What is a Salesforce MVP & How Do I Become One?

Another year has come around, and it’s time for another round of Salesforce MVP nominations. But what exactly is a Salesforce MVP? Moreover, how does a member of the community become a Salesforce MVP?

Let’s dive in.

What is a Salesforce MVP?

For those who have not heard of the Salesforce MVP program, it was introduced to showcase and thank individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities. These individuals are lifetime learners, who go above and beyond to share their expertise and help the Trailblazer Community.

The name MVP comes from the sporting term “Most Valuable Player” – or “Professional” in this case.

Every November, the community is invited to submit nominations and thank people that have made a difference. Awarded individuals hold the status of Salesforce MVPs for a one-year period (renewed each year subject to their contributions to the community).

What are the qualities required to become a Salesforce MVP?

When I share the news about nominations being open, I normally call for ‘your everyday heroes’. Yet, this year, I’m asking you to pause for a second and reflect.

During your day-to-day experiences in the Salesforce ecosystem and community, can you think of someone who demonstrates the following MVP qualities…?

1. Sharing Knowledge

With Salesforce innovating at the speed of light, it’s key to stay up to date with the latest releases and continue sharing knowledge on the platform. Of course, individuals will always have stronger knowledge of certain products, but – to me – a Salesforce MVP is a well-rounded professional.

In addition, keeping knowledge to yourself doesn’t help the wider community, so it’s vital for individuals to share their insights and experiences through sessions, blog posts, or any other form of media.

2. Helping Others

Individuals should be the ultimate mentor, helping not only in sharing technical knowledge, but also in sharing wisdom. I came across this quick explanation from Don Robbins, who explains the difference between the two: “Wisdom is taking knowledge and applying it to the real world”.

As well as this, Salesforce MVPs are always the first to lend a helping hand to fellow Trailblazers – people they may already know, as well as newbies only just making their way into the Salesforce ecosystem.

3. Working Differently

A Salesforce MVP is someone who is constantly looking for ways to innovate – someone who pushes forward where there is no path, leaving a trail for others to follow. Salesforce MVPs devote time, effort, and care to initiatives that are important to them, to make a difference to others’ lives; to become a Salesforce MVP, individuals should offer knowledge, inspiration, experience, positivity, courage, openness, respect, commitment, and focus.

4. Promoting Equality

Here’s where advocacy comes into play, not only on the Salesforce platform, but also by living and breathing Salesforce values, including equality. This always starts with “me”, as each Salesforce MVP – and each one of us – should be imprinting positively on society.

There should be no cliques, preferential treatment, or discriminatory behaviour; it’s about being true to the core of oneself. Let’s be inclusive and promote equality, starting from within, by how we act, and what we say and think.

5. Inspiring Trust

Trust is one of Salesforce’s core values and should be present in all Salesforce MVPs. Today, with access to multiple channels, groups, sites, social profiles, apps, and notifications etc. the information overload can be very overwhelming. But, by cutting through the noise and looking deeper, perhaps you can think of someone who has made a difference to you – someone you trust to help you move forward.

How do you become a Salesforce MVP?

To begin with, aiming solely to become a Salesforce MVP is missing the point. The award is given to altruistic people that embody community leaders in their day-to-day lives. To me, being awarded the status of ‘Salesforce MVP’ acts as an amplifier; it increases your circle of influence about the things you care about – the things you are already committing time and effort to. If this sounds like you, great – continue doing what you’re doing and you will be noticed by members of the Salesforce community.

Once a year the Salesforce Trailblazer Community opens up nominations. Here is how the process works…

1. The first round is a public vote, so anyone can vote for someone that has made a difference to them, in line with the characteristics described above.
2. Once all the results are collected and reviewed, the nominations are passed to current Salesforce MVPs to give their thoughts on the nominees. Remember, it only takes one vote to get through to this stage.
3. Next, the Salesforce Trailblazer Community team and other Salesforce employees and evangelists give their feedback.
4. Finally, the MVPs are selected!

Salesforce MVP nominations

If you know someone who is deserving of the coveted Salesforce MVP award, nominations are now open. Keep your eyes open for further announcements on Twitter and the Salesforce blog.