What is a Salesforce MVP and how to become one

Having skill is one thing, but being able to showcase it and position your expertise is another. Hence, expertise is the first quality that separates a Salesforce MVP from others in the community. 

MVPs aren't just acknowledged for their technical expertise – they're seen as authority figures and promoters of Salesforce products and the ecosystem. They actively showcase their expertise by contributing through blogs, podcasts, and community forums.

Along with expertise, a Salesforce MVP must have some leadership qualities. Whether leading groups, organizing conferences, or contributing to specialized programs like MVP Office Hours, they represent the Salesforce community. The very nature of representation and contribution is leadership. MVPs also embody a code of conduct aligned with the Salesforce ecosystem.

You must be generous enough to devote much of your time and efforts to the masses. Generosity is a standout quality of MVPs. This generosity can be described as giving mentorship, organizing community events, active participation in conferences, and more. Driven not by a desire for personal recognition but by an innate passion to support others, MVPs embody the spirit of giving back to the community.

This process involves individuals nominating themselves or putting forward the names of other professionals within the Salesforce ecosystem. It's an open-door policy where the community can name anyone showcasing outstanding expertise, leadership, and generosity.

Once the nominations hit the digital stage, the Trailblazer Community team assumes the role of conductors and starts the initial reviews. Following this, Salesforce employees active in the Trailblazer Community resume the reviewing process. This multi-layered process objectively assesses each nominee's contributions and qualifications.

After the community and stakeholder team goes through the initial round of reviews, the next step involves peer feedback. The current MVPs share valuable insights and feedback on fresh nominations and renewals based on their experience and expertise.

The Trailblazer Community team takes center stage for a final review. This is where each nomination undergoes a comprehensive assessment, ensuring alignment with the core values of the Salesforce MVP program. Once the final decisions are reached, the leadership team approves the list of new and renewed Salesforce MVPs.

You can access exclusive discussions, connect with fellow MVPs, and gain exclusive industry insights.

You get to attend Salesforce events, network with industry leaders, expand your contacts, and stay updated on Salesforce trends.

Showcase your expertise at conferences and enhance your influence and fame within the community.

You get support for continuous development, coupons for relevant certifications, and a boost for your profile.

Receive valuable guidance from experts and contribute to the growth of others.

Flaunt your status with exclusive items like MVP hoodies, pins, stickers, and backpacks.

You must learn hands-on and stay updated on Salesforce products and releases. You need to have knowledge of Salesforce administration, development, and solution architecture.

You need to start engaging with and helping the Trailblazer Community Groups. You could help others by answering queries, preparing guides, initiating programs like Salesforce MVP Office Hours, and more. You could also organize community events to contribute to community growth actively.

Once you're an active member of the community and have gained the trust of your peers, become a mentor and give back on a larger scale.

• Contribute actively to community forums and discussions
• Use your expertise and experience to support initiatives that empower others in the Salesforce ecosystem
• Attend and actively participate in Salesforce community programs and conferences
• Network with peers and other MVPs to increase your visibility within the community.

Once you're confident enough and have been accepted by most of the community, don't hesitate to submit nominations. Although others you inspire will nominate you, there is no harm in nominating yourself. 

Nominate yourself and showcase your contributions and impact within the community. Highlight specific instances of your expertise, leadership, and generosity. You could also encourage those who've benefited from your expertise. Genuine testimonials and recognition from peers strengthen your MVP candidacy.

Maintain a consistent presence on social media, community forums, and Salesforce-related events. Demonstrate your commitment to the Salesforce ecosystem through regular engagement. 

If you're nominating, offer detailed and thoughtful submissions. Highlight specific instances of contributions, emphasizing expertise, leadership, and generosity. Your work should be in the direction of Salesforce's growth.