Administrator Qualities & Training
Software as a service (SaaS) makes system administration much easier than it was with traditional software. Configuring the application, customizing and maintaining it, training users, and “turning on” the new features that become available with each release—all are just a few clicks away.
What to Look For in an Administrator
The administrator is one of the most important people when it comes to making Salesforce CRM a success. For small businesses, the role of the administrator is not necessarily a full-time position. In the initial stages of the implementation, the role will require more concentrated time (approximately 50 percent). After go live, managing Salesforce CRM day to day will require much less time (approximately 10–25 percent).
Find the right person for the job and continue to invest in that person’s professional development. Here are some qualities to look for in an administrator:
- A solid understanding of your business processes
- Knowledge of the organizational structure and culture to help build relationships with key groups
- Excellent communication, motivational, and presentation skills
- The desire to be the voice of the user in communicating with management
- Analytical skills to respond to requested changes and identify customization
Training for Administrators
Investing in your administrator is one of the best ways to ensure success. Depending on your implementation, you may also want to consider getting help with more technical aspects, such as the initial data import. For more information, contact Salesforce.com Consulting.
Salesforce.com offers both self-paced training and classroom training. The 4-day classroom course—ADM 201 Administration Essentials—is available at cities across the country. The self-paced training classes are available with your licenses around the clock, at no charge.
The self-paced courses ADM 100 Salesforce Fundamentals and SFA 101 Sales Representative Fundamentals are a prerequisite to attending the ADM 201 Administration Essentials course. To check for and launch the free, self-paced courses for administrators, go to Salesforce.com Training & Certification.
