Initial Discovery Meeting for HubSpot Implementation: Key Points

The initial discovery meeting is a pivotal step in the process of implementing Hubs for a client.

1. Introduction and Purpose: Begin the meeting by introducing yourself and your team. Explain the purpose of the meeting, which is to initiate the implementation process and gather crucial information about the client's business needs and goals. This meeting is usually organized by the sales team to set up the context between the two parties.
2. HubSpot Overview: Provide a brief overview of HubSpot's offerings (Based on their licenses). Highlight the features and benefits that align with the client's objectives, emphasizing how the platform can address their specific challenges.
3. Implementation Process Outline: Outline the steps involved in the implementation process. This includes information gathering, customization, configuration, training, and ongoing support. A clear roadmap sets expectations and helps the client understand what to expect at each stage.
4. Client Goals and Objectives: Encourage the client to share their goals and objectives for implementing HubSpot. Whether it's lead generation, sales growth, customer retention, or other objectives, understanding their priorities helps tailor the implementation to their needs. This step is mostly taken care by the sales team but sometimes they fail to gather all details so it’s best to do the scoping yourself once. 
5. Current Pain Points: Discuss the challenges the client currently faces in their marketing, sales, or service processes. This insight helps identify pain points that HubSpot can address, showcasing the platform's potential value. It’s always better to paint the correct picture in front of the client about the capabilities rather than giving explanations later.
6. Scope Definition: Work with the client to define the scope of the project. Which HubSpot modules and features are they interested in implementing? Try to figure out if the sales team has over-committed anything and if yes, then clarify it in writing via the contract. 
7. Integration Needs: If the client has existing systems, inquire about their integration needs. Determine if HubSpot needs to integrate with other tools, such as CRM software, e-commerce platforms, or analytics solutions.
8. Key Stakeholders and Users: Identify the key stakeholders and users who will be involved in the HubSpot implementation. Understand their roles and responsibilities, as this information will be crucial for tailoring training sessions and access levels.
9. Timeline and Milestones: Discuss the anticipated timeline for the implementation process. Set expectations for key milestones, such as completion of customization, training sessions, and the final launch. A clear timeline helps manage the project effectively.
10. Communication and Follow-Up: Before concluding the meeting, establish a communication plan. Determine the frequency and method of communication for updates, questions, and feedback throughout the implementation process. Clarify the points of contact for both your team and the client.