Evaluating partners to support a HubSpot Sales Enterprise roll-out

You've decided to implement HubSpot Sales Enterprise but now you're not sure how to find the correct service provider to support your needs? In this blog post, we run through several considerations you should think about to help you find the perfect agency.

So you’re looking to implement HubSpot Sales Enterprise and want some help evaluating potential service providers? There are plenty of HubSpot partners out there, all doing fantastic work, but what’s essential is that you find a partner that has experience delivering what you need, has a tried-and-tested process and, most importantly, understands your business.

In this blog post, we’re going to take you through a few things to consider while evaluating partners for your HubSpot Sales Enterprise implementation project. 

What HubSpot partner tier are they?

If you want to do some extraordinary things with HubSpot, you’ll need a HubSpot partner. But don’t let the tiering system control your decision.

HubSpot’s tiering system is simply a means to gauge how much work a specific partner has done. So while those with Elite status will have worked with many different businesses over the years, there are those at other tiers that have done amazing work, too.

With this considered, we would urge you to choose based on an agency’s quality of work and understanding of the HubSpot platform. Ask about their HubSpot enterprise roll-out case studies and client examples to see if they can meet your specific needs.

Do they have the Advanced Implementation Certification?

HubSpot partners with the Advanced Implementation Certification (AIC) can deliver bespoke, specialised services to customers with complex systems and/or integration needs.

But how does a partner get it?

The AIC is only awarded to HubSpot partners who have successfully deployed HubSpot products across enterprise companies. This includes mapping out business processes, configuring complex integrations (and disconnected systems) and dealing with change management.

To earn the AIC, the agency in question must:

1)      Have several HubSpot Sales Software and HubSpot Sales Enterprise Implementation-certified employees

2)      Pass a video interview, take the AIC exam, complete a practicum and give a presentation on the practicum

3)      Complete a trial period which includes feedback from the customers they assist, determining whether they receive the certification

So if you have very complex and specific requirements involving enterprise-grade integrations and vast amounts of data, it’s worth looking for a partner that has the AIC.

(If you’re wondering whether HubSpot is suitable for enterprise businesses, we’ve got the answer here).

What case studies do they have to demonstrate the work they’ve done?

In addition to checking if the partner has the AIC, the next best way to evaluate them is to look at their case studies. Case studies will give you a better understanding of that partner’s capabilities and — most importantly — what kind of enterprise-level work they have done before.

What you want to do is look for consistency amongst the enterprise HubSpot implementations — does the partner scope the project comprehensively? Do they have a process/methodology and if so, how does it begin? Do they ask anything of the client? How do they manage problems?

As you’ll likely undergo a similar process to previous clients, knowing the steps will make it easier for them (and for you). 

P.S. Implementing HubSpot and integrating it with other systems can be great, but there can be times when it’s not worth doing so. Check out this blog post to find out why. 

Do they have a defined process?

As mentioned above, the partner’s implementation process or methodology is crucial and can determine the success of the project. Partners that have developed a tried-and-tested approach can replicate (to a degree) what they have done previously, so that you have an idea of what you will get at the end.

Another benefit of a defined process or methodology is that you know what happens at every stage and can identify any issues beforehand. It’ll also keep you and the partner on task as you attempt to meet key milestones in the project. 

A clear process or methodology will keep your eyes on the big picture — the success of the implementation project — and away from the “nice-to-haves” that often plague progress and can be added after.

(These RFP questions might help you to determine if you need assistance or not).

Make your HubSpot implementation a success with our help

As an Elite HubSpot partner, we’ve done everything from simple HubSpot onboarding projects to complex, enterprise-wide HubSpot (and associated software) deployments. We know HubSpot inside and out, and have a tried-and-tested methodology for success. 

But that’s not all. Our process involves assessing your needs, wants, objectives and goals to help design a programme plan that meets and exceeds expectations. If you’re prepared to help us, we’ll deliver. 

If you’re interested in deploying HubSpot (or any of its associated software) across your enterprise, just click here to find out what we can do for you.