effectively. It is continuously evolving, with new features being released regularly, and, as a result, companies need help finding and retaining skilled Salesforce professionals in-house.
Some of the skills that are required for Salesforce developers, for example, include proficiency in Apex, Java, JavaScript, SOQL, Custom Objects, and SFDC. They also need to have outstanding analytical skills, communication skills, and creativity.
Professionals with these skills who are willing to work a 9 to 5 don’t grow on trees. If you are able to find them, it often requires spending thousands of dollars on recruitment and training to get them up to speed on your specific Salesforce implementation.
By seeking the help of an experienced Salesforce staff augmentation provider, companies can access a pool of skilled Salesforce talent that can quickly be deployed to meet their needs. In most cases, the staff augmentation model will improve project outcomes and drive business growth in a cost-effective way.
What Software Salesforce Positions Are Most Often Wanted for Staff Augmentation?
Different staff augmentation providers offer access to hire Salesforce professionals in different roles depending on the size of their network. However, there are some specific roles that are offered by most companies.
- Administrators: Salesforce administration involves managing and maintaining Salesforce systems. They manage user access, data security, and system performance.
- Developers: Salesforce developers build custom solutions on the Salesforce platform using programming languages such as Apex, Java, JavaScript, and SOQL.
- Consultants: Salesforce consultants provide strategic guidance to organizations to leverage the Salesforce platform.
- Architects: Salesforce architects design complex solutions while offering guidance to the team on enhancements such as customizations, integrations, and data migrations.
- Data analysts: Salesforce data analysts are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data, such as customer lifetime value and customer retention, in Salesforce systems.
- Quality assurance/testers: Salesforce quality assurance/testers test new integrations such as those with a CRM or with a BI tool to ensure proper functionality.
What Steps Should I Follow to Implement a Salesforce Staff Augmentation Strategy?
If you are considering implementing a Salesforce staff augmentation strategy instead of hiring a full-time employee, you should follow five key steps to ensure that the process runs smoothly and effectively.
- Identify your needs
Consider the tasks that must be done, the skills required for each task, and the level of expertise necessary. This will help you create job descriptions and determine the qualifications you need for each role.
- Select a reputable staff augmentation provider
Do your research and select a provider that has not only experience in Salesforce staff augmentation but a good track record of providing qualified staff members as well. Always check their references and ask for case studies or examples of previous projects they have worked on.
WillDom, for example, is a Salesforce staff augmentation provider with an excellent track record of providing professionals knowledgeable in the latest technologies. It is strongly committed to customer satisfaction and works closely with clients to ensure their staffing needs are effectively met.
- Conduct interviews and skill assessments
Conduct interviews and skill assessments to ensure that the staff members they provide have the necessary Salesforce expertise. In the interview, ask open-ended questions allowing candidates to share their knowledge and abilities.
- Onboard the augmented staff
Provide staff members with the necessary training and ensure that they understand your organization’s culture and processes. Setting clear expectations, goals, and timelines for their work will help them integrate into your team and contribute to your projects quickly.
- Manage and review performance
Set up regular check-ins and performance reviews to track staff members’ progress and identify areas for improvement. Providing constant feedback and coaching will help them improve their skills and ensure they meet expectations.
What Are the Possible Challenges in Implementing Salesforce Staff Augmentation?
While staff augmentation can be an effective way to scale up your team quickly, it’s essential to be aware of the potential obstacles that may arise during the process.
- Cost: Hiring staff members can be expensive even when using staff augmentation, and ensuring that you are getting value for your money is essential. Look for providers that offer competitive rates and provide high-quality staff members.
- Security: The augmented staff members will access your organization’s data, which could result in a data breach. Establish clear security protocols and guidelines for the augmented staff to follow and sign an acknowledgment.
- Integration with the existing team: The augmented staff and your current team may have different work and communication styles, which can cause friction. Set expectations with the augmented staff and provide proper training.
Tips for Successful Salesforce Staff Augmentation
Achieving a successful staff augmentation implementation may seem unattainable, especially when it comes to Salesforce. However, achieving it will be within your reach with the right approach and strategies.
Here are some tips that can help you achieve a successful Salesforce staff augmentation:
- Establish clear communication channels: Set up clear communication channels and protocols. Establish regular check-ins and status updates to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Provide regular training: Provide the augmented staff members with the necessary guidance to perform as expected. You don’t have to train augmented staff members on the basics, but rather on updates and new features to increase the overall quality of work.
- Conduct post-project evaluations: Conduct a post-project evaluation to determine what worked well and what could be improved. It will help refine your processes and ensure greater success with future projects.
What should I look for in a Salesforce staff augmentation provider?
Not all providers offer quality services. Some may provide low-quality services that leave you with an ill-equipped team to handle your organization’s Salesforce needs. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate potential providers and look for specific qualities that indicate a commitment to excellence.
Here are three qualities you should look for in a staff augmentation provider:
- Quality of Staff: Ensure that the provider has expertise in the specific areas you need help with. If you need help with Salesforce development, ensure the provider has experienced Salesforce developers on their network.
- Flexibility: Look for a flexible provider who can adapt to your organization’s changing needs. They should be able to provide staff members on short notice and adjust their staffing levels as needed.
- Communication: Look for a provider with excellent customer service and support. They should be responsive to your needs and concerns and provide regular updates on the project’s progress.
Acquiring Salesforce staff augmentation services is an effective strategy for companies looking to fill the skills gap and ensure the success of their Salesforce projects. By following the steps outlined above and working with a reputable provider, staff augmentation can help your organization achieve its goals and thrive in a competitive market.
At WillDom, we pride ourselves on being a top Salesforce staff augmentation provider. Our network of experienced Salesforce talent can help you build, customize, and maintain your Salesforce systems effectively. We offer flexible staffing solutions to supplement your in-house team bringing excellent communication and commitment to delivering high-quality results.
Contact WillDom today to supplement your internal team and achieve your Salesforce project goals.