Heller’s CRM implementation methodology
Over three decades working with nonprofit clients, we have honed our CRM implementation roadmap into a successful methodology. We use this approach because it aligns the organization’s technology goals with its mission and helps the entire project team understand what a best-fit solution looks like for the individual nonprofit. An implementation can take 14 to 18 months from conception to completion.
1 | Strategic discovery process
We start by conducting in-depth interviews and discussions with stakeholders across your organization. Our goal is to uncover what’s working and what’s not with your current software and processes. We also review sample reports, spreadsheets, and documentation to get a clear picture of your existing system.
2 | Requirements prioritized
Based on our findings from the discovery process, we write detailed user stories that outline what is needed in a new system for your staff to work more effectively. These stories help define the functional requirements for the new CRM solution and become the foundation for future user testing. We also document your current technology stack, detailing each system’s purpose, users, and data flows.
3 | Vision articulation
The discovery process produces a set of long-term goals. We then lead your organization’s leadership through a collaborative workshop to turn these goals into a prioritized list for the CRM. This helps ensure that the new system aligns with your strategic objectives.
4 | CRM evaluation and selection
We consider and recommend CRM systems that best meet your needs as outlined in the previous steps. We often demo different CRMs for you and develop a shortlist of options that meet the requirements, providing expert analysis on how each option stacks up. We also show how the chosen CRM fits within your broader technology ecosystem and can build out a phased implementation and change management schedule.
5 | Implementation and support
Once a CRM solution is selected, we partner with you to execute the implementation. This includes configuring the system, migrating data, training users, and providing ongoing support to ensure the system is used effectively and continues to meet your needs.