Method #3: Managed service

A managed service is a monthly subscription-type of service. In return, you offer and fulfill a list of clearly set functions or objectives.

The main difference between this method and a productized service is that you customize the price based on the client’s requirements. As such, this service can be listed on your website but without a public price.

Some examples are:

1. A support package, in which you can perform activities such as, manage users, add custom fields, validation rules and other basic functionality, apply Salesforce updates, and perform backups.

2. Consulting, in which you are part of a larger team and thus don’t have full control over the project objectives. Instead of charging an hourly rate and keeping timesheets up to date, this option frees you to focus on the actual work and disregard unproductive uses of your time.

3. Coaching/training/mentoring, where you work with other consultants to help them improve their skill set and deal with challenging clients. You could have regular check-points to keep them inline and assign homework for them to accomplish during the week.

4. Project oversight, where you manage a team from a design and strategy perspective, but most likely don’t do any hands-on work. You need to be a senior for this position, but it allows your client to depend on an expert to help keep the project within “guardrails”.

FYI, this is the most common type of service I offer.

The takeaway
There are many other options for a managed service, and this type of service could be a viable alternative to the way you currently work.

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