The First Two Certifications Every New Salesforce Consultant Needs
I cannot stop with the AI image generation. “Two certifications in stained glass”, by DALL·E 2
Introduction: The Importance (& Pitfalls) of Certification Collection
If you're new to Salesforce consulting one might think that the most important first step is to collect as many Salesforce certifications as possible. Before I share my strong opinion, let me start with this:
Studying for and passing a few Salesforce certifications goes a long way towards both beginning to build your own knowledge, and showing others that you have it.
However, accumulating countless certifications without experience may not necessarily be the best approach, and even with experience, Salesforce certifications alone may not make you an exceptional consultant. In reality, there are other areas of knowledge and skills, which are testable by certifications, that might be equally important to have in your pocket and in your mind.
The Ideal Certifications for New Salesforce Consultants: Admin and Agile
I was speaking with my friend Kaitlyn who manages a team of Salesforce consultants. She mentioned that new consultants often arrive with plenty of technical knowledge but lack understanding of how to manage tasks within projects and teams, and real-life client work. She added, "If they could just start with the admin cert and an iterative project management certification, that would be ideal!"
With over a decade working in, running, and overseeing Salesforce projects and implementations of all sizes, I agree with her 100%. Why?
Salesforce Certified Administrator: Shows basic knowledge of Salesforce functionality, which is super duper important. I see it as an absolute must-have.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM 1): An iterative project management certification like these two, offered by the Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org respectively, shows basic knowledge of Agile principles and Scrum, which is an effective and important iterative project management framework within Agile methodology, (more on that later).
You already know that the Salesforce Certified Administrator credential is the number one most important certification to have in your quiver. However, having a foundational knowledge of Salesforce technology + a mental framework for managing project progress, task prioritization, working with teams, keeping clients satisfied and involved, and continuous improvement is a powerful combination when getting started
This may seem surprising at first, as new Salesforce consultants often prioritize technical skills, and Agile is commonly thought of as only applicable to software developers. However, the truth is that having a grasp of how projects should ideally be managed, and your place within the larger project roles and team, is advantageous. Familiarity with Agile methodologies through Scrum certifications can provide a valuable addition to your knowledge base.
Understanding Iterative Project Management and Agile
Let's take a moment to define what we mean by "iterative project management" or "Agile". When it comes to implementing a Salesforce project, there are usually one of two approaches at play: Agile or Waterfall (or sometimes an interesting mix of both). Here are some brief definitions:
Waterfall methodology, as in “top to bottom”. It’s a sequential project management approach that involves completing each phase of a project in order before moving on to the next one. Each phase is typically completed in a linear fashion, with little to no opportunity to go back and make changes once that phase has been completed. The phases of the Waterfall methodology typically include requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment. This approach is best suited for projects with well-defined and stable requirements, a clear understanding of the final product, and a low risk of changes during the project. I have never seen one of those projects.
Iterative project management, as in “iterate”. Sometimes interchanged with “Agile” but Agile purists will let you know loudly it is not the same. However, for simplicity’s sake I will interchange these terms. It is a project management methodology that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability. It involves breaking a project into smaller, more manageable pieces, often called “user stories”, and completing them in cycles or iterations, often called “sprints”. Essentially taking the requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment stages and repeating them over and over again with small chunks of functionality. Each iteration involves planning, executing, and evaluating a small portion of the project before moving on to the next. This approach allows for changes to be made throughout the project based on feedback and results from each iteration, leading to a more efficient and effective final product.
“Don’t go chasing waterfalls, stick to the user stories and the sprints that you’re used to.”
The Benefits of an Agile Approach in Salesforce Implementations
So why is Agile (or iterative if a flavor of Agile) such a beneficial and popular style of project management in many consulting firms? Well, think about it this way. Most Salesforce implementations are complex projects that involve a lot of moving parts. There are multiple stakeholders involved, each with their own priorities and requirements. And there are a lot of variables that can change over the course of the project, from the client's business needs to the availability of resources.
Changing variables means iteration is a necessary part of the plan.
In such a situation, it's easy to see how a traditional top-down "waterfall" approach to project management could lead to problems. With a Waterfall approach, the project is broken down into a series of linear stages, with each stage building on the one before it. Once a stage is completed, it's difficult (and often expensive) to go back and make changes. Can implementation projects be done this way? Of course. Are they my favorite way to run a project, absolutely not.
But with an iterative approach, the project is broken down into a series of short iterations, (sprints) each lasting only a few weeks. At the end of each iteration, the team reviews the work that's been done and decides what to do next. This means that the team is able to respond quickly to changes in the project, and to adjust course as needed.
Why Scrum & Agile Knowledge Is Important for Salesforce Consultants
Here are a few benefits of using an Agile or iterative approach in Salesforce implementations:
It allows you to deliver value to the client more quickly. With an iterative approach, you're able to deliver working functionality to the client at the end of each iteration. This means that the client is able to start realizing the benefits of the project sooner, which can be a big win.
It helps you to manage changing requirements. In most (and I really want to say all) projects, requirements change over time. With an iterative approach, you're able to respond to changing requirements quickly, without having to go back and redo a lot of work.
It helps you to manage risk. With an iterative approach, you're able to identify and mitigate risks early in the project. This means that you're less likely to encounter big surprises later on. And nobody wants big surprises unless they are fun surprises.
It helps you to manage stakeholder expectations. With an iterative approach, you're able to show progress to stakeholders on a regular basis. This can help to build trust and confidence, and to manage expectations more effectively. Agile is also the key to project ownership for the client, and client ownership is the key to a smooth running project.
Understanding how to deliver more value to clients, managing risks more effectively, and building stronger relationships with stakeholders… Whoa, now that’s a team member I’d fight (using my words) to have on my project.
Salesforce and Agile Certifications, A Powerful Combo
So there you have it. If you're new to Salesforce consulting, don't be fooled by the misconception that racking up endless Salesforce certifications is the only way to success. While having a strong foundation in Salesforce technology is important, it's equally crucial to possess project management skills that align with modern methodologies. An Agile certification like the PSM 1 or Certified Scrum Master will not only distinguish you from the pack of consultants with more technical expertise than project experience, this knowledge will also enable you to hit the ground running on your first projects, allowing you to focus on developing your technical skills on the job.
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