With a 33% projected job growth rate and a starting average salary of $85k USD, the life of a Salesforce Administrator offers an appealing path in the dynamic world of Customer Relationship Management or CRM. Salesforce Administrators – also known as Trailblazers – solve business problems by customizing the Salesforce platform. And that’s just one skill specialty within the Salesforce world.
Trailblazers are part of an entire community of Salesforce professionals that includes Salesforce Developers, Consultants, Architects, Designers, Business Analysts, Cybersecurity Experts, and Marketing Professionals. They all build, configure, and automate technology solutions to deliver business value. Core tasks of a Trailblazer include supporting users, managing data and security, and driving actionable analytics.
Any one of these pursuits offers the chance to build a career that delivers business value. Following are some tips and guidance on how to start building your career as a Trailblazer.
1. Join the Trailblazer Community
First, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with what exactly a Trailblazer is. Salesforce provides countless resources, including this article, “What is a Trailblazer?”
“Being a Trailblazer is about pioneering a whole new way of doing business — one in which success is inseparable from building a better world.”
— MARC BENIOFF
You can join Salesforce Trailblazer Community Groups to connect with other Trailblazers in your area and learn about local events. By participating in the Trailblazer Community, you will learn from the experiences of other Trailblazers and share your own knowledge and expertise.
The next step will be to start taking advantage of Salesforce’s resources. A wide range of webinars and events can help build skills and knowledge in the platform. You’ll also learn about product updates, best practices, and case studies. By attending Salesforce webinars and events, you can learn from experts in the field and follow the latest trends and developments in Salesforce.
2. Activate Trailhead and Earn Certifications
Trailhead is Salesforce’s free online learning platform that provides a fun and interactive way to learn about the platform. With Trailhead, you can earn badges and points as you complete modules and challenges. Track your progress as you build your skills and knowledge.
Trailhead offers a wide range of modules and learning paths, including Salesforce basics, admin and developer skills, and industry-specific solutions. Trailhead badges and credentials will showcase your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
Salesforce certifications are a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the platform. Salesforce offers a wide range of certifications, including Administrator, Developer, and Consultant certifications. By earning certifications, you can increase credibility and marketability as a Salesforce professional. There are also a variety of credentials for each professional certification. For example, as a Salesforce Administrator, you can advance your expertise with certifications as an Advanced Administrator, Business Analyst, or Platform App Builder, among others.
Salesforce offers a variety of resources to help you prepare for certifications, including study guides, online training courses, and practice exams. You can also attend certification bootcamps, which provide intensive training and support to help you prepare for exams. Prepare for your Salesforce Administrator Credential and you’re ready to start blazing trails.
3. Network and Volunteer
Trailblazer Connect is another resource that offers pathways for mentorship, employment opportunities and outlets to give back. It connects you to an entire ecosystem of other Salesforce professionals. You will learn about job opportunities and stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field. To build your network, consider joining professional organizations, attending industry events, and connecting with other Trailblazers on social media.
As a Trailblazer, you will have the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering and sharing your knowledge and expertise with others. By giving back to the community, you can build your skills and knowledge, make valuable connections, and make a positive impact on others.
4. Explore the Latest Trends and Developments
The world of Salesforce is constantly evolving, with new products, features, and best practices emerging all the time. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to stay connected and continuously hone your skills. Through the Trailblazer Workforce Partner Directory, you’ll find workforce partners who teach Salesforce in colleges, job development organizations, and communities around the world. Ongoing skills development is an upward path in your learning journey.
Trailblazers are individuals who are passionate about Salesforce and are committed to continuous learning and improvement. They are self-motivated, curious, and committed to building their skills and knowledge in the platform. Trailblazers are also committed to giving back to the community by sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. With a few simple steps, you can begin your journey as a Salesforce professional and create a career with long-lasting fulfillment.
5. Prioritize Data Cleaning
As a Salesforce professional, you will learn the value of clean data. DataGroomr receives an average five-star rating on the Salesforce AppExchange for its simple and quick functionality in cleaning data. DataGroomr will merge all of your duplicate records and allow you to create your own rules for merging. With a handy drag-and-drop rules editor, you can define Master Record Selection or Field Value rules. Our innovative DataGroomr Lightning Component lets you view potential duplicates from all Trimmr datasets directly in Salesforce. DataGroomr is a great way to make one of the many tasks you’ll do as a Salesforce Trailblazer that much easier.
Start your free trial of DataGroomr and add one more skill to your Salesforce toolbox!
