Hands on Salesforce Training

Posted: July 13, 2023 | Author: Susan Thayer | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Dreamforce, Salesforce | Leave a comment

Practically all of us have goals that our managers expect us to achieve so that we continue to grow as an employee and as a person. As we are approaching fourth quarter what have you done to achieve YOUR goals? 

For me, I find attending Salesforce community events helps me expand my skillsets and open my mind to new ideas. There are two primary types of community events in the Salesforce ecosystem.  Local and Regional. 

The local events take place in dozens of cities around the globe. These events are organized by local volunteers, like me, who know that we can succeed more together than apart. There you can meet with other Salesforce professionals from your area, attend training on new features, see demos of apps, share ideas, discover new approaches and bounce thoughts off of other Salesforce professionals.

Dreamin’ Events

The regional events are often known as “Dreamin'” events. As the name implies many attendees at these regional events can only dream of going to Dreamforce in San Francisco. Time and budget simply does not allow for it. So in an effort to help those that can not make it Dreamforce the Dream’ events were born. 

The first “Dreamin” event was Midwest Dreamin’. I was part of the original committee that organized it in 2014. I remember the excitement and fear after we signed that contract for what felt like an exuberant amount of money to reserve Navy Pier in Chicago. We knew we had to make this event a success in order to pay for the space. Little did I need to worry as there was a huge demand for an event like this. Dreamforce was simply not accessible for most people.

Since then the concept of “Dreamin'” events have spread like wildflowers. Today you will find several multi-day “Dreamin” conferences around the world. They all have amazing speakers featuring-real-world advice. They all have amazing sponsors from the appexchange and partner community who help keep costs affordable for attendees. And because these events are often around 300-500 people you can make personal connections with the speakers and other attendees.

What‘ Are You Waiting For?

If you have not been to a “Dreamin” event in your region what’s your excuse? 

I would be shocked if you know everything about Salesforce, I have been in the ecosystem since 2006, hold over a dozen certifications and have been a Salesforce MVP since 2013.  I live and breathe Salesforce and there is still so much I need to learn. Maybe the challenge is money. Most companies have continuing education funds. Be sure to use yours. Perhaps, you have asked and your company just won’t pay for these events. Some companies are just scrooges like this. If your company will not invest in you, then you need to invest in yourself. The good news is there are cost-saving opportunities. If you register early you can save big on registration. And at many events you can volunteer for a discounted or free registration. Take advantage of the hotel conference rate or find a cheaper hotel a block or two away. If you have to travel in from out of town, you can often use the event boards to find a roommate to split the costs or go with a friend from your local user group.

I speak to many attendees at these events that are self-funding their way and taking PTO to attend. That’s how valuable these community events can be.

So I hope the real reason is that you were not aware of the Salesforce community. Now that you know it is up to you, and only you, to get to your local or regional events.

Here’s a link to the local community groups: https://trailblazercommunitygroups.com

Here’s a link to the “Dreamin” events. https://trailhead.salesforce.com/community/conferences

I can’t wait to see you at the next one!

 

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