Engagement Process Guide

5-step process for successful customer engagements

Discovery Meeting Booked

Initiates direct customer engagement and solution discovery process

How This Is Tracked

Contact associated to Ticket books meeting and backend automation associates the meeting to your Ticket

Activities That Support This Metric:

Create pinned Note with #SolutionsProactivePlay snippet
Run Unified Data Scorecard/Marketing Assessment for assigned account
Paste URL to completed scorecard into the pinned note
Document account research findings with business model and tech stack analysis
Prepare discovery questions based on scorecard findings
Coordinate with CSM for customer introduction
Schedule discovery call through CSM

Completion Criteria

✓ Customer Meeting Scheduled - Backend automation associates meeting to Ticket
Account Research Depth

What Managers Look For: Quality of business model understanding, usage analysis depth, tech stack documentation

Supporting Activities:

  • Document business model and revenue approach
  • Analyze current HubSpot usage and feature adoption
  • Research tech stack and integration opportunities
Discovery Question Crafting
Act as an experienced HubSpot Solutions Architect preparing discovery questions for a customer conversation.

BACKGROUND:
- Company: [Company Name]
- Industry: [Industry]
- Business Model: [Subscription/Services/Goods]
- Completed Unified Data Scorecard: [Please attach/paste the completed scorecard results for context]

DISCOVERY OBJECTIVES:
- Understand their current business priorities and challenges
- Validate opportunities identified in the Unified Data Scorecard
- Uncover additional pain points or goals
- Identify decision-makers and budget authority
- Assess technical readiness and resources

Please create 5-7 discovery questions that will:

1. **Open the conversation** with broad business-focused questions
2. **Validate scorecard insights** about their challenges and opportunities
3. **Uncover priorities** we may not have identified
4. **Assess implementation readiness** (resources, timeline, decision-making process)
5. **Lead naturally** toward solution planning

Format as:
- **Opening Questions** (1-2 broad business questions)
- **Scorecard Validation** (2-3 questions to validate scorecard findings)
- **Priority Discovery** (1-2 questions about goals and challenges)
- **Implementation Readiness** (1 question about resources and process)

Make questions open-ended, consultative, and designed to uncover business impact rather than just technical requirements.
Scorecard Presented

Demonstrates customer optimization opportunities and establishes credibility for solution recommendations

How This Is Tracked

Add a pinned Note with snippet that retains #UnifiedDataScorecard in the body text

Activities That Support This Metric:

Present Unified Data Scorecard/Marketing Assessment insights
Use structured discovery framework to uncover priorities
Focus on business impact and growth challenges
Confirm value proposition alignment with customer needs
Document pain points and challenges identified
Record decision-maker information and stakeholder map
Update pinned Note with customer priorities and solution opportunities
 

Completion Criteria

✓ Unified Data Scorecard presented to customer
✓ Pinned Note updated with #UnifiedDataScorecard snippet
✓ Customer priorities and pain points documented
✓ Decision-makers identified
2nd Meeting Scheduled

Secures customer commitment to solution development phase

How This Is Tracked

Based on customer booking a future dated 2nd meeting where meeting title contains 'Solution Design.' The backend automation automatically associates meeting to Ticket

Activities That Support This Metric:

Schedule the 2nd call, the solution presentation call where 'Solution Design' is in the meeting title

Completion Criteria

✓ Solution Design Meeting Scheduled - Backend automation associates meeting to Ticket
 
Discovery Call Quality

What Managers Look For: Customer pain points clearly identified, decision-makers mapped, value proposition alignment confirmed

Supporting Activities:

  • Document customer priorities and pain points
  • Confirm decision-makers and stakeholders
  • Validate value proposition with customer needs
Solution Opportunities Identified

What Managers Look For: Specific areas where HubSpot can drive customer growth identified, value proposition aligned with customer needs, implementation readiness assessed

Supporting Activities:

  • Identify specific solution opportunities based on scorecard insights
  • Map solution opportunities to customer business impact
  • Assess customer readiness for implementation
  • Document agreed-upon value proposition and solution objectives
Discovery Call Agenda (45-60 Minutes)

Opening & Introductions

0-5 min
  • Welcome and introductions
  • Agenda overview and call objectives
  • Confirm meeting duration and next steps

Scorecard Insights Presentation

5-15 min
  • Present key findings from Unified Data Scorecard
  • Highlight optimization opportunities identified
  • Share usage patterns and data insights

Discovery & Validation

15-35 min
  • Validate scorecard findings with customer experience
  • Explore current business priorities and challenges
  • Understand decision-making process and stakeholders
  • Assess technical setup and integration needs
  • Identify budget and timeline considerations

Solution Opportunity Exploration

35-50 min
  • Discuss potential solution areas based on findings
  • Gauge customer interest and priorities
  • Explore implementation approach preferences
  • Address initial questions or concerns

Next Steps & Close

50-60 min
  • Summarize key takeaways and priorities
  • Schedule solution design presentation meeting
  • Confirm attendees for next meeting
  • Set expectations for solution development timeline
Pre-call Preparation & Strategy Prompt
Act as an experienced HubSpot Solutions Architect preparing for a customer discovery call.

CONTEXT:
- Company: [Company Name]
- Unified Data Scorecard completed: [Yes/No]
- Key findings from research: [Summarize key insights]
- Attendees: [List expected attendees and roles]
- Call duration: [Typically 45-60 minutes]

PRE-CALL PREPARATION:
Based on the account research and scorecard findings, help me prepare for this discovery call.

Please provide:

1. **Call Agenda Structure**: A 45-60 minute agenda that balances relationship building, discovery, and solution positioning

2. **Opening Strategy**: How should I introduce the call and set expectations?

3. **Key Discovery Questions**: 5-7 specific questions based on the scorecard findings that will uncover:
- Current business priorities and challenges
- Decision-making process and stakeholders
- Technical setup and integration needs
- Timeline and implementation readiness

4. **Scorecard Presentation Strategy**: How should I present the scorecard insights effectively?

5. **Call Conclusion**: How should I wrap up the call to naturally lead to solution design work?

Keep the strategy consultative and focused on understanding their business rather than pitching features.
Solutions Plans Created

Creates tailored solutions that address specific customer needs and drive usage adoption

How This Is Tracked

Update the pinned Note with a snippet that retains #SolutionDesign in the body text

Activities That Support This Metric:

Base solution on specific customer pain points from discovery
Include clear implementation phases and timeline
Map solution components to business outcomes
Consider technical constraints and resources
Update pinned Note with #SolutionDesign snippet for tracking
Document detailed solution overview and implementation approach
 

Solution Plan Templates [TBD]

Completion Criteria

✓ Solution Design Documentation Complete - Update pinned Note with Solution Design
✓ Solution design addresses discovered pain points
✓ Implementation approach is clearly defined
✓ Business impact is quantified where possible
✓ Meeting link sent to customer with 'Solution Design' in the title
 
Solution Design Quality

What Managers Look For: Solution directly addresses discovered pain points, includes clear implementation steps, aligns with customer priorities

Supporting Activities:

  • Ensure solution addresses specific customer challenges
  • Include detailed implementation approach
  • Map solution components to business impact
Custom Solution Conceptualization Prompt
Act as an experienced HubSpot Solutions Architect designing a custom solution for a customer.

DISCOVERY CONTEXT:
- Company: [Company Name]
- Industry: [Industry]
- Key challenges identified: [From discovery call]
- Customer priorities: [From discovery call]
- Current HubSpot setup: [Current tools and usage]
- Technical capabilities: [Customer's technical resources]

SOLUTION DESIGN TASK:
Based on the discovery insights, create a comprehensive custom solution design.

Please provide:

1. **Solution Overview**: Clear summary of the proposed solution and how it addresses their challenges

2. **Key Components**: Break down the solution into major components or modules

3. **Business Impact**: Quantify the expected business value and ROI

4. **Implementation Approach**: High-level implementation phases and timeline

5. **Technical Requirements**: APIs, integrations, custom objects, and any technical specifications needed

6. **Success Metrics**: How will we measure the success of this solution?

7. **Next Steps**: What needs to happen to move forward with this solution?

Structure the solution to be customer-focused, addressing their specific pain points while leveraging HubSpot's capabilities effectively.
# of Solutions Presented

Demonstrates value and secures customer buy-in for implementation

How This Is Tracked

A meeting has been booked with 'Solution Design' in the meeting title

Activities That Support This Metric:

Start with business challenge recap from discovery
Present solution with clear connection to pain points
Quantify business impact and ROI where possible
Include implementation timeline and next steps
Get explicit agreement on solution approach
Confirm customer resources and timeline
Address any concerns or objections
Define clear next steps and implementation path
 

Completion Criteria

✓ Solution Presentation Completed - Based on past dated meeting with 'Solution Design' in title
✓ Solution validated by customer
✓ Value proposition validated by customer
✓ Customer commitment to implementation is secured
Presentation Effectiveness

What Managers Look For: Customer understands value proposition, questions are addressed, implementation commitment is secured

Supporting Activities:

  • Deliver clear, compelling solution presentation
  • Address customer questions and concerns
  • Secure specific next steps and commitment
Solution Presentation Agenda (60 minutes)

Opening & Recap

0-5 min
  • Welcome and introductions
  • Agenda overview
  • Brief recap of discovery findings

Business Challenge Review

5-15 min
  • Summarize key pain points from discovery
  • Confirm business priorities and goals
  • Review success criteria and desired outcomes

Solution Presentation & Demo

15-40 min
  • Present custom solution overview
  • Demonstrate key features with customer data
  • Show business impact and ROI calculations
  • Walk through implementation phases

Q&A & Objection Handling

40-50 min
  • Address customer questions and concerns
  • Clarify technical requirements
  • Discuss resource needs and timeline
  • Handle any objections or hesitations

Commitment & Next Steps

50-60 min
  • Secure commitment to move forward
  • Define implementation approach
  • Schedule implementation planning meeting
  • Confirm project timeline and milestones
Presentation Strategy & Content Prompt
Act as an experienced HubSpot Solutions Architect preparing to present a custom solution to a customer.

SOLUTION CONTEXT:
- Company: [Company Name]
- Solution designed: [Summary of solution from Step 3]
- Key stakeholders attending: [List decision-makers]
- Customer priorities: [From discovery]
- Meeting duration: [Typically 60 minutes]

PRESENTATION TASK:
Help me create a compelling presentation strategy and content.

Please provide:

1. **Presentation Structure**: A logical flow for the 60-minute presentation

2. **Opening Strategy**: How to start strong and set the right tone

3. **Value Messaging**: Key value propositions that will resonate with this audience

4. **Demo Strategy**: What to show and how to make it relevant to their business

5. **Objection Handling**: Potential concerns and how to address them

6. **Closing Strategy**: How to secure commitment and define next steps

7. **Success Metrics**: How to present ROI and business impact

Make the presentation customer-focused, demonstrating clear business value rather than just technical features.
Implementation Committed

Confirms customer commitment and readiness to proceed with implementation

How This Is Tracked

Solution sets Ticket 'Solutions: Implementation Outcome' field to any value except 'Not Interested'

Activities That Support This Metric:

Secure customer commitment to move forward with solution
Document solution acceptance and implementation approach
Set implementation outcome field in ticket system
Confirm project timeline and next steps
Schedule implementation planning meeting
 

Completion Criteria

✓ Implementation Outcome Selected - Based on Ticket 'Solutions: Implementation Outcome' field being populated with any value except 'Not Interested'
✓ Customer commitment documented
✓ Implementation approach confirmed
✓ Next steps scheduled


Partner Recommended

Identifies opportunities for partner engagement and solution enhancement

How This Is Tracked

Add #PartnerRecommended to pinned Note on ticket

Activities That Support This Metric:

Evaluate customer's technical capabilities and needs
Assess complexity of implementation requirements
Recommend appropriate partner based on solution scope
Add #PartnerRecommended tag to ticket's pinned note
Document recommended partner and rationale
 

Completion Criteria

✓ Partner Recommendation Tagged - Based on #PartnerRecommended in pinned Note
✓ Partner evaluation completed
✓ Recommendation documented
✓ Customer notified of recommendation
Partner Attached (Paid, Credit)

Ensures proper partner engagement for complex implementations

How This Is Tracked

Solution sets Ticket 'Solutions: Implementation Outcome' = 'Partner (Paid)' or 'Partner (Credit)'

Activities That Support This Metric:

Finalize partner selection and engagement model
Set implementation outcome to Partner (Paid) or Partner (Credit)
Complete partner onboarding and introduction
Establish project timeline and deliverables
Coordinate handover to partner team
 

Completion Criteria

✓ Partner Engagement Confirmed - Based on Implementation Outcome = 'Partner (Paid)' or 'Partner (Credit)'
✓ Partner selected and contracted
✓ Project scope defined
✓ Handover completed
Handover Quality

What Managers Look For: Complete documentation provided, clear implementation path established, appropriate resources allocated

Supporting Activities:

  • Create comprehensive handover documentation
  • Ensure proper resource allocation and introductions
  • Establish success metrics and follow-up plan
Implementation Planning Call (45-60 minutes)

Opening & Context

0-5 min
  • Welcome and agenda overview
  • Recap solution commitment from previous meeting
  • Confirm implementation objectives

Implementation Options Review

5-20 min
  • Present implementation approaches (self-service, Solutions team, partner)
  • Discuss customer resources and technical capabilities
  • Evaluate complexity and timeline considerations
  • Recommend optimal implementation path

Resource Planning & Timeline

20-35 min
  • Define required resources from both sides
  • Create detailed project timeline with milestones
  • Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies
  • Establish communication and reporting structure

Handover & Responsibilities

35-50 min
  • Define handover process and documentation
  • Clarify roles and responsibilities
  • Set up success tracking and measurement
  • Plan training and knowledge transfer

Next Steps & Follow-up

50-60 min
  • Finalize implementation plan
  • Schedule regular check-ins and milestone reviews
  • Complete documentation and handover materials
  • Set expectations for ongoing support
Customer Self-Service

Customer manages implementation independently

  • Customer has internal developer resources
  • No budget for external support
  • Strong HubSpot experience required
  • Detailed Solution Guide with step-by-step instructions provided
  • Customer handles timeline and implementation
Partner (Paid)

Customer pays partner directly for implementation

  • Customer contracts and pays partner directly
  • Same scope and packages as credit option
  • No credit approval or leadership sign-off required
  • Faster engagement setup and timeline
Partner (HubSpot Credit)

Complex solutions requiring custom development

  • Covers partner costs for approved engagements
  • Requires leadership approval and business justification
  • Used for integrations, custom objects, API development

Implementation Planning & Partner Credits

When to Request Partner Credit

  • Solution requires custom development or complex integrations
  • Customer lacks internal technical resources
  • Strategic account (P1/P2) or high-value opportunity
  • Clear business case for investment

Partner Credit Request Process

1
Review Available Packages

Identify which package/offering best meets the customer need from approved options

2
Choose Partner

Select a partner from the approved partner list

3
Complete Project Brief

Create project documentation with customer context, solution scope, and desired outcomes

4
Get Partner Approval

Send brief to partner and confirm package aligns with their understanding

5
Submit Credit Form

Have partner submit the credit request form using the Partner Request Form

6
Track Credit

Add approved credit to the Partner Credit Tracking Spreadsheet

7
Introduce Partners

Connect the partner with the customer to kick off the project

Partner Credit Service Packages

Package Cost Hours Timeline Best For
Consultation - Small $1,500 6 60 days Expert guidance on established features, basic training
Consultation + Implementation - Small $2,500 10 60 days Hands-on setup of advanced features, pre-built connectors
Custom Solution - Medium $5,000 20 90 days Custom code, small integrations, portal audits
Bespoke Solution - Large $10,000 40 120 days Complex transformative solutions, multi-portal work

Package Details

Consultation - Small
$1,500

Scope: Expert advice on proven solutions and advanced features

Includes: Consultation session, implementation guidance, training/documentation

Use for: Applying established templates to customer context

Consultation + Implementation - Small
$2,500

Scope: Consultation plus hands-on portal work

Includes: Analysis, collaborative implementation, troubleshooting, training

Use for: Advanced feature setup, pre-built integrations, limited analysis

Custom Solution - Medium
$5,000

Scope: Custom design and implementation for complex requirements

Includes: Discovery, custom code/assets, small integrations, portal audits

Use for: Unique customer needs requiring custom development

Bespoke Solution - Large
$10,000

Scope: Comprehensive transformative solution design and delivery

Includes: Full analysis, implementation plan, extensive custom work, multi-system integration

Use for: Complex problems requiring substantial custom development and planning

Implementation Strategy & Handover prompt
Act as an experienced HubSpot Solutions Architect planning implementation and handover.

PROJECT CONTEXT:
- Company: [Company Name]
- Solution presented: [Summary from Step 4]
- Customer commitment level: [Confirmed/Conditional/Needs follow-up]
- Implementation complexity: [Simple/Medium/Complex]
- Customer resources: [Available technical team/resources]

IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING:
Help me create a comprehensive implementation plan and handover strategy.

Please provide:

1. **Implementation Options Analysis**: Evaluate the best approach (self-service, Solutions team, partner credit)

2. **Resource Requirements**: What resources are needed from both sides

3. **Timeline Planning**: Realistic phases and milestones

4. **Handover Strategy**: How to ensure smooth transition

5. **Success Tracking**: How to measure and monitor implementation success

6. **Follow-up Plan**: Schedule and goals for ongoing check-ins

7. **Risk Mitigation**: Potential challenges and how to address them

Ensure the plan maximizes customer success while efficiently using available resources.