Dreamforce

Dreamforce, Salesforce’s annual conference, is a networking goldmine. It brings together thousands of professionals from around the globe, offering countless opportunities to connect.

• Plan Your Schedule: With so many sessions and events, it’s crucial to plan your schedule. Focus on sessions that align with your interests and career goals. For example, if you’re a marketer, prioritize sessions on Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

• Use the Dreamforce App: The app helps you connect with other attendees. You can send messages, schedule meetups, and join group discussions.

• Participate in Networking Events: Dreamforce features numerous networking events, from breakfasts to happy hours. These less formal settings are perfect for striking up conversations and making new connections.

World Tours and Local Events

Salesforce World Tours and local community events provide more intimate networking settings.

• Volunteer or Speak at Events: Volunteering or presenting at these events can significantly boost your visibility and credibility within the community. For instance, sharing your success story at a local Salesforce Saturday can inspire others and position you as a leader.

• Join Local User Groups: Salesforce User Groups meet regularly to discuss various topics. These meetups are great for learning and networking on a more personal level. For example, the “Boston Salesforce User Group” meets monthly and provides a platform for local professionals to connect and collaborate.

Join Open Hours Group Sessions

Having a mentor can provide guidance and open doors within the Salesforce ecosystem. Focus on Force’s Premium Support plan offers bi-weekly Open Hours Group Sessions where you can network with and have your questions answered by Subject Matter Experts. These 1-hour sessions are currently offered for Admin and App Builder learners, with plans to extend them to other certifications in the future.

• Use Mentorship Programs: Programs like “Salesforce Mentorship Central” also connect mentors with mentees. Finding a mentor through these programs can accelerate your career growth.

• Reach Out Personally: Don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced professionals in your network. For example, after meeting someone at Dreamforce, follow up with an email expressing your interest in learning from them.

Being a Mentor

Mentoring others can also expand your network and enhance your reputation. It also allows you to give back to the community.

• Offer to Mentor Newcomers: Engage with newcomers in the Trailblazer Community or at local events. By offering your guidance, you can build strong, supportive relationships.

• Share Your Journey: Regularly share your career journey and lessons learned. This can inspire others and attract mentees who seek your advice.

X (Formerly Twitter)

X is a hub for real-time conversations about Salesforce.

• Follow Salesforce Hashtags: Hashtags like #Salesforce, #TrailblazerCommunity, and #Dreamforce keep you updated on the latest trends and discussions. Engaging with these hashtags by liking, retweeting, and commenting can help you connect with others in the community. 

• Participate in Twitter Chats: Events like #SalesforceChats offer opportunities to engage with experts and peers in real-time. By participating actively, you can share your insights and learn from others.

YouTube and Blogs

Many Salesforce professionals share knowledge through YouTube channels and blogs.

• Follow and Comment on Content: Engage with content creators by commenting on their videos or blog posts. This can open up direct lines of communication with influencers and other community members. 

• Create Your Own Content: Sharing your experiences and insights through blogs or videos can establish you as a thought leader. For example, writing a blog post on “Top 10 Tips for Salesforce Admins” can attract readers and spark discussions.

Trailhead

Trailhead is Salesforce’s free, online learning platform that offers courses on a wide range of topics.

• Join Trailhead Challenges and Superbadges: These are not only great for learning but also for networking. Sharing your progress on social media or within the Trailblazer Community can attract like-minded individuals and create networking opportunities.

• Attend Trailblazer Community Groups: Many of these groups focus on specific certifications or career paths. For example, the “Trailblazers for the Future” group is dedicated to helping newcomers navigate their Salesforce journeys.

Salesforce Saturdays

Salesforce Saturdays are informal meetups where community members gather to work on Trailhead modules, share knowledge, and network.

• Host or Attend Meetups: These events are excellent for hands-on learning and networking. By attending regularly, you can build strong relationships with other attendees and learn from their experiences.

Open Source Projects

Contributing to Salesforce open-source projects can significantly enhance your skills and visibility.

• Join GitHub Repositories: Many Salesforce projects are hosted on GitHub. By contributing code, reporting issues, or improving documentation, you can collaborate with other developers and expand your network. 

• Collaborate on Projects: Working on projects with others can lead to deep professional connections. For example, contributing to the “Apex Commons” project can introduce you to experienced developers who share your interests.

Hackathons

Salesforce hackathons provide platforms for innovation and collaboration.

• Join GitHub Repositories: Many Salesforce projects are hosted on GitHub. By contributing code, reporting issues, or improving documentation, you can collaborate with other developers and expand your network. 

• Participate in Hackathons: These events are intense but rewarding. Collaborating with team members on innovative solutions can lead to lasting professional relationships. For instance, participating in the “Salesforce AppExchange Hackathon” can connect you with peers and potential employers.

Salesforce Success Community

The Salesforce Success Community is another valuable resource.

• Engage in Success Communities: These communities focus on specific products or industries. Joining and participating in discussions can help you connect with professionals facing similar challenges. 

• Attend Success Clinics: These clinics offer targeted advice and best practices. Attending them can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Salesforce User Groups

User groups are a cornerstone of the Salesforce Ohana.

•  Start or Join a User Group: If there isn’t a user group in your area, consider starting one. Leading a group can position you as a community leader and create numerous networking opportunities.

Networking within the Salesforce ecosystem is about building meaningful, lasting relationships. By engaging in online communities, attending events, leveraging social media, participating in training programs, contributing to projects, seeking and offering mentorship, and utilizing Salesforce resources, you can effectively network and advance your career. Remember, the key to successful networking is mutual support, collaboration, and a genuine interest in the success of others. Embrace the spirit of Ohana, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a community that helps you grow both personally and professionally.

Aloha, 

 Zrna