Salesforce has become a cornerstone of customer relationship management (CRM), and at the heart of this thriving ecosystem lies a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to sharing knowledge, providing support, and advancing Salesforce’s vision. To celebrate these passionate individuals, Salesforce launched the MVP Program—a prestigious recognition given to outstanding community members who embody expertise, leadership, and generosity.
In this blog, we’ll explore what the Salesforce MVP Program is, its benefits, how to qualify, and why it matters to the broader Salesforce ecosystem.
What is the Salesforce MVP Program?
The Salesforce MVP Program recognizes individuals who make exceptional contributions to the Salesforce community. These are individuals who:
- Share their expertise to help others succeed.
- Actively contribute to the growth of Salesforce’s global community.
- Embody the Salesforce values of trust, innovation, customer success, and equality.
Introduced in 2010, this program rewards those who go above and beyond to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and create lasting impacts.
Key Traits of a Salesforce MVP
Salesforce MVPs are not just experts in Salesforce technology but also passionate advocates who embody three key values:
- Expertise
- Deep knowledge of Salesforce products, features, and best practices.
- Active sharing of knowledge through blogs, webinars, meetups, forums, and social media.
- Leadership
- Spearheading community events like Dreamin’ conferences, user groups, or developer meetups.
- Mentoring others and guiding them toward successful Salesforce careers.
- Generosity
- Willingness to dedicate time and effort to help others succeed.
- Volunteering to answer questions, solve problems, and support learning initiatives.
Benefits of Being a Salesforce MVP
Becoming a Salesforce MVP is not just a badge of honor—it comes with a host of benefits, including:
- Recognition
- Official acknowledgment from Salesforce for contributions to the community.
- Increased visibility as a thought leader in the Salesforce ecosystem.
- Exclusive Access
- Opportunities to preview and provide feedback on Salesforce features.
- Invitations to exclusive Salesforce MVP events and programs.
- Professional Growth
- Enhanced networking opportunities with other MVPs and Salesforce executives.
- Professional branding as an MVP, can open career doors.
- Swag and Perks
- Exclusive MVP swag, early access to Salesforce tools, and discounts on certifications or events.
How to Become a Salesforce MVP
Becoming a Salesforce MVP is no small feat. It requires consistent contributions and an unwavering commitment to the Salesforce community. Here’s how you can work toward this prestigious title:
- Participate Actively in the Community
- Join Salesforce user groups, Trailblazer Community events, and online forums like Trailblazer Community Groups and Stack Exchange.
- Answer questions, contribute to discussions, and share your insights.
- Create Content
- Publish blogs, tutorials, or videos about Salesforce concepts, projects, and use cases.
- Share your content on LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube to reach a broader audience.
- Speak at Events
- Present at Dreamforce, Dreamin’ conferences, or local user group meetups.
- Conduct webinars or participate in panel discussions.
- Mentor and Volunteer
- Help new professionals navigate the Salesforce ecosystem.
- Volunteer for nonprofits through initiatives like Salesforce.org or Talent Stacker.
- Maintain Consistency
- Your contributions should span a significant period—Salesforce looks for sustained involvement over time.
Nomination and Selection Process
- Nomination
- Salesforce MVP nominations are typically open once a year.
- Anyone in the community can nominate an individual they believe is deserving of the title.
- Review
- Salesforce evaluates nominations based on the nominee’s contributions, expertise, and alignment with Salesforce’s core values.
- Announcement
- Selected MVPs are announced publicly, and they remain in the program for one year, with an option for renewal.
The Impact of Salesforce MVPs
Salesforce MVPs are catalysts for growth and innovation within the community. They:
- Inspire newcomers to embark on Salesforce careers.
- Build bridges between Salesforce users, developers, and executives.
- Contribute to the collective knowledge base, ensuring that everyone has access to resources.
Success Stories: Salesforce MVPs in Action
- Shonnah Hughes
- Known for her advocacy in diversity and inclusion, Shonnah has made significant strides in empowering underrepresented groups in tech.
- David Liu
- Creator of the popular blog SFDC99, David has helped countless individuals learn Apex and become Salesforce developers.
- Stephanie Herrera
- A pioneer in mentoring programs and career guidance, Stephanie has driven initiatives that connect aspiring Salesforce professionals with experienced mentors.
Why the Salesforce MVP Program Matters
The Salesforce MVP Program is more than just an award; it’s a testament to the power of community. It recognizes individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also generous in sharing their time and expertise to uplift others. As Salesforce grows, the MVP Program ensures the community remains a place of collaboration, innovation, and mutual support.
Conclusion
The Salesforce MVP Program is a shining example of how a community can drive success for everyone involved. Whether you aspire to become an MVP or simply want to contribute more, remember that the core of this program is generosity, passion, and leadership.
If you’re inspired to take your contributions to the next level, start today—engage with the community, share your knowledge, and make a lasting impact.
Are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a Salesforce MVP? Let us know how you plan to contribute to the community!