Salesforce for Everyone by Talent Stacker

Think consulting is only for seasoned Salesforce pros? Think again!   For this week's Salesforce career breakdown, we talk with Dave Massey (remember him from Episode 32?) to learn about his dive into consulting as his very first Salesforce role and how having a top-tier support system helped him skill up.   You'll also get to hear why it's so important to diversify your industry experience as well as some of the many companies you could work with as a consultant. This is how you become recession-proof, people!   Handy Timestamps:   2:45: Dave discusses the start of his Salesforce career as a consultant. 4:30: A recap of the job application process! Remember, you can't really overdo it here. 7:30: When it comes to consultancies, size does matter. 12:00: We get to hear how our guest learned the ropes of consulting with a few helping hands. 19:50: What is it that makes Salesforce jobs so secure? Brad and Dave discuss the beauty of diverse industry experience. 26:30: What are some of the challenges unique to Salesforce Consultants? 35:45: Dave discusses how his experiences helped him form Get Force Certified.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group GetForceCertified.com

Now that you have a good idea of what a Salesforce Administrator is (if you don’t, check out our last episode), it’s time to move on to our next role!   In this episode, we're joined by Pei Mun Lim to give you a peek into the life of a Salesforce Business Analyst. We also discuss the specific skills and traits that make up an exceptional BA. Keep listening to learn why vacation planning and PB&J sandwiches can help you flourish in this role.   Be sure to check out Pei's book Salesforce Discovery 101 here in the Links and Resources below!   Handy Timestamps:   2:50: If you don't already know who Pei is, here's a little bit about her and the experience she has as a Salesforce professional. 5:00: Pei and Brad explain what people do in Discovery and why the work BAs do is so important. 12:15: How do Business Analysts fit into the network of other Salesforce roles within a project team? 15:10: This is why focusing on your skills before relying on tools is essential to doing your job well. 22:50: Pei gives some tips to those looking to become a Business Analyst. 29:50: How can entry-level individuals stand out in the BA role, and what are the core skills they should practice? 37:05: As with any situation involving teamwork and communication, making assumptions is the kryptonite to well-run projects. 39:50: Pei discusses her favorite part of being a BA. 42:00: Here's one piece of advice for anyone who wants to become a Salesforce Business Analyst.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Salesforce Discovery 101

So, you want to become a Salesforce Administrator. But…what do Admins do, exactly? Before you commit to any given role, it's a good idea to do some extra research on what you're getting yourself into.   This week, returning guest Dennison Adad is back to star in our first Day in the Life episode. Stick around to hear about his past experiences as a Salesforce Admin, including the lessons he learned, the highs and lows (though they're mostly highs), and of course, money.   Handy Timestamps:   4:20: How Dennison got into the Salesforce Administrator role. 8:20: What does an Admin even do at their company? 10:10: Dennison and Brad discuss what starting at their first jobs was like. 14:40: Here are some of the things you can do when feeling overwhelmed in Salesforce. 16:30: Dennison shares what he enjoyed most as an Admin. 18:10: The group lists off some rookie mistakes they've made in the past. 24:20: We talk about more of the highlights of being a Salesforce professional. 35:30: How have Dennison's goals changed over his career, and what are his plans now? 40:50: For those going down the Admin path, these words of advice can help you make the most of your experiences.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group

Admins, analysts, and developers, oh my! Figuring out which Salesforce role to go after first is tricky business if you don’t know what you’re after. Looking to kickstart your career in Salesforce but are unsure about what each role entails? Struggling to find something that aligns with your personality? Then this episode is for you!   In the first part of this miniseries, Brad and Anita break down the core roles in Salesforce so you can choose your career path with confidence. We also offer some advice for those looking to land their first job. Stay tuned for our upcoming Day in a Life episodes for a closer look at what we covered today!   Handy Timestamps:   2:45: Brad and Anita give a quick overview of the Salesforce Administrator role. 8:15: If the Admin role doesn’t have to be my first choice, what can? Here’s the breakdown of what we think are the three core competencies. 16:20: Instead of a high paycheck, this is what you should look for in your first job. 21:15: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: you don’t have to meet the job requirements to qualify for the job. Brad and Anita discuss what job search strategies really work.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Salesforce Admin Skills Kit

It's our first Q&A of the season, and are we excited to share it with you!   In this short but sweet episode, Brad and Anita answer some questions sent in from voicemails. If you'd like your voice to be on the show, you can send us your own question at talentstacker.com/voicemail.   For the specific questions we address in today's episode, check out the Handy Timestamps below!   Handy Timestamps:   1:00: Anita shares some exciting news! 2:00: Collect certifications like Pokémon, or get fussy? We give our insight into the great cert-collecting debate. 8:25: This listener wants to know if outsourcing should be a concern when it comes to Salesforce roles. 20:10: How fast can you jump from course to career? We think these tips will help this listener land a Salesforce job in record time.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group A Recap of Episodes 1-8

4+ years. Thousands of dollars per semester. By the time we graduate, our shiny new degrees have us asking one question: Was it worth it?   Most of us are told that college is the best, if not only, way to land a high-paying job. But what if there was a way to save the time and money you'd spend in school AND get a head start in the job market?   In today's episode, Ryan Maruyama, Brad, and Anita break down why getting a college degree isn't always the answer, and why jumping into Salesforce could be a better fit for those looking to kickstart their careers without unnecessary fees and effort.   To learn more about going Degree Free, be sure to check out Ryan and Hannah's podcast in the Links and Resources below!   Handy Timestamps:   2:50: Ryan shares what drove him to start Degree Free. 6:30: Knowing your priorities is a crucial first step when it comes to designing the life you want. 9:55: Our guest breaks down how the value of college degrees has evolved over time. 12:30: This is the difference between a job hunter with and without a college degree. 22:00 Ryan answers the three most common questions that he receives on his podcast. 31:00: Brad dives into the different sources of knowledge we can learn from and why it might be a good idea to go beyond college professors. 35:40: How things have changed post-pandemic.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group DegreeFree.co

Whether you’re just getting started or already have a couple up your sleeve, studying for a certification can be a daunting task. With over 40 kinds available and an overflow of resources to learn with, it can be a struggle knowing where or how to even start!   In this week’s episode, 10x certified Dave Massey joins us to talk Salesforce certifications, including which one to get, how to study effectively, and where to find trustworthy sources. We also take a closer look at the Associate Certification and explain how it can help those looking to get started.   If you're looking to build your Salesforce knowledge in a way that's intuitive and efficient, be sure to check out Dave's training platform Get Force Certified in the links and resources below.   Handy Timestamps:   4:40: Dave gives his perspective on the associate certification, and how it's changed things for the Salesforce community. 6:40: We go over some helpful tips to deal with exam anxiety. 11:15: Dave explains the origin story of Get Force Certified. 19:50: Should you bother taking the Associate Cert if you already have other certifications? 21:30 Brad stresses the importance of following advice from trustworthy sources. 26:50: How did he do it all? Dave breaks down the strategies he used when studying for all his certifications. 34:10: Our guest talks about what sets Get Force Certified apart from other Salesforce training platforms.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group GetForceCertified.com

You asked, and we listened.   Thanks to your feedback and suggestions, we've created a lineup of topics for Season 3 that we know you'll love.   In this series, we get into the fundamentals of what it means to BE in a Salesforce career, with a diverse set of voices from all kinds of roles sharing their insider perspectives and words of wisdom.   Whether they be developers, consultants, or business analysts, this season's guests will give you a taste of what a day in the life is like for them.   On top of that, we'll dive deeper into how you can Salesforce SMARTER, whether you're still working on getting certified or looking to take your career to the next level.   In today's episode, Brad and Anita come together in a rundown of their first episodes to discuss how the Salesforce ecosystem has changed in the past year.   Our Q&A episodes will be making a return, so be sure to hit us up on LinkedIn, our Facebook Group, our email at ask@talentstacker.com, or via voicemail at talentstacker.com/voicemail to get your question on the show.   Handy Timestamps:   2:40: A preview of the new topics coming up for Season 3. 6:15: Brad and Anita discuss whether the Salesforce ecosystem has changed in the past year. 12:30: How hot is the Salesforce job market now? 14:50: No, you still can't get away with Trailhead and certifications alone. 19:30: Resumes: Brad still doesn't like them. 23:40: It may be good, it may be bad, and it may be ugly, but getting hands-on experience is still a must-have when it comes to finding good work. 28:00: Do you still suck at interviews? 30:50: Brad and Anita break down the job-search process. 36:10: When it comes to money, knowing your worth is an essential part of negotiating your salary.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group    

The past few years have been rough for everyone. After a global pandemic and everything else that followed, topics such as financial security and career stability have gone through quite the whirlwind. Luckily for you, if you're looking to start a career in Salesforce or have already done so, there's a good chance you'll be able to get through whatever economic flops come your way.   For the final episode of Season 2, we're joined by Jodi Hrbek, author of Rock your Role as a Salesforce Admin. With over 20 years in the Salesforce space, Jodi breaks down the history of Salesforce and how it's been able to weather so many storms over time. This is not an episode you want to miss!   Handy Timestamps:   2:50: What did Jodi’s career look like before, and how did that transform into Salesforce? 9:30: Jodi shares how Salesforce has evolved over the past 20 years. 17:15: What happened during the housing market crash? Brad and Jodi explain what makes Salesforce so powerful and why it’s such a stable career choice. 33:50: The diversity of Salesforce means there’s something for everybody! No matter your interests or skill set, you’ll find a career that lights you up. 40:20: Brad and Jodi share why the high demand for Salesforce talent can give you the upper hand.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Rock your Role as a Salesforce Admin  

As you’ve probably noticed, most of our guests so far have been alumni from the Talent Stacker Program. And while programs like Talent Stacker can be a huge help on your journey to Salesforce, it’s certainly not the only way to get there. For some, opting for the DIY path might be a more suitable choice – no costs, no coaches, you set the pace. But what does that look like, and how does it compare to following a program?   In this week’s episode, Zach Bremer shows us that you can go from having no background in tech to landing a Salesforce job in under a year with nothing but free resources and a lot of determination. Even if you don't think the DIY route is for you, stick around for the handy tips and strategies we learn from him!   Handy Timestamps:   4:05: What made our guest decide to go down the Salesforce path, and what it was like getting certified without a program. 6:35: Doing it yourself means getting through it without study groups. Zach shares how he kept himself accountable despite the workload. 9:10: These are some of the doubts Zach ran into when studying for his cert. 13:45: Zach reveals the not-so-secret weapons that helped him land a job in two months. 22:30 We learn some useful strategies to make yourself stand out in interviews. 30:30: How’s it going at work? Our guest tells us more about what his current work life is like. 37:45: When it comes to taking the DIY route, free resources are a must. Here are some of the ones Zach recommends. 39:20: After going through the entire process, Zach reflects on what he would have done differently.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group