The recent Smartsheet acquisition by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners marks a significant turning point for the platform and its users, especially those utilizing Smartsheet project management in government projects. This sale could lead to more resources for product innovation and global expansion, potentially resulting in faster platform development and improved customer support. However, there may be some uncertainty regarding leadership changes and strategic direction during the transition to private ownership.
How This Affects Current Smartsheet Users
Just like when a restaurant changes management, there’s a mix of excitement and apprehension. Preceding the acquisition announcement, Smartsheet announced a pricing revamp in June 2024, which will impact both existing and new users. They’re rolling out a new pricing model that categorizes users into Members (paid), Guests (free), and Viewers (free).
For many, this change could feel like moving from a buffet where everything is free to a pay-as-you-go menu. Users who have relied heavily on free editors may need to reassess their options. Smartsheet claims that the new model will enhance transparency and simplify Smartsheet project management—much like a clearer menu. Some users, however, might face higher costs and explore alternatives if their expenses rise. Notably, this pricing change currently only impacts the commercial platform, not Smartsheet Gov, which is designed specifically for government needs.
Why Smartsheet Gov for Government Projects?
For government projects, Smartsheet Gov’s tools are specifically designed to keep initiatives organized and on track. For instance, in Alluvionic’s collaboration with the US Space Force, Smartsheet played a pivotal role in automating rocket launch checklists, significantly improving speed and reliability. Its real-time collaboration features and government approval make it an ideal choice for sensitive, large-scale projects. This success culminated in Alluvionic being recognized as a finalist for PMI’s 2023 Project of the Year Award.
While Alluvionic supports various project management tools like Microsoft Project, Trello, and Monday.com, we prefer a Smartsheet project management approach for our internal operations. This is due to the cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and enhanced collaboration capabilities Smartsheet provides. Smartsheet has streamlined key processes such as customer retention and invoice management, saving time and improving internal efficiencies. In fact, Smartsheet featured Alluvionic in a case study titled How a professional does it: Project/process management provider Alluvionic speeds its own processes, boosts customer retention, with Smartsheet. Overall, Smartsheet has played a crucial role in driving business growth.
How the Experts Set Up Smartsheet Gov for Success
With the excitement surrounding the recent acquisition, Smartsheet is poised to attract new customers eager for effective setup and training strategies in Smartsheet project management. Experts recommend starting with hands-on training sessions that allow users to directly explore Smartsheet, helping them build confidence in what Smartsheet is used for. Implementing a train-the-trainer model can also be highly beneficial for becoming Smartsheet certified. By selecting enthusiastic team members as internal champions and providing them with additional training, you empower them to share valuable tips and best practices with the rest of the team.
In addition, offering user-friendly resources such as quick-start guides and video tutorials can facilitate learning without overwhelming new users. Regularly collecting feedback is crucial for refining training approaches and optimizing your Smartsheet project management usage. Open communication fosters a supportive environment, ensuring everyone feels comfortable sharing insights and challenges. By following these expert-backed strategies, your team will be well-equipped to maximize their use of Smartsheet, paving the way for ongoing success.
Making the Most of Smartsheet
To get the most out of Smartsheet, treat your implementation like an ongoing project. Just as you would keep a list of goals when embarking on a new journey, maintain a backlog of ideas and prioritize enhancements through regular sprints. Here are three free resources to help you expand the value of your Smartsheet project management investment:
- Encourage team members to join the Early Adopter Program to explore new features and provide valuable feedback.
- Foster participation in Smartsheet’s Community Forum where users share knowledge and get help from Smartsheet certified users.
- Sign up for product updates to keep up with enhancements, ensuring users are aware of the latest Smartsheet project management features.
How Alluvionic Can Help Companies Implement Smartsheet Gov
At Alluvionic, we understand that implementing Smartsheet Gov can be daunting, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our personalized approach starts with assessing your unique needs and designing tailored solutions. We provide hands-on training from day one, empowering your team to confidently embrace Smartsheet Gov.
With ongoing support from a dedicated Alluvionic Smartsheet consultant, you’ll find peace of mind as we help you make real progress in your Smartsheet project management approach. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Smartsheet Gov, transforming your workflows and driving your organization toward success. Whether you aim to become Smartsheet certified or seek the expertise of a Smartsheet consultant to help you get started, we’re equipped to meet your needs.
For more resources, including pricing on standard Smartsheet services, visit our website. Embracing the potential of Smartsheet project management—especially in the context of Smartsheet Gov—can empower your organization to navigate changes confidently and efficiently.
If you’re ready to enhance your project management capabilities, contact us today to see how we can assist you in achieving optimal results with Smartsheet.
