What does it take to Master SmartSuite?
Vasken Bakalian
Business Processes and Automation | AI Automation | Integrations | SmartSuite Implementation Partner | Make.com | Softr.io
How much time do you need to invest to use SmartSuite properly or to master it completely?
I want to share my experience and hear back from the other experts in my network.
SmartSuite has an intuitive user experience, a modern and appealing design, and the available content online & the active community removes all the friction from the learning process. (Resource links are below)
However, how much time is expected to master it?
SmartSuite falls under the category of tools "Easy to start, hard to master"
"Hard" is relative here, since the possibilities are endless (there's no limit on what you can build with a relational database).
And the product is constantly evolving and scaling thus learning has to be an ongoing process.
I want to divide "mastering" SmartSuite based on two roles.
1) Become a SmartSuite pro user
By becoming a pro user, I mean you will not create the solution or be the database architect, but be efficient in using the tool, understand the views and field types, and be able to do basic modifications like add a simple Count or Lookup field, use the views, filters, spotlights and all the features you'll need to use as an admin, but not a builder.
If you are familiar with alternative solutions such as Airtable, Clickup, Notion or others, you'll need no time for the transition and a couple of days could be enough to start it rolling and you'll learn more along the way.
If you are completely new to similar work management tools, you may need a week or two to feel comfortable using them.
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2) Become a Pro Solution Creator
You either have a business with a lot of complex processes and you want to build your solution yourself or want to help/consult other businesses and leverage all or most of the offered functionalities (that exist to date).
Assuming you have an understanding of relational databases, cardinalities, and database normalization/denormalization.
You'll need to spend somewhere from 500 to 600 hours to unlock its full potential.
By mastering, we need to consider implementing and using all features with different use cases in real-life solutions vs "learning" by only watching a video and playing around with the feature on a test solution.
However, this number is possibly less to get the certification, as you'll not be asked to build super complex solutions or have to orchestrate 20-30 automations and deal with 30-40 or more tables (apps in SmartSuite) in the exam.
Note that learning is ongoing as the industry is constantly evolving and SmartSuite is fast in releasing features.
500 hours could be enough to have a solid knowledge to start helping your clients, however depending on how you define "mastering", 200 hours or 1000 hours could be valid answers.
Also, familiarity with alternative products available in the market helps in a smoother adaptation.
Where to Start and where to find learning material?
If you don't have an account yet, rush to register using my affiliate link ??
If you need more help and when and how to start, feel free to book a free-30 min consultation here
Adult/Adolescent ADHD Occupational Therapist | Sensory Intelligence Practitioner & Consultant | Founder Private Practice Growth Club | Speaker | Trainer | Podcast Host
1 年Thanks for this. I generally do find it very easy to learn the mechanics of software. I think most people can easily become a Smart Pro user, but being a solution creator is much harder than just knowing how the tool works. Personally, I find the step before creating a solution in SmartSuite (or any project management system for that matter) to be a much harder thing to learn because it is so intangible. That is know what the problem is you are trying to solve, develop a strategy, or design a workflow that helps solve it and then know how that needs to translate into a solution. So I would say, if you truly want to become a solution creator, outside of all the hours learning the actual tool, there are also hours upskilling yourself in workflow and process management and creation. Thank you to creators like you for always sharing your knowledge and experience so willingly. I have learned tons from everyone you mentioned in your post and from the community at large. I am hoping to be fully migrated over to Smartsuite from Clickup before my annual renewal becomes due!
Owner at SMB IT Solutions
1 年Nice one Vasken
President & Executive Director at Step Up For Mental Health Nonprofit | Mental Health First Aid Instructor | Speaker
1 年Loved that sneak in affiliate link, smooth. ??
Business Process and Workflow Automation SmartSuite.com | Airtable.com | Make.com
1 年Thanks for the helpful information Vasken
Content is the currency of the digital age ??
1 年Thanks for sharing this Vasken. Some people find it easier to learn by themselves online, but those like me prefer it to be taught in person. Perhaps we can discuss opportunities to collaborate in the near future.