5 Ways YOU can start learning Salesforce during lockdown

The world is in lockdown. Nobody could have ever foreseen these circumstances, and unfortunately, in order to save lives, staying inside, we have a lot of free time on our hands. Hence the inspiration to start this blog and try to help others. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you want to start learning Salesforce. Before we begin, a quick shout out to all the NHS and front line workers, you’re amazing and it’s appreciated.

Apart from being the worlds number 1 CRM system, Salesforce can open up a whole new world of opportunity and experience, if it is something you’re looking to pursue. You can read my story here. We’re going to explore the top 5 ways in which you can get started learning Salesforce during lockdown (and after). Up first:

1) Trailhead

Your best friend for learning Salesforce, way better than I will be able to teach you, but there’s no harm in honesty. Trailhead was created by Salesforce themselves and is meticulously maintained by a large group of people each time a new release comes out. Launched in 2014, it is continuously upgrading to account for the ever increasing user base of Salesforce and people willing to learn, like you, right?.

Trailhead should be your single source for most things Salesforce, maintaining your exams, getting support from the community and expanding your knowledge. The thought behind it is simple, follow ‘trails’ for areas which interest you to earn ‘badges’. Use the knowledge gained from these badges to pass your exams. With each badge you get, you also get points, which increases your rank. Each badge has an interactive element to show you have followed along, whether this be a quiz or a hands-on challenge which requires you to login to your own developer version of Salesforce and try out what you have learnt. You can sign up here

Trailhead offers trails for all experience, not just beginners. You want to become an architect? Trailhead. You want to learn how to engage with customers? Trailhead. You don’t know how to do something on your project? (we’ve all been there) Trailhead.

Here are some great trailmixes and trails which can help you get started on your journey with Salesforce:

https://trailhead.salesforce.com/users/strailhead/trailmixes/get-started-with-trailhead-end-user - Understanding Trailhead a bit further

https://trailhead.salesforce.com/users/strailhead/trailmixes/build-your-admin-career-on-salesforce - Exploring what it takes to become a Salesforce admin

https://trailhead.salesforce.com/users/rangermegan/trailmixes/road-to-ranger-trailmix-1 - Understanding what careers could be available to you, and working as part of the ohana

Trails/Trailmixes take time. Everyone would be doing it if it was easy. Take your time and understand what each badge is teaching you and you’ll be well on your way of learning Salesforce in no time. Salesforce have also released an app version for those without computer access. The app version is called ‘Trailhead Go’ and can be downloaded from the app store on your phone.

2) Blogs

The Salesforce ecosystem is huge. Millions of people, like you and me live and breathe Salesforce day in day out. There are some really great, knowledgeable people out there who share great blog posts on their own personal experience. This offers a whole host of different perspectives, some people working as architects, some as consultants, some as end users. This is important to understand as you progress through your career. I know, you’ve come to this blog and now i’m sending you away? I apologise, but it’ll help you learn.

Many of these have been inspiration to me starting this blog, and I would wish someday it can be as successful in achieving the goal.

Here’s some great blogs you should follow, as well as mine:

https://salesforceben.com/ - SalesforceBen is a great blog to follow for people with all experience, and one I have personally followed for a while. There are continuously new posts by himself and guest authors, so you won’t be stuck for things to read.

http://gemmablezard.com/ - Owned by a good friend and previous coworker of mine. Gemma is a leader of women in tech and shares her knowledge working as an architect. She delivers a great message of equality and inclusion for people who’re looking at Salesforce as a career.

https://adminhero.com/ - Another great blog sharing experiences and knowledge of life as a Salesforce consultant. Again, great for beginners through to experienced trailblazers.

https://academy.whatfix.com/salesforce-blogs/ - This is a great list covering all sorts of blogs that you should follow if you’re getting into Salesforce.

3) Youtube

So, not everyone can learn by reading text on a page. Some of us prefer more visual learning, including me. Number 3 on our list is Youtube. I don’t think it needs any explanation, but as well as great people producing great blogs, they’re also producing great videos. If you can’t work something out, chances are if you Google it, hundreds of other people have asked the exact same question as you. In fact, if you ask any consultant what the first thing they do when they don’t know something, I guarantee the answer will be Google.

Here are some great Youtube channels you should be subscribed to if visual learning is your thing:

https://www.youtube.com/user/salesforce/videos - Channel run by Salesforce themselves. Keep on top of new features and releases as well as hear from the community all of the latest things happening in the Salesforce ohana.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTzF0VQiCXsZ_41fjVuX7UA/videos - Run by a Salesforce MVP this channel is great for people already in and getting into Salesforce. From guides, to career help, it has it all.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTdRj6YfwqhR_WEFepkcJw/videos - Slightly more geared to the aspiring architects among you, but a great channel none the less.

Watch this space, there could potentially be a ForceWithLuke channel coming soon, but we’ll let you know when that happens.

4) Your Network

You have to use the people around you. I have no shame in admitting I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for people in my life. All it takes is that one person to get you in the door, and it spirals from there. Over 88% of fortune 100 companies use at least 1 Salesforce application. Chances are if your company is not already using Salesforce, you know someone who’s company is. Even if it’s not Salesforce, CRM is used in over 91% of companies, learning Salesforce will be a great way for you to show what it is capable of and impress your boss!.

You may still be building your network if Salesforce is your first career choice, ask your mum, dad, friends, family.. nextdoor neighbour if you have to. Salesforce skills are invaluable, and even with basic admin skills you’re high sought after.

As I mentioned previously, Salesforce has millions of users (the ohana as I have referred to). There are always local events and meet-ups (when is is safe to do so) where people are sharing knowledge and running teaching sessions. You can use community here to search for local groups near you. A lot of these are virtual in the current climate, so make sure you RSVP to not miss out.

LinkedIn and other socials are a great way to advertise what you have learnt and what you’re looking for. Recruiters are always looking out for people with Salesforce skills. Once you’ve updated your profile, prepare for a barrage of messages. Remember to keep it updated and regularly interact with other Salesforce users for more exposure.

5 ) Social Media

The fifth and final way on our list is social media. We’re living in a digital world. Salesforce is leading the way in digital transformation, and businesses realise this needs to happen or they face falling behind competitors. You’re probably reading this on your smartphone. Take a look around the train on the commute, how many people can you count staring into their phones?. Social media is how we stay connected, so its only fair it got a shout-out on my list.

Compared to the others on the list, social media is a much more passive way of learning. Salesforce has a huge presence across all platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook among others, and it’s not just them as a business, it’s users, MVPs, consultants, architects, everyone of which shares knowledge and experience.

Personally I learn a lot from LinkedIn and Twitter. Spend time following people and pages which you think will interest you. Here are a few people you should follow on twitter:

SteveMo - Salesforce MVP and among the most answers on the Salesforce Success Community. Shares some great tips alongside humour.

Salesforce Admins - Run by Salesforce for admins. They regularly tweet events and other useful links to help get started with Salesforce and in your career as an administrator.

Gemma - Featured twice today! lucky. Another MVP Gemma shares great blog posts from her own blog and often posts great tips and tricks she’s learnt along her journey.

As you start to follow people, and build you network, your following will grow, the more people the more perspectives and greater you learn.

Conclusion

So this draws us to the end of 5 ways YOU can start learning Salesforce during lockdown. It may seem like a lot to take in, but it is easy to take small steps at a time. Anyone can build a career in Salesforce, as long as you dedicate the time and the effort and don’t give up.

Hopefully this list has given you a bit of an insight to to my world and gotten you well on your way to learning Salesforce.

As always if you have any questions or want any further info, use the contact us page. Comments and feedback are welcome, this is our first blog post after all. Good luck on your journey.