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Salesforce Dreamforce to You 2020
Salesforce Scoop
Dreamforce to You 2020
Dreamforce: everyone knows it, and looks forward to it each and every year. The staple of what a business event strives to be, Dreamforce is so much more than a conference; it’s the place to be. New tech, Salesforce minds, celebrities, all under the same stars in San Francisco every year! But, what are we expecting this year amid a raging pandemic? Here’s the scoop on what you need to know to get that same Salesforce Dreamforce feel while at home!
First thing: it’s VIRTUAL. While there was speculation for sometime that Dreamforce might not even happen, Salesforce has now confirmed that Dreamforce will be 100% virtual this year but promises the same level of idea sharing, fun, and accessibility. Now while we don’t know much, Salesforce has identified the dates and the events that will be spread out over the course of a few weeks. Check the info below to see what they are!
One of the greatest parts of Dreamforce was always the fanfare! Hundreds of vendors, free merchandise, and dance parties were a staple of Dreamforce for many years. The problem is, how do you achieve this feeling while you are home watching on a screen? Our first suggestion is to join a partner or vendors watch party! Many watch parties are being scheduled now and many include themes, free swag, and giveaways.
Another option is to watch with friends! Set up a zoom party and enjoy these events with some of your buddies and colleagues. Discuss the topics and even come up with a few fun activities and to-implement wish lists; it is called DREAMforce for a reason!
We understand that this year will be different, and Salesforce does too, but with a few easy steps and some extra effort this really can be the best Salesforce Dreamforce yet! It’s just a matter of perspective! So let us know what you are doing for Dreamforce and we will see you there! Dreamforce: Pandemic edition 2020 here we come!
This mega-conference which typically hosts about 170k attendees in San Francisco late fall, is responding to the times and has gone virtual! Instead of being condensed into a few days, it’s stretched across weeks. Here are some key dates:
- 12/2 KEYNOTE with Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO
- 12/14-17 DREAMTX sessions and surprises
- 11/9 & on KEY MEETINGS with your Salesforce Account team
Registration is free here: https://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce/
(Psst…like I said, we all know you’re missing out on the rad Dreamforce parties…and we’re scaring up some sweet surprises ourselves!) – AD
User Adoption Research: Details from my PhD Research
Things Users Say
For my PhD research on CRM user adoption, I collected data through interviews and documents from 16 study participants. Here were some of the things that I recorded, verbatim, about training approaches:
- “So my philosophy about Salesforce is to just sort of give the overview of how we’ve implemented it, and just sort of familiarize people with the terminology of…accounts, opportunity, contact, on with that. And then I’ll teach them specifically how their position will be using Salesforce. And I always let them know that I’m available to to work with them if they have ideas and how they’d like to have them adjusted, or if they want to see anything from anybody else’s area. But I find that it’s just such a gigantic system, that it can be really scary and overwhelming if you tried to do too much training at once. So typically, I’ll do two different sessions, one of just the overview. And then the second one is here, specifically how you will be using it in your possession.”
- “I also use Trailhead a lot…I really pushed the self learning management platform…five or six really basic things that people can just go through as they start…That superstar manager is actually giving people a little bit of incentive for the first one that completes the badges. Um, so the newer employees, she thinks of the newer employees actually, are at a disadvantage. But I think that because their badges are easier because they have more time, they’ll actually be able to surprise people. It’s…the older employees who wonder who’ve already burned through all those easy ones, right, and aren’t not as motivated. They’re the ones that, you know, need to get some fire built up underneath them.”
**Taken from “How Diffusion of Innovations, Change Management, and Adult Learner User Adoption Theories Impact Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Adoption and Usage in Nonprofit Organizations” – to be submitted in defense of the PhD requirements for Shannon J. Gregg
If you want even more info, I have a journey built that you can follow if you click here. Or, shoot me a message to have us help you develop your adoption strategy. – SJG
Tips on YouTube
Selling During a Pandemic?
2020 brought many new challenges to so many businesses, large and small. As many people begin to struggle, sales come into question. The main issue we kept hearing was: how do you sell during a pandemic?
Having never faced something of this magnitude before, the team at Cloud Adoption Solutions went to work early on in 2020 trying to prepare a more thoughtful approach to selling to share with our clients.
Here’s what we came up with: Number one, selling has to become more flexible. With so many new challenges, both potential and existing clients will have needs that are changing. Flexibility in all things sales, such as closing, terms, and pricing if available, will not only help keep things moving but also will serve as an example of willingness to build a relationship during a hard time!
There is also a huge need for empathy when selling and approaching new customers. Although we normally always apply a great deal of empathy in our business, it is of an even greater importance to ensure you are stepping into your client’s shoes. See things from their perspective and approach new leads with caution and kindness! It will go a long way!
Last bit of advice is patience! While in a normal world you may be eager to close a sale fast, taking the long road will ensure comfortability and success with a new client! These times are difficult and in order to continue to make sales during the year, patience will pay off. With so many moving pieces for businesses around the world, that extra bit of understanding will certainly bode well! In other words, Cloud Adoption Solutions says relax, the sale will come when you are truly working to be a trusted advisor to your prospects and clients!
These aren’t surefire tips, things will continue to change in this upcoming year as we try to understand the world during this pandemic.
Cloud Adoption Solutions has committed to launching videos on Youtube at a much higher rate this year, so subscribe to our channel to stay in the know! Watch as the team shows new trends, shows instructional videos, and keeps you up to date on all things Salesforce. Subscribe to never miss a thing: we show you something new every Friday morning. – AD
Advice from an Expert
Send your Qs to info@cloudadoption.solutions
Q: It’s EOY, so I’m gearing up to plan for 2021. What things should I be considering for the sales team for next year? I’m the manager of sales operations, and I know Salesforce has to be a big piece of it. Help???
A: Okay, it’s a big job, but sales ops is definitely the one to do it! Your next year planning definitely should include Salesforce as the source of truth for KPIs/metrics, reports/dashboards, territory and compensation management. One of my favorite trails on Trailhead is Plan and Track Sales Goals with Sales Operations – definitely start here and best of luck closing out this year and starting off 2021 with a bang!
If you have specific questions about Salesforce, let us know – we’re happy to lend a hand. Hit “reply” to this email and we’ll jump on a Zoom! – SJG
Content Corner
NOVEMBER 2020
Salesforce Scoop
Dreamforce to You 2020
Dreamforce: everyone knows it, and looks forward to it each and every year. The staple of what a business event strives to be, Dreamforce is so much more than a conference; it’s the place to be. New tech, Salesforce minds, celebrities, all under the same stars in San Francisco every year! But, what are we expecting this year amid a raging pandemic? Here’s the scoop on what you need to know to get that same Salesforce Dreamforce feel while at home!
First thing: it’s VIRTUAL. While there was speculation for sometime that Dreamforce might not even happen, Salesforce has now confirmed that Dreamforce will be 100% virtual this year but promises the same level of idea sharing, fun, and accessibility. Now while we don’t know much, Salesforce has identified the dates and the events that will be spread out over the course of a few weeks. Check the info below to see what they are!
One of the greatest parts of Dreamforce was always the fanfare! Hundreds of vendors, free merchandise, and dance parties were a staple of Dreamforce for many years. The problem is, how do you achieve this feeling while you are home watching on a screen? Our first suggestion is to join a partner or vendors watch party! Many watch parties are being scheduled now and many include themes, free swag, and giveaways.
Another option is to watch with friends! Set up a zoom party and enjoy these events with some of your buddies and colleagues. Discuss the topics and even come up with a few fun activities and to-implement wish lists; it is called DREAMforce for a reason!
We understand that this year will be different, and Salesforce does too, but with a few easy steps and some extra effort this really can be the best Salesforce Dreamforce yet! It’s just a matter of perspective! So let us know what you are doing for Dreamforce and we will see you there! Dreamforce: Pandemic edition 2020 here we come!
This mega-conference which typically hosts about 170k attendees in San Francisco late fall, is responding to the times and has gone virtual! Instead of being condensed into a few days, it’s stretched across weeks. Here are some key dates:
- 12/2 KEYNOTE with Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO
- 12/14-17 DREAMTX sessions and surprises
- 11/9 & on KEY MEETINGS with your Salesforce Account team
Registration is free here: https://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce/
(Psst…like I said, we all know you’re missing out on the rad Dreamforce parties…and we’re scaring up some sweet surprises ourselves!) – AD
User Adoption Research: Quick Tips from my PhD Research
Things Users Say
For my PhD research on CRM user adoption, I collected data through interviews and documents from 16 study participants. Here were some of the things that I recorded, verbatim, about training approaches:
- “So my philosophy about Salesforce is to just sort of give the overview of how we’ve implemented it, and just sort of familiarize people with the terminology of…accounts, opportunity, contact, on with that. And then I’ll teach them specifically how their position will be using Salesforce. And I always let them know that I’m available to to work with them if they have ideas and how they’d like to have them adjusted, or if they want to see anything from anybody else’s area. But I find that it’s just such a gigantic system, that it can be really scary and overwhelming if you tried to do too much training at once. So typically, I’ll do two different sessions, one of just the overview. And then the second one is here, specifically how you will be using it in your possession.”
- “I also use Trailhead a lot…I really pushed the self learning management platform…five or six really basic things that people can just go through as they start…That superstar manager is actually giving people a little bit of incentive for the first one that completes the badges. Um, so the newer employees, she thinks of the newer employees actually, are at a disadvantage. But I think that because their badges are easier because they have more time, they’ll actually be able to surprise people. It’s…the older employees who wonder who’ve already burned through all those easy ones, right, and aren’t not as motivated. They’re the ones that, you know, need to get some fire built up underneath them.”
As I wrap my dissertation, I can’t wait to share more of my findings and recommendations with you all. Watch this space! – SJG
**Taken from “How Diffusion of Innovations, Change Management, and Adult Learner User Adoption Theories Impact Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Adoption and Usage in Nonprofit Organizations” – to be submitted in defense of the PhD requirements for Shannon J. Gregg
Tips on YouTube
Selling during a pandemic?
2020 brought many new challenges to so many businesses, large and small. As many people begin to struggle, sales come into question. The main issue we kept hearing was: how do you sell during a pandemic?
Having never faced something of this magnitude before, the team at Cloud Adoption Solutions went to work early on in 2020 trying to prepare a more thoughtful approach to selling to share with our clients.
Here’s what we came up with: Number one, selling has to become more flexible. With so many new challenges, both potential and existing clients will have needs that are changing. Flexibility in all things sales, such as closing, terms, and pricing if available, will not only help keep things moving but also will serve as an example of willingness to build a relationship during a hard time!
There is also a huge need for empathy when selling and approaching new customers. Although we normally always apply a great deal of empathy in our business, it is of an even greater importance to ensure you are stepping into your client’s shoes. See things from their perspective and approach new leads with caution and kindness! It will go a long way!
Last bit of advice is patience! While in a normal world you may be eager to close a sale fast, taking the long road will ensure comfortability and success with a new client! These times are difficult and in order to continue to make sales during the year, patience will pay off. With so many moving pieces for businesses around the world, that extra bit of understanding will certainly bode well! In other words, Cloud Adoption Solutions says relax, the sale will come when you are truly working to be a trusted advisor to your prospects and clients!
These aren’t surefire tips, things will continue to change in this upcoming year as we try to understand the world during this pandemic.
Check out the video and subscribe to stay up to date on our newest videos! – AD
Advice from an Expert
Send your Qs to info@cloudadoption.solutions
Q: It’s EOY, so I’m gearing up to plan for 2021. What things should I be considering for the sales team for next year? I’m the manager of sales operations, and I know Salesforce has to be a big piece of it. Help???
A: Okay, it’s a big job, but sales ops is definitely the one to do it! Your next year planning definitely should include Salesforce as the source of truth for KPIs/metrics, reports/dashboards, territory and compensation management. One of my favorite trails on Trailhead is Plan and Track Sales Goals with Sales Operations – definitely start here and best of luck closing out this year and starting off 2021 with a bang! – SJG
News & Special Events
- Congrats and thank you to the community who volunteered over an entire weekend to bring new Salesforce solutions to nonprofits in need. Lucas and Cory built a beautiful, strategic MailChimp -> Zoom -> Salesforce integration for Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition. Amazing human Tom covered the Give Camp in this post
- Building a Predictable Sales Machine (recording): Catch Shannon’s presentation at the Ascent conference
- Why do leaders do the hard stuff? Find out in the Concise Leadership Podcast, with Vernon Brokke and guest Shannon J. Gregg
- Industry Week: See new ways to use Salesforce from our industry experts in healthcare, life sciences, financial/professional services, and SaaS/technology. Catch the recordings here if you’re looking for a new solution on onboarding, deep clones for products and locations, and other Salesforce solutions
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Hey, we are thankful for you, friend. During this season of Thanksgiving, we appreciate your support and wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday.
“I am not young enough to know everything.” – J. M. Barrie
Check out previous issues for more curated Salesforce scoop – let us do the work for you!
April, March, February, January, December, November, October and September
Contact us with your Salesforce challenges at info@cloudadoption.solutions – we love to help!
Cloud Adoption Solutions is a 100% woman-owned registered Salesforce partner, specializing in implementation, integration, and optimization for Technology, Healthcare/ Life Sciences, and Financial Services/ Professional Services organizations in the small and mid-commercial sectors.
