Salesforce for Everyone by Talent Stacker

The Salesforce ecosystem is changing. In the history of Salesforce, this is known as the hardest time to land a job EVER. But is it impossible?   Today's special episode is recorded live from Camp Talentstacker, where Allie McCarron, Keegan McGoldrick, and Amy Morris join us to share their stories of how they stood firm and fought to secure their Salesforce careers. We explore the grit, persistence, and determination needed to weather the certification and job application process and discuss the key things that make you stand out in the job market. When the going gets tough, these people get going.   Handy Timestamps:   3:30: Why Salesforce is still worth it 6:40: Keegan, Allie, and Amy introduce themselves 8:40: Allie's story 11:00: Why you should be building connections, and other things you can do to increase your chances of landing a job 20:40: Keegan's story 29:00: Amy's story 36:40: Brad and the panel's closing thoughts   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group    

You may know him as the LinkedIn guru, but Jordan Nelson is also well-established in the ecosystem as a Salesforce Consulting expert. Whether you're interested in freelancing or not, understanding what Salesforce customers need and how consultants meet those needs is a great way to step up your Salesforce game. Stay tuned as we discuss the ins and outs of becoming your own boss, a better way to build your online network, and how owning a business can shape an entirely new lifestyle for you (thanks, tax write-offs!)    To learn more about Jordan or to book a call with the man himself, be sure to check him out on LinkedIn or visit his consultancy, Simple Salesforce.   Handy Timestamps:   5:30: Jordan gives us a rundown of his Salesforce origin story. 11:50: At what point did Jordan decide to jump from full-time to his own thing?  17:00: Brad gives his take on the key things you need to succeed in switching over to independent consulting. 21:00: Jordan advises on how to stack the odds in your favor and take full advantage of your opportunities. 25:00: We give some key tips for building authentic relationships with people online. 33:00: Jordan explains what counted as wins for him when switching to independent consulting and the new things he's gained. 42:00: Brad and Joran discuss the finer pros of owning your own business, including the multipliers for selling, healthcare, and retirement plans. 47:00: Jordan shares some hard lessons he's had to learn along the way.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Simple Salesforce    

We know the salary growth that comes after entry-level is impressive, but making the jump to double six figures can seem daunting or even out of reach. If you've been in the Salesforce game for a while now and are looking to cultivate your career and your earnings, this is the episode for you!    Our guest this week is Trevor Krieg, here to share how he job-hopped, negotiated, and worked his way to a double six-figure salary. Keep listening to hear his insightful tips on keeping work-life priorities straight, building confidence in negotiations, and forming quality connections that pay it forward.   Handy Timestamps:   3:45: Trevor breaks down how much he makes doing what he does. 5:50: How Trevor got started with his Salesforce career. 11:00: Trevor gives his take on the great debate in the Salesforce ecosystem: what's most important, certs or experience? 19:45: Trevor walks us through the different titles he's donned, and how his salary grew over time. 27:45: What it took for Trevor to build the confidence to negotiate his salary. 33:00: What are the impacts of job hopping on your long-term goals?  35:30: What it takes to get to double six figures. 38:45: Trevor explains the power of side gigs and community.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group    

Whether you're considering an admin-to-developer path or you're dead-set on jumping straight in, knowing where to start among the endless tutorials and how-to guides is tricky for Salesforce Developers-to-be. Enter: our special guest, Warren Walters!   This 18x certified Salesforce MVP is here to walk us through every angle in the Salesforce Developer's journey. We give a special highlight to his program, CloudCodeAcademy, discussing how it can take you from ground zero to scoring your dream dev job. Stay tuned to learn how to avoid tutorial hell, why you need to practice for your dev interviews, and how you can showcase your skill with…cat feeders.   Handy Timestamps:   6:20: There's so much information for people looking to break directly into a Salesforce developer role—where do you even start? 8:30: We talk about which certifications (if any!) you actually need to become a developer without spending extra time and money. 13:45: Warren walks us through the different skills you develop as you level up. 17:20: What is the interview process like for prospective developers, and how can they get prepared? 28:45: Brad and Warren discuss the major benefits of crossing the declarative and programmatic divide and how you can get there. 32:30: How hot is the dev market, and how much can your salary grow with experience? 38:45: Warren explains more about how CodeCloud Academy is designed and paced.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group CloudCodeAcademy.com/Everyone Warren's Youtube Link

Looking for a mentor but don't know where to start? Already have one, but aren't sure what to do next? No matter where you are in your mentorship journey, we can probably help you out!   Today we're joined by Stephanie Metal, product owner for the new, completely free Trailblazer Mentorship Program. This episode covers what you need to know to find Salesforce Mentorships, as well as what sets the Trailblazer Mentorship process apart from your typical roll-of-the-dice matches. Keep listening to hear the team's mentorship stories, tips on how to make things work, and how you, too, can ninja mentor.   Handy Timestamps:   4:20: How Stephanie found her first mentor and the common challenges that come with finding one on your own. 5:45: How can I be a good mentee? 10:00: How are Salesforce mentorships formed without a program? 15:30: All the basics you need to know about the Trailblazer Mentorship Program! 23:30: Stephanie breaks down some of the considerations taken when accepting prospective mentors into the program. 28:30: What is the time commitment like? 37:00: Stephanie, Brad, and Anita share how mentorship shaped them and what makes it a pivotal part of the Salesforce Ohana.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Trailblazer Mentorship Program  

Want to level up your career as a Salesforce Professional? We've got just the thing for you. Listen in on this week's episode as Brad and Anita hold a special Q&A about our Career Accelerator Program to know exactly what you'll be getting yourself into by signing up. For a taster of what this program can offer, go check out our free Career Accelerator Toolkit!   Handy Timestamps:   3:10: Why did we create the Career Accelerator Program? 8:50: How does this program specifically benefit me, a Salesforce professional? 10:00: What about the live workshops? 15:40: This sounds great, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that right now. How do I know if this is something I should sign up for? 20:10: Why the ongoing cost? 24:00: All about our free resource, the Career Accelerator Toolkit.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Career Accelerator Toolkit  

We’re back from our (very brief) break to bring you some good news – more episodes are to come! For today’s show, we’ll finally be addressing the thing everyone’s been talking about: AI. And who better to tackle this subject with than Salesforce GPT and AI expert, Mark Good?   Join us today as Brad, Anita, and Mark highlight what you need to know about AI in Salesforce right now, including its practical applications, the changes it'll bring to Salesforce careers across the board, and some of the resources you can use to make sure you're prepared.   Handy Timestamps:   4:00: Some good-to-knows about the AI Associate Certification: what is it, who should take it, and how can it be applied? 8:20: Mark highlights how his training program can help you hit the ground running. 12:00: Should we be waiting for Salesforce's official stamp of approval before starting? 18:10: Preparing yourself and your org for AI 25:00: Is AI affecting the job market, and how will it affect the future? 32:20: Mark explains how the transition into AI will shape the economy. 33:30: Free resources to get up to speed with 34:40: If you're still nervous or uncomfortable at the idea of AI becoming a bigger part of your life, this section is for you.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group AI Force Training

We’ve all been there: you’re about to hop on camera, only to realize that your hair is going in three different directions and your background is far from flattering. Or, those inevitable "quick calls" and back-and-forth emails are eating up more time than you'd like and making remote work anything but asynchronous. They may seem like small grievances, but these daily obstacles add up and make work harder than it needs to be.   As we wrap up our final official season, tune in one more time to hear Brad and Anita’s top work hacks to streamline your work process and boost your efficiency around the clock. Because who said work couldn't be a smoother ride?   Handy Timestamps:   2:10: Why no more seasons? 5:40: Tips, tricks, and tools for planning higher-quality meetings 21:15: How to look professional with zero effort 25:05: Creating a morning routine 30:30: Using automation and preventing burnout 36:00: Setting boundaries at work and in your community   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group

Ever wanted to go independent in your Salesforce career? In this week's episode, we're excited to have our special guest Elijah Green IV on the show as we delve into the world of Salesforce freelancing, also known as independent consulting. Join us as we share our experiences wrangling several side gigs at a time, the different elements involved in starting your own LLC, and the steps you can take to make this kind of life a reality.   Handy Timestamps:   4:25: The first step to freelancing and independent consulting is getting clients. This is how Elijah did it. 8:10: Elijah shares his experience starting his own company. 9:00: Brad discusses why imposter syndrome can hold you back from starting an LLC. 11:40: Elijah talks about how he got into his main gig as a Salesforce Architect. 14:35: Brad shares his personal experience in contracting, as well as some of the common terms you'll hear in this episode. 20:30: How does Elijah manage the workload, and what does he do with unwanted clients? 22:30: These are the top skills and qualities that serve Elijah in his career and life. 30:30: We share our favorite thing to splurge on and how it ties into financial freedom. 36:15: Elijah gives some pointers to anyone wanting to start down a similar path.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group TalentStacker.com/freelance

In this Q&A, we walk you through the questions you're most likely to get asked in a Salesforce interview and equip you with answers that'll set you apart from other candidates. We also go over the common mistakes people make when building connections in the Salesforce community, and provide tips on how to avoid them to ensure a flourishing and supportive network.   For the specific questions we address in today's episode, be sure to check out the Handy Timestamps below!   Handy Timestamps:   2:15: What are some effective strategies for finding Salesforce job opportunities in a competitive market? 33:15: What are effective ways to expand my professional connections in the Salesforce community? 36:35: Are there any common mistakes to avoid when networking or building a personal brand? 40:30: How can I leverage my current Salesforce experience to move up the career ladder? Interview Questions 10:45: Tell me about yourself. 14:10: Out of all the companies out there, what made you choose this one? 18:45: What are your biggest weaknesses? 22:10: What is a situation where you made a mistake, and how did you handle it? 26:00: What would you do if you came across something you didn't know how to do? 29:15: What is the difference between profiles and roles, and explain the Salesforce security framework.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Anita Unboxed  

Attention all non-profit professionals! Feeling trapped in a career that doesn't give you the support you need? Exhausted from long hours and financial worries?   The non-profit industry may have a reputation for being soft and fuzzy, but the truth is that it can be just as frustrating as any other field. After years of feeling unsatisfied in their line of work, Tracey Braun and Megan Malone-Franklin recognized the need for a change. Tune in to learn how their transition to Salesforce empowered them to work with non-profits on their own terms and leverage their background expertise as a pivotal force in their journey.   For an in-depth guide to interview prep and salary negotiations, be sure to check out Megan's resource in the links and resources below!   Handy Timestamps:   3:30: Tracey and Megan share what brought them to Salesforce. 7:45: Transferrable skills aren't just valuable; they're a top pick for employers. We discuss how the wide range of industries in Salesforce lets people like Tracey and Megan excel at what they do. 15:40: How do non-profit salaries differ from other sectors in Salesforce? 18:00: Our guests share whether their expectations line up with their experience switching to new careers. 27:20: What certifications did Tracey and Megan go after when pivoting? 28:30: Our guests offer guidance for those still in that uncertain transitory phase. 35:10: When you have a background in non-profit, you're drawing from years of background experience. Here are some of the intangible skills you can build on that Salesforce won't teach you. 41:00: Tracey and Megan share some final thoughts about their Salesforce journey.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group Interviewing & Negotiating Resources

Imagine you've been a Salesforce professional for several years now. You've made remarkable progress since getting hired and are killing it at work, but that big raise or promotion you've been patiently waiting for is starting to feel like wishful thinking, and the success stories of other Salesforce professionals aren't lining up with your reality. What happened?    If this situation hits close to home, we have good news for you! The six-figure salaries, growth opportunities, and career freedom we discuss on this show are very real and attainable - all you need is a little behind-the-scenes elbow grease. This episode will bring you up to speed on everything you need to know to level up your Salesforce game, get the most out of your career, and kiss those couch potato work habits goodbye.   Handy Timestamps:   2:15: Brad and Anita share why challenging yourself at every step of your Salesforce career can launch you to new heights. 4:40: Does the professional branding ever stop? We go over some of the exciting opportunities that intentional networking can get you. 13:50: Anita breaks down the art of negotiating your raise and Brad breaks the job-hopping myth. 23:20: Here are some ways to keep your interview skills fresh after you land your job. 29:30: When you work from home (or are a Salesforce enthusiast), maintaining a work-life balance is a lot harder. We give some tips on how to set boundaries so you can keep your professional and personal life separate. 40:00: Brad outlines some of the powerful ways communication can influence your career.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group

In this week's show, we wrap up our miniseries by tackling any lingering questions you have about Salesforce roles. Stay tuned to find out which certifications are most practical for your career path and how you can make the most of your chosen role. That's not all! We'll also explore some of the innovative strategies that'll be sure to impress your employer and help you stand out from the crowd.    For the specific questions we address in today's episode, check out the Handy Timestamps below!   Handy Timestamps:   3:50: How important are certifications for different roles? 8:15: What happens when you already have experience in Salesforce but aren't certified? We help this listener make their next job change meaningfully. 10:00: Is transitioning between roles a good way to develop a cross-functional skillset? 14:20: What niche roles can people with specialized skill sets pursue? 18:20: This listener wants to know if taking a different certification path will help them differentiate themself. 20:05: We suggest some ways to gain experience that'll pique the interest of any employer. 25:10: What's the biggest factor impacting how much money you make - roles, certifications, or experience?   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group

If you can relate to Brad's 12-year developing free streak, you might be interested but hesitant about programming-heavy career options. Sure, the other Salesforce roles involve some coding, but Developers are in a completely different ballpark…right?   Buckle up as we journey into the wonderful (and occasionally misunderstood) world of Salesforce Developers with Tamara Chance. Along the way, we'll learn how she broke into developing with no background tech experience, why coding isn't as intimidating as it seems, and some handy tips for those looking to take up this role. This episode is packed with coding terminology, so keep an ear out!   Handy Timestamps:   2:50: Tamara shares what made her commit to a four-month coding boot camp. 5:30: If you don't have a background in tech but want to get into developing, here are some things to keep in mind before taking the plunge. You might be surprised at what you already know! 11:00: Tamara walks us through what she really does all day. Spoiler alert: It's not all coding. 15:20: What certifications are ideal for people on the Developer path, and what might make someone well-suited for this role? 22:10: Even if the path to success is clear, it's not easy. Brad and Tamara discuss how the balance between pay, effort, skills, and interest can help you break into a job more efficiently. 25:50: Tamara shares some of her long-term goals and the tools that are important for new developers to know. 27:20: Can AI really beat the human touch in tech jobs? 31:25: Some key takeaways from today's episode.   Links and Resources: TalentStacker.com/voicemail TalentStacker.com/start TalentStacker.com/cap TalentStacker LinkedIn Page Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group

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