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Managed Salesforce IT Services

Retaining managed Salesforce services is the process of hiring a team to support the day-to-day management of your Salesforce application or CRM environment. It allows an organization to find a highly skilled team of Salesforce specialists that will act as an extension of their in-house IT team. Without adding extra headcount. Why should you use Salesforce managed services? Managed IT services for Salesforce are the best solution for businesses regardless of their size and scope. It empowers organizations to reduce operational costs while aligning more specialized experts for implementation, training, administration, and support of their Salesforce instance. Why do businesses need MSPs? In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, organizations need to stay competitive and agile. One way to achieve this is by partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) A managed service provider (MSP) delivers services, such as network, application, infrastructure and security, via ongoing and regular support and active administration on customers’ premises, in their MSP’s data center (hosting), or in a third-party data center. MSPs may deliver their own native services in conjunction with other providers’ services (for example, a security MSP providing sys admin on top of a third-party cloud IaaS). Pure-play MSPs focus on one vendor or technology, usually their own core offerings. Many MSPs include services from other types of providers. The term MSP traditionally was applied to infrastructure or device-centric types of services but has expanded to include any continuous, regular management, maintenance and support. As your business evolves, your Salesforce instance needs have a tendency to grow with it.  Salesforce org management has traditionally been handled by a single admin with some basic development support.  Managed services is the practice of outsourcing the responsibility for maintaining, and anticipating need for, a range of processes and functions, ostensibly for the purpose of improved operations and reduced budgetary expenditures through the reduction of directly-employed staff. Managed Salesforce IT Services  With managed salesforce services you have a highly scalable and economical way to maintain and grow your Salesforce investment.  Without the need to hire additional staff.  Your Salesforce MSP provides all the talent required to manage your Salesforce instance.  Have an administrator, business analyst, architect, developer, project manager, trainer, and more all at your disposal without hiring a single employee. If you are considering retaining a Salesforce managed service provider rather than hiring new employees contact Tectonic today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Studio

What is Email Studio in Marketing Cloud?

Salesforce Email Studio is a robust email marketing tool within Salesforce Marketing Cloud that maximizes the potential of data and automation to establish meaningful customer relationships. This platform enables the automation of transactional communication and facilitates the sending of personalized messages to specific target groups. Customize Account Branding with Sender Authentication Package (SAP): Enhance your account branding through the Sender Authentication Package (SAP), a tool provided by Marketing Cloud. SAP features include custom account branding, a private domain for email sending, a custom domain for CloudPages, a dedicated IP address, and reply mail management. Upon purchasing SAP, you will receive an email from [email protected] 1–2 days after your contract activation. This email includes the SAP Quick Start Guide and a personalized form to set up your SAP. IP Address Warming: When you become a Salesforce Marketing Cloud customer, the assigned sending IP addresses have not been previously used for email delivery. Email service providers are wary of emails from IP addresses lacking a sending history. To establish trust, it is recommended to warm up or ramp up new IP addresses gradually. Microsoft notes that 80% of unrecognized connections attempt to deliver spam or malware, making senders guilty until proven innocent. Warming involves slowly increasing email volume to build around 30 days of sending history, allowing ISPs to recognize and trust the new IP address. Tectonic assists our clients with proper IP warming. Warming Guidance: During the warming period, focus on sending to the most active and engaged subscribers. The initial sends are crucial for ISPs to determine sender IP address reputation. Factors such as list size, quality, and subscriber engagement influence the warming period’s duration. Recommended volume targets can be achieved by splitting large sends, migrating smaller-volume campaigns, or creating non-time-sensitive campaigns specifically for warming. Important Considerations: Adhering to warming guidance is essential to mitigate deliverability risks. It is advised to follow the recommended volume targets and adjust sending practices during warming to avoid suboptimal delivery, deferrals, bulk folder placement, or email blocking. Target Audience Expansion: During the first three weeks, focus on new or actively engaged subscribers. In the fourth week, expand to subscribers with engagement in the last 60 days. Around week six, add subscribers who engaged in the last six months. Beyond six months, consider suppressing unengaged subscribers to minimize spam trap risks. Email Studio Navigation: Use Email Studio’s primary navigation toolbar and navigation pane to access various features. The toolbar is located under the Marketing Cloud header, and the navigation pane can be hidden or resized as needed. Custom navigation allows the creation of horizontal tabs for a more tailored user experience. Email Studio Capabilities: With Email Studio, create and send personalized emails, ranging from basic newsletters to complex campaigns. Deliver promotional, transactional, and triggered messages while tracking and optimizing performance. After setting up domains and importing subscribers, Email Studio empowers users to craft high-quality content for their email campaigns. For more information on Salesforce’s Email Studio, contact a Tectonic representative today. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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team

How to Choose the Right Salesforce Implementation Partner

Once the decision is made that Salesforce.org is the ideal CRM solution for your organization, the next crucial step is selecting the right implementation partner. The search queries related to Salesforce often include phrases like “the best Salesforce implementation partner,” indicating the significance of this choice. But isn’t the “best” partner the right partner? While any Salesforce partner can be self-proclaimed as “the best,” a high-ranking position on the Salesforce AppExchange is a trustworthy indicator. However, appearing at the top of Google searches may simply denote proficiency in search engine optimization or heavy investment in pay-per-click advertising, not stellar implementation work. Even local proximity is only indicative of location, not necessarily capabilities. The ultimate task is to find a Salesforce implementation partner that aligns with the unique needs of your organization. Consider the following tips when making this critical decision: Specialized Experience: Seek a partner with expertise in your specific focus area, industry, business model, or any other criterion that sets your organization apart. Different partners may excel in various areas of Salesforce’s versatile platform, so finding one aligned with your needs is crucial. Independent Discovery: Engage a potential Salesforce partner for a discovery process independent of the full implementation. This allows you to gain confidence in their recommendations by ensuring they understand your business needs and technological requirements, offering a smaller investment with the potential for greater ROI. Budget Consideration: Approach your Salesforce implementation partner search with a ballpark budget in mind. While you’re not necessarily seeking the cheapest or most expensive solution, having a preliminary understanding of your project’s scope can guide discussions effectively. Track Record and Reputation: Assess a partner’s track record and reputation by focusing on successful projects and positive customer reviews. Look for partners with a longstanding relationship with Salesforce, a diverse range of satisfied customers, and an internal team capable of addressing all development and customization needs. Communication and Project Management: Evaluate a partner’s communication and project management style. A good partner should be able to clearly explain their process, keeping you informed throughout the project. Ensure that the team includes a delivery manager and an account representative who understand your needs and communicate regularly. Integration and Availability of Salesforce Implementation Partner Integration with Other Tools: Consider the compatibility of other tools in your technology ecosystem with those of your Salesforce partner’s area of expertise. This eliminates learning curves and downtime, ensuring seamless integration and operation during normal business hours. Hours of Availability: Solutions and implementation partners with staff in multiple time zones can often get deliverables to your inbox for inspection early in your day. Likewise they can burn the midnight oil in your local time zone with mission critical deliverables. Proven Process: Look for a partner with a well-defined process, as this increases the likelihood of a successful project delivered on time and within budget, especially if your Salesforce implementation will occur in stages. Adaptability: Assess a partner’s ability to adapt to your organization’s needs, recognizing that a skilled partner will assist your organization through the change management process that often accompanies Salesforce implementation. Involvement of Project Sponsor: Involve the primary project sponsor or administrator within your organization in the partner selection process. This key individual contributes not only institutional knowledge but also an understanding of how your company operates. Ongoing Support: Seek a partner capable of providing ongoing support, fostering a long-term relationship. This ensures continuity and efficiency in reaching future Salesforce development goals. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the right partner for your Salesforce.org project. Utilize resources such as your Salesforce Account Executive, Salesforce’s partner list, and online searches to compile a diverse list of potential candidates. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Sending Emails Through Salesforce

What is CASL and Does It Impact Companies in the United States?

Canada’s anti-spam legislation (CASL) protects consumers and businesses from the misuse of digital technology, including spam and other electronic threats. It also aims to help businesses stay competitive in a global, digital marketplace. Does CASL apply in the US? CASL requires all businesses to obtain and document consent to send commercial emails to Canadians. This means that if you have Canadian email addresses in your email marketing database, the law is applicable to you even if your business is based in the U.S. or any other country outside of Canada. There are three general requirements under CASL for sending CEMs. They are: For identification, the message must clearly indicate who is sending the message, plus mailing address and either a contact phone number, email address, or website URL. If the contact information cannot fit in the message itself (as in an SMS message), a link to a website containing the information is acceptable. For the unsubscribe mechanism, the message must have a straightforward electronic means of allowing customers to opt-out of receiving future messages, such as the ability to text “STOP” in a text message or through an unsubscribe link in an email. For consent, CASL requires organizations receive prior consent from recipients before sending CEMs. There are two types of consent under CASL: Both types of consent are described in more detail below, including what defines someone as a current customer. Not complying with CASL can result in serious penalties, including criminal charges, civil charges, personal liability for company officers and directors, and penalties up to $10 million. It’s important to understand the law and what it means for your business. Express Consent To give express consent, customers or prospects must explicitly say something to the effect of “yes, please send me marketing emails” when they provide their email address before a company can send any marketing materials to them. These individuals must take some type of action to indicate their explicit consent. For example, clicking a check box would be acceptable but acceptance of a pre-filled check box would not be sufficient. There are two main benefits to collecting express consent: First, express consent can be used for both existing customers and prospects. Second, express consent does not expire – it is valid until the customer chooses to opt-out of further communications. Outside of CASL, the CWTA (Canadian Wireless Communications Association) additionally requires explicit consent for any SMS messages sent from a short code, which includes SMS messages that we send on your behalf. Implied Consent Consent to send a commercial electronic message (CEM) is implied where there is an existing business relationship. An “existing business relationship” is defined in CASL as cases in which: OR With this existing business relationship, you can market to individuals who have not opted-out from receiving messages. However, you are limited to how long you can email individuals with whom you have not done business recently. Implied consent has a limited shelf life. It is only permissible to communicate with those individuals while they continue to meet one of the two criteria above. For example, if a customer makes a purchase from your business, then you have two years from that point during which you can send that person messages. As another example, if a customer calls your business to ask a question but doesn’t end up doing business with you, you would only have six months from that point to send messages. For implied consent to be valid, it is always your responsibility as a business to be able to prove the business relationship is ongoing. Because of the limited life of implied consent, it is always advisable to collect express consent from customers where possible. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Salesforce Einstein and Einstein Automate

Salesforce Analytics in the Insurance Industry

In the insurance sector, data analytics are an indispensable tool for making informed decisions and achieving measurable, positive business outcomes. Salesforce analytics in insurance, and data can make all the difference. The current landscape poses heightened and more frequent risks, presenting substantial threats to carriers, reinsurers, and brokers across various business lines. Salesforce Analytics in Insurance Key benefits of data analytics for Property and Casualty (P&C) companies include: Life and annuity companies leverage these capabilities to connect with customers seamlessly, while group benefits providers streamline operations and enhance scalability throughout the benefits lifecycle. The digital, data, and cloud technology innovations offer robust solutions to support and elevate portfolios, streamline operations, and deliver superior customer experiences. The transformative force of data and analytics in the insurance industry has been further accelerated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in the way companies do business in a far more digital landscape. The property and casualty insurance sector, in particular, grapples with fundamental challenges, such as increased price competition and the need to demonstrate value comprehensively. The market’s competitiveness and fast-paced nature underscore the urgency for insurers to operate at the speed of light and sound. The future of underwriting hinges on artificial intelligence, automated workflows, machine learning, and an agile development approach. Salesforce’s cloud-based solutions not only reduce operational costs but also facilitate faster innovation through purpose-built insurance solutions. Tectonic specializes in implementing these solutions without the need for additional IT staff or extended operational downtime. Salesforce Analytics in Insurance Capabilities: In Europe and North America, data and analytics capabilities are becoming standard in the P&C sector. Leading performers distinguish themselves by building advanced data and analytics underwriting capabilities that deliver substantial value. These capabilities result in improvements such as decreased loss ratios, increased new business premiums, and enhanced retention in profitable segments. Salesforce analytics in insurance play a crucial role in fraud detection, expediting the process and improving accuracy. Insurers need to stay ahead by utilizing preventive, data-driven parametric models. Data in the insurance industry empowers carriers to collect, process, and utilize information across various stages of the insurance product lifecycle. Leading insurance carriers leverage data and advanced analytics to reimagine risk evaluation, enhance customer experience, and improve efficiency throughout the underwriting process. These insights also contribute to loss prevention. Insurers utilizing big data technology can efficiently work on a customer’s profile, from checking history to automating claims processing. The development of sophisticated tech stacks by insurance carriers has proven essential for efficient model development and continual revisions, resulting in rapid and profitable growth. Risk Segmentation Risk segmentation models, powered by machine learning, consider regulatory landscapes and identify risk characteristics to enhance pricing and reduce losses. Actuaries benefit from risk analysis software. By applying statistical and mathematical models to demographic data, and combining with external sources, to calculate the likelihood of various events. Salesforce Analytics in Insurance Best-in-class performers invest in cross-functional agile teams, emphasize adoption and scale, build skills and capabilities, practice continuous improvement, and partner with technology consulting firms. Tectonic supports P&C insurance carriers in harnessing the power of data and analytics to transform their underwriting and pricing efforts, providing substantial benefits and a competitive edge. Salesforce’s suite of tools, including a 360-degree customer data view, enables reps, agents, agencies, and companies to deliver outstanding customer service. The cloud infrastructure seamlessly integrates with various insurance solutions, enhancing data accessibility and overall business performance. For a demonstration of these capabilities, reach out to Tectonic for a free demo today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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tectonic logo

Selecting a Salesforce Implementation Partner for Your Business

Once you’ve determined that Salesforce.org is the ideal CRM solution for your organization, the crucial next step is selecting the right Salesforce implementation partner to collaborate with. As the resident marketing and SEO specialist at Tectonic, I can attest that terms like “the best Salesforce implementation partner” or consultant often rank high in searches related to Salesforce. So, how do you select a Salesforce implementation partner? While any Salesforce partner may assert themselves as “the best,” relying solely on Google search rankings might indicate proficiency in search engine optimization rather than comprehensive capabilities. Geographical proximity or a prominent online presence doesn’t necessarily guarantee suitability for your organization. Therefore, it’s essential to identify a Salesforce implementation partner aligned with your unique needs. Here are key tips for making this decision: What to Look For When Selecting a Salesforce Implementation Partner Specialized Experience: Independent Discovery: Budget Consideration: Track Record and Reputation When Selecting a Salesforce Implementation Partner: Communication and Project Management: Compatibility with Other Tools: Proven Process When Selecting a Salesforce Implementation Partner: Adaptability: Involve Project Sponsor/Administrator: Ongoing Support Selecting a Salesforce Implementation Partner: By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the right partner for your Salesforce.org project. It’s a bit like choosing a life partner. Good luck as you select a Salesforce implementation partner. Leverage resources like your Salesforce Account Executive’s recommendations, Salesforce’s partner list, and online searches to compile a diverse pool of potential candidates. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Salesforce Marketing Cloud

What is the Difference in Lists and a Data Extensions in Salesforce Marketing Cloud

There are two different methods to store and segment subscriber data within Marketing Cloud: Lists and Data Extensions. Lists have limited functionality, whereas Data Extensions provide full flexibility to store and relate subscriber information. Salesforce Marketing Cloud lists and data extensions are the primary ways to manage your subscriber data. What is the difference between data extension and list in Marketing Cloud? In short, lists are best used for specific email sends lacking advanced data or segmentation, whereas data extensions can be used for basically any type of communication or data management need. If the goal is to organize data with simplicity, go for lists. What is data extension in Marketing Cloud? A data extension is a table that contains your data. With Marketing Cloud Connect, push tracking data from the Marketing Cloud back to your Sales or Service Cloud orgs using Salesforce data extensions (SFDEs). Data extensions are also filterable. What are the data extension limits for Marketing Cloud? There is currently no limit for the amount of rows that can exist within a Data Extension. This means that, without Row Based Data Retention, a Data extension can grow exponentially without any real upper limit. What is a list in Marketing Cloud? Lists are a default way of storing data in Marketing Cloud Email Studio. You can set different attributes for your customers by using lists, which represent a collection of customers and provide a simple method for audience segmentation. These attributes are used to store the position of the customer in a given list. List can be configured to send a welcome email when a subscriber opts in, and can have double opt-in. You will also hear groups mentioned. Groups are smaller segments of a list. When to Opt for Marketing Cloud Data Extensions There are two primary scenarios that distinctly indicate the need for utilizing a data extension rather than a list: Fluctuating Values Over Time: Data Relationship via a 3rd Data Point: Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Cloud Based Business Solutions

Cloud-Based Business Solutions

Cloud-based business solutions provide a service by leveraging the power of the cloud and cloud-based infrastructure to meet business needs, often with greater operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.  Cloud-based business solutions can be accessed from anywhere, which is much more conducive to our post-pandemic highly mobile workforce. Cloud-based solutions greatly reduce hardware costs for businesses. Who doesn’t like cost savings? The three main types of cloud computing services for businesses include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each type offers different levels of control, flexibility, and management to cater to varying business needs. Cloud-based platforms enable large enterprise businesses to build, test and deploy applications, and store, back up, and recover data. Types of cloud-based platforms include: Public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. One of the biggest advantages of cloud computing for small and medium-sized businesses is cost savings. Cloud computing can greatly reduce the cost of hardware, software, and maintenance, freeing up funds for other uses. It can also lower energy costs, as cloud servers don’t require large amounts of electricity. Cloud solutions are easy to set up and use immediately. Cloud-based business solutions are easy to access remotely from any internet-connected device. Cloud solutions are easy to share access to multiple team members in both the workplace and remote locations. If you are exploring cloud-based solutions for your business, talk to Tectonic today. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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