Becoming a SmartBuild distributor opens doors to new opportunities—but realizing those opportunities requires more than just access to technology. One of the most critical factors for a successful implementation is having a project champion within your organization. This champion acts as the driving force, overseeing the process, resolving challenges, and keeping the entire team engaged. 

In this second installment of our “Become a SmartBuild Distributor” series (check out part one if you missed it!), we’ll explore why every distributor needs a champion and how this role can make the difference between success and stalled progress.

What Is a Project Champion?

A project champion is a person within your organization who is responsible for ensuring the success of your SmartBuild implementation. They have a combination of authority, accountability, and leadership skills to drive the project forward. Think of them as the bridge between your team and SmartBuild support—someone who ensures goals are met, resources are allocated, and the system is fully integrated into your operations.

Why Is a Project Champion Essential?

Without a dedicated project champion, it’s easy for implementation to be delayed or deprioritized. Day-to-day operations can take precedence, causing the project to lose momentum. Here’s how a champion helps avoid these pitfalls:

1. The champion takes ownership of the project, ensuring tasks are completed on time and key milestones are met.

1. They have the authority to make important decisions, such as approving changes to workflows or allocating additional resources if needed.
2. A champion keeps all stakeholders—team members, suppliers, contractors, and SmartBuild support—aligned and informed throughout the implementation process.
3. Challenges and questions will inevitably arise. A champion is responsible for addressing these issues and seeking solutions quickly to maintain progress.

The Qualities of a Strong Project Champion

Not every employee is suited to be a project champion. Here are key qualities to look for when appointing someone to this role:

• Leadership Skills: The ability to inspire and motivate the team.
• Authority: They should have decision-making power or direct access to those who do.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to manage timelines, track progress, and coordinate tasks across teams.
• Technical Understanding: While they don’t need to be an expert in SmartBuild, they should be comfortable working with technology and willing to learn.
• Commitment: The champion should be fully invested in the project’s success and willing to dedicate time and effort to see it through.

Tips for Empowering Your Project Champion

Once you’ve appointed a champion, it’s important to set them up for success. Here’s how:

1. Define the goals and expected outcomes of the SmartBuild implementation.
2. Ensure the champion has enough time to focus on the project without being overwhelmed by other responsibilities.
3. Connect the champion with SmartBuild. Our support team and other distributors can share best practices.
4. Celebrate progress to keep morale high and demonstrate the importance of the project to your organization.

What Happens Without a Project Champion?

When no one is responsible for overseeing the implementation, progress stalls. Tasks like data entry, pricing updates, and user training get delayed, and the project risks being abandoned altogether. Without a champion, businesses miss out on the full benefits of SmartBuild’s automation and efficiency-enhancing features.

How SmartBuild Supports Your Project Champion

At SmartBuild, we provide resources to help your champion succeed, including:

• A dedicated support team available to answer questions and troubleshoot issues.
• A resource hub full of tutorials, webinars, and documentation to accelerate learning.
• If needed, our consultant partners can assist with the implementation process for a fee.

By partnering with SmartBuild, your champion will have the tools and support they need to drive the project forward.

Ready to Appoint Your Project Champion and Get Started?

SmartBuild’s most successful distributors all have one thing in common: a dedicated champion who led the implementation. By focusing on integration, these champions enabled their teams to streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve sales performance. 

Contact the SmartBuild team today to learn more about becoming a distributor and setting your business up for success.

Stay tuned for the next post in our Become a SmartBuild Distributor series, where we’ll explore the importance of effective resource allocation in the implementation process.