Salesforce is more than just a CRM; it’s a vibrant ecosystem that thrives on the collaboration and innovation of the Trailblazer community – a community that’s invested in the power of the platform as the world’s number one CRM software. One thing I love about the ecosystem is how Salesforce shines a light on the movers and shakers who drive us to keep learning while giving their all to ensure our community flourishes.
This is exactly what the Salesforce Marketing Champions program does: it highlights the outstanding contributions of those Trailblazers who are most active in the community, who have become product gurus, and who evangelize Salesforce’s marketing products. With the program returning this year, let’s explore what being a Salesforce Marketing Champion means and how you can apply to be part of the 2024 cohort.
What Makes a Marketing Champion?
Are you a Marketing Cloud expert? Do you love giving back to the Trailblazer community and helping others? Do you share your knowledge and resources at workshops and user groups? Do you act as a mentor, helping to pave the way for the next generation of Trailblazers?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Marketing Champion program might be for you!
Here are the qualities that make a successful Marketing Champion:
- You have a wealth of knowledge and experience in Marketing Cloud, Account Engagement (Pardot), or Datorama (Intelligence).
- You’re pumped about plugging into the Trailblazer community and being a mentor to others.
- You’ve spoken at Salesforce events or community groups and you get a real kick out of helping other Trailblazers.
- You like to network and share thought leadership, and you’ve built a brand around Salesforce marketing products.
- You’re an active Salesforce customer with at least one year of experience spearheading digital transformation in an organization.
Who Are the Current Salesforce Marketing Champions?
A complete list of the Marketing Champions class of 2023 can be found here. Be sure to follow Marketing Cloud on X/Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest news and insights from the Marketing Champions.
What Are the Perks of Being a Salesforce Marketing Champion?
Being a Marketing Champion benefits the community, but it also brings you rewards on a personal level. Here are some ways being a Marketing Champion can open doors for you:
- Knowledge share: You’ll have exclusive access to a private network of like-minded peers who can discuss and exchange ideas with you.
- Elevate your skills: You’ll have the opportunity to be a part of career and leadership development programs including but not limited to training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities sponsored by Salesforce.
- Lights, camera, action: You’ll be featured in Salesforce-sponsored photoshoots and videos, social media campaigns, and other advocacy opportunities.
- Networking: You’ll get to connect and collaborate with Salesforce product and industry leaders.
- Inside scoop: You’ll get a preview of the latest product innovations, launches, and roadmaps.
- Events: You’ll have the opportunity to take part in Salesforce-sponsored events.
- Drip: You’ll get your hands on some awesome Marketing Champions swag!
What Are the Responsibilities?
With great power comes great responsibility. There will be some expectations of you as a Marketing Champion to help drive the community forward. Here are the main responsibilities:
- You’ll be able to commit to a one-year participation period.
- You’ll be an advocate for Salesforce marketing products for the benefit of Salesforce customers.
- You’ll lead at least one activity each quarter. For example:
- Taking part in an “Ask an Expert” panel at a Salesforce event.
- Speaking about Salesforce marketing products as a community-led event.
- Running a hands-on workshop for Trailblazers to get stuck into.
- Publishing a marketing-focused blog post.
- Sharing monthly highlights via social media using the hashtag #marketingchampions.
All Marketing Champions will be onboarded with information on what is expected of the role, as has been the case in previous years.
What Are the Requirements?
Before applying to become a Marketing Champion, there are a few prerequisites you need to meet:
- You currently work for a Salesforce customer.
- You’re responsible for either the marketing strategy, operations, or execution for your company and are the person making the critical decisions that drive its marketing efforts forward.
- You play a pivotal role in the business side of your organization, focusing on marketing, communications, or operations.
How Do You Apply?
If becoming a Marketing Champion sounds like it’d be right up your street, then why not apply? As part of your application, you’ll need to provide a few details about:
- Whether you’ve been a Salesforce MVP before.
- Whether you’ve presented at a Salesforce or Trailblazer community event.
- Whether you’re involved in any other Trailblazer community programs.
- Which advocacy activities you’d be most interested in.
You’ll also be required to:
- Provide a bio letting your authentic self shine through.
- Describe how you use Marketing Cloud products, how it’s affected your business, and share any success metrics.
- Explain what makes you a Marketing Champion and what you intend to bring to the program.
Tips to Make You Stand Out
- Skill up on Trailhead: Dive into Trailhead modules and earn badges geared towards Marketing Cloud and other Salesforce marketing technologies to improve your knowledge and show you’re committed to self-development.
- Seek out community: Become a member of a community group in your local area and the online Trailblazer community to network with peers you can learn from. Joining the Marketing Trailblazers group and #MomentMarketer is a fun way to connect with the global Trailblazer community online.
- Pursue Salesforce certifications: Earning certifications validates your expertise and proficiency in Salesforce marketing technologies. It also provides you with credibility and shows your commitment to becoming an expert. Create a study schedule and work towards earning your Marketing Cloud Consultant or Marketing Cloud Administrator certifications.
- Update your Trailblazer.me profile: Your Trailblazer.me profile is like your Salesforce resume, so make it shine! Add details of your certifications, accomplishments, community contributions, speaking engagements, and any big projects or initiatives you’ve worked on in the past that showcase your knowledge of Salesforce marketing technologies.
- Document your journey online: Leverage LinkedIn and X/Twitter to share with the world a window into your journey and impact as a Salesforce evangelist. Sharing insights, success stories, and the challenges of being a Trailblazer is a great way of positioning yourself as a thought leader in the community.
Apply Now!
Applications are open until July 26, 2024. If you’re ready to become a Marketing Champion, we encourage you to apply. Best of luck, Trailblazers!
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