How I would learn Salesforce if I had just $95

Tips for 2023 specifically

Salesforce, the most powerful customer relationship management (CRM) platform, is projected to achieve $30 billion in revenue in 2023. Currently, there are 293,000 Salesforce openings in the USA just on LinkedIn (see image below).

Salesforce is on track to achieve $35 billion in revenue in record time

Salesforce Jobs on LinkedIn

Salesforce’s revenue will keep growing at a record pace AND new Salesforce job openings will keep opening (did I use opening too much? 😅). If you want to join this rocketship can you effectively learn Salesforce with just $95? I would say YES if you meet the following parameters:

1. Age: Between 20 to 35 years old

2. IT background: While not essential, having experience with CRM programs is a significant advantage.

3. Self-discipline: A high level of commitment to studying for at least 3 hours daily.

4. English fluency: Proficiency in English to comprehend Salesforce materials and succeed in interviews.

5. Professional experience: Some experience working in a professional office environment.

6. Soft skills: These are essential for marketing yourself to potential employers. Roles such as stewardess, sales, and server are excellent for developing crucial soft skills.

If you meet the criteria mentioned above, you're in the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide to make the most of your limited budget and effectively learn Salesforce.

if you are enjoying this post please consider sharing it with friends

GAIN THEORY

The goal of these 4 steps is for you to gain core competency in Salesforce administration.

STEP 1: Set Goals and Timeline (FREE): Define your career goals and why you want to learn Salesforce. Knowing your objectives will help you stay motivated and focused throughout your learning journey. Set a specific deadline for achieving each of the steps in achieving your goal. Also, overall set a goal that you want to achieve your goal by.

STEP 2: Invest in Udemy Courses ($30): Despite your tight budget, investing a modest amount (approximately $30 for three courses with the right discount vouchers) in top-rated Salesforce Admin courses on Udemy is an excellent starting point. In fact, this is how I personally learned Salesforce back in 2016, before Trailhead was available. Video-based courses with practical demonstrations can be more effective than solely reading text. Three beginner-friendly courses I recommend are:

1. The Complete Salesforce Certified Administrator Course

2. Salesforce Certified Administrator Training (Jul 2023)

3. Salesforce Lightning Flows - Flows Made Easy

STEP 3: Online Trailhead Learning Platform (FREE): With a foundation in Salesforce administration from Udemy, you can now dive into Trailhead, a fantastic, gamified learning resource. You earn points and badges as you progress through interactive modules and guided learning paths. Trailhead covers a wide range of topics, from the basics to advanced customization and administration. Start with the basics by exploring these two resources:

1. Salesforce admin trail mix

2. Admin Super Set

STEP 4. YouTube Tutorials (FREE): You may encounter complex topics like formulas and flows during your Salesforce learning journey. If you find yourself struggling, turn to YouTube for tutorial videos. Many content creators explain these concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, making it an excellent resource for visual learners like myself. By the way, have you subscribed to my YouTube channel?

CONVERT THEORY TO EXPERIENCE

The following steps are designed to apply your Salesforce knowledge to real-world business challenges, an exciting and highly educational endeavor.

STEP 5: Network. (FREE): Embrace the Salesforce community by joining a local Salesforce trailblazer community group, particularly those focused on Admin, Non-Profit, User, and Women-in-Tech areas. While it may be intimidating initially, attending these meetings can be incredibly valuable. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. For instance, there's an upcoming Salesforce Resume workshop on Sep 9, 2023, in the greater DC area that you should consider attending.

Additionally, connect with experienced and aspiring Salesforce professionals on LinkedIn. You are welcome to connect with me.

STEP 6: 9 Creative Ways to Get Salesforce Experience ($25): The greatest barrier to becoming a millionaire is earning the first million. Similarly, the greatest barrier to becoming a Salesforce professional is getting your first professional experience. If you can break through this barrier you are set! How can you do it?

Be creative! To help you overcome this challenge, I have prepared a handy course that outlines the 9 ways you can get your first Salesforce work internship or volunteer experience using all possible ways that I know work. You can purchase this course just for $25. I have tested each of the 9 ways. Typically, the course is $100 but because you are a reader of this newsletter, you are getting a super discount that expires within 3 days. You get lifetime access to this course and your purchase of this course will encourage me to continually improve it.

Click on the image to get Salesforce experience

CONVERT EXPERIENCE TO $$$

STEP 7: Salesforce Certificate (SOMETIME $40) Get certified! While these are typically $200 if you take part in Salesforce certification days webinars, you can get a voucher to take the exam for $40.

STEP 8: Apply on LinkedIn! (FREE)

Take the plunge and start applying for jobs on LinkedIn today. Your dream career might be just a click away. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished and up-to-date, and don't be afraid to reach out to potential employers or connections for advice and guidance. So, go ahead and explore the vast Salesforce job landscape on LinkedIn (almost 300,000 Salesforce openings just in USA). Make it a habit to apply to 10 jobs daily in the morning.

After each interview write down your mistakes and ideas on how you will get better. To help you get better faster, I would record the interview on your iPhone’s video. Review the video. Analyze it yourself and share it with your friends. How did you sound? As you keep getting better after each interview, you will be getting closer and closer to scoring that dream job!

In conclusion, mastering Salesforce on a $95 budget is entirely achievable. Leveraging a combination of free and affordable resources, you gain a solid understanding of the platform, its features, and functions, and even earn valuable certifications. Success hinges on your dedication and consistent practice. So, roll up your sleeves, immerse yourself in the available resources, and embark on your Salesforce learning journey with confidence! If you've found this post valuable, please consider sharing it with your friends.