If you think you can do this without external help—think again. Ask yourself the following questions:
Have I worked through dozens of CRM implementations and gained insights into what can go wrong and why?
Do I have experience in data import and massaging techniques gained from years of CRM implementations?
Am I comfortable with my ability to interpret a business process into software workflow and screen designs?
Will I inspire the confidence internally that an external domain expert can?
Your first task in the process of finding the right partner is to assemble a shortlist of candidate firms. A good starting point for your list is the SugarCRM partner directory available at: http://www.sugarcrm.com/crm/partners/partnerfinder.html. Make sure that you find a partner who is focused not just on selling or hosting the software, but also on the development of custom enhancements to the standard software—as you will need some without doubt.
You will notice that...