On this episode of the Salesforce Admins Podcast, we sit down with Brittney Gibson, the Social and Content Marketing Manager on the Admin Relations Team at Salesforce. She’s the voice behind a lot of our content, so we wanted to give you a chance to get to know her better.
Join us as we talk about why Brittney is such a big fan of listicles, what stands out to her about the Awesome Admin community, and what you should do if you’re new.
You should subscribe for the full episode, but here are a few takeaways from our conversation with Brittney Gibson.
On the Admins Relations Team, Brittney is the person behind the Salesforce Admins handle on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. If someone responds to you via one of those channels, that’s Brittney, or really anything that goes on there. She also helps manage the blog, so if you ever have an idea for an article to pitch you should get in touch to work with her.
“The Awesome Admin community is super active and excited to be there and chat with each other,” Brittney says, which makes her job really engaging. Something that stands out is just how willing the community is willing to help each other out. “This community is so kind to each other,” she says, “whenever someone has a question it doesn’t go unanswered.” The kindness is incredible and makes the Awesome Admin community truly unique.
Why you should never be afraid to ask for help.Obviously, many more people are at home right now than ever before, and that means the way we use social media has changed in the past year. “Everyone has that time when they’re not commuting or they’re not going into an office,” Brittney says, and she’s seen an increase in engagement in the last year.
“As a new admin or new person to the community — don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Brittney says, “I’m astounded by how welcoming everyone has been so if you’re new and don’t know something don’t be afraid to ask on Twitter, use the #AwesomeAdmin hashtag.” There are so many different places to get help, so start reading what other people are sharing and feel free to speak up.
Be sure to listen to the full episode for more about why Brittney loves listicles, how Mike met Justin Bieber, and, of course, the Lightning Round.
Mike Gerholdt:
Welcome to the Salesforce Admins Podcast, where we talk about product, community and career to help you become an awesome admin. This week. We’re talking with Brittney Gibson, who is the Social and Content Marketing Manager on the Admin Relations Team. I think it’s fun to know the members of our team and by our team I mean the Admin Relations Team because they’re the ones that work for you every day. And Brittney is the voice behind a lot of our content. So let’s take a moment and have a fun conversation and get Brittney on the podcast. So Brittney, welcome to the podcast.
Brittney Gibson:
Thanks Mike. I’m very, very excited to be here.
Mike Gerholdt:
Yeah, well, we’ve added a lot of new people to the team and it’s exciting to have everybody on to say hello to our community and have the community say hello back. Let’s get started and talk a little bit about, I’m assuming Salesforce isn’t your first job but if we can get some insight into what Brittney did before coming to Salesforce.
Brittney Gibson:
Absolutely. Well, I have had quite the journey, I guess you could say. I majored in journalism at Pepperdine in Southern California and right out of college, I was like, “What the heck am I going to do with that?” So, I hopped right into a job that wasn’t exactly writing or social at first, I got started as a receptionist actually at BuzzFeed. So, in the media space but not doing exactly what I wanted to do yet. So I got my foot in the door there, made a ton of connections, friend, learned their process. And then that opened up a world of opportunities. I got to do a fun fellowship program with them, where I got to learn their style of writing, listicles, all that fun stuff. And then eventually my time there ended and I moved on to a place called Sweety High, yes, that is correct, Sweety High. It is a teen lifestyle website. So probably stuff you’re very familiar with Mike.
Mike Gerholdt:
I mean, I go to sweetyhigh.com all the time, all the time.
Brittney Gibson:
It’s really fun actually. It’s like a girl empowerment website. So if you are in junior high or high school and you want to feel empowered, I would recommend going to Sweety High. So yeah, I would write content for their blog there. So a bunch of fun stuff. I also created some videos with them. At one point I was asked to go dress up as a Disney princess, which was entertaining. Yes, I’ll have to share that with you, Mike. And then actually after my time at Sweety High is where I really dove into social. So I joined a company called Fullscreen and I was working with brands and creators to create some awesome content. So I did a bunch of digital series on YouTube. One of them was called “Guilty Party” and it was a digital mystery series where the characters would interact on social. So they all had YouTube channels and they would comment on the episodes and respond to various comments and get involved with the community. So that’s where my love for community management and engaging with a really active audience began was there.
Mike Gerholdt:
I feel like we need a really cool title for this podcast episode. That’s like 17 things you didn’t know Brittney-
Brittney Gibson:
About Brittney Gibson. I love that.
Mike Gerholdt:
Because it’s always a rando number. It’s never 12 or 15. It’s like 17, 32.
Brittney Gibson:
Yep. I know. It’s so with 17 sounds like a good number to me. So if I can think of 17 things yeah.
Mike Gerholdt:
Yeah good one.
Brittney Gibson:
I love listicles, I will never not love listicles. I just think they’re fun to read no matter what the topic.
Mike Gerholdt:
And the good news is, if you’re used to dressing up, we do that at Salesforce.
Brittney Gibson:
Oh yeah. Well, when am I going to get the chance to do that? I would love to put on a cloudy if I could make a cloudy suit or something like that. I think all of my dreams would come true.
Mike Gerholdt:
I highly encouraged that. In fact, Nik Panter at, I want to say Dreamforce 16 or 17 work a cloud suit. I’ll send you a picture of that. I’ll put it in the show notes. So that transitions us nicely to one day you will get to dress up while working at Salesforce. Let’s talk about what you do on the admin relations team here at Salesforce.
Brittney Gibson:
Yeah. So I am the social and content marketing manager. So I am the person behind the Salesforce admins handle on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. So if someone responds to you on Twitter, that’s me. When you see posts going out on Twitter, that’s me and I also help manage the blog. So if you ever have an idea for a article you want to write, I would be the person that you would reach out to and I’d work with you and collaborate with you on getting your post up on our blog.
Mike Gerholdt:
Yeah. And busy, I would say because our admin handle is full of Salesforce admins asking questions and responding and posting lots of stuff.
Brittney Gibson:
Yeah. It’s been really fun. And honestly, that was one of the things that excited me most about this role and opportunities because I know the awesome admin community is super active and just excited to be there and chat with each other and help each other out. And that’s a huge deal having a social community like that. So it’s been really fun. And I just I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone even more. I’ve only been here for a few months. So, just starting out.
Mike Gerholdt:
Well, that was actually leads into the next question I had for you, which is, I think for some of us, myself, I’ve been in the admin community now for 15 years going on 16 next year. Other people have been actually in the community a little bit longer. Some people have been in the community months or a few years. Some maybe even not as long as you. What overall have you seen that’s maybe different than other communities you’ve worked in, in our admin community?
Brittney Gibson:
Honestly, just the willingness of people to help each other out. So this is a different space of what I’ve worked in before but this community is so kind to one another, just like whenever someone has a question, I feel it usually doesn’t go unanswered, someone from the community will hop in and share resources, share best practice that worked for them. Just honestly, kindness. This is such a kind community, which is awesome to see, especially at a time right now, everyone’s just really lending a helping hand. And I’m proud to be a part of that because who doesn’t want to be part of a kind community.
Mike Gerholdt:
Yeah, no, it’s always had that culture at its foundation, I would say. What have you noticed different in the world of social really, since we got into this new COVID world?
Brittney Gibson:
I would say just everyone’s willingness to participate and join in. I think obviously everyone is, a lot of people at least are at home still right now. And at least for me, I am more engaged on social right now because if I’m taking a break from work and my own personal life even, what am I doing? I’m probably on my phone. I’m probably checking Instagram or Twitter or seeing updates on LinkedIn. So I just feel like there is more engagement all round going on because everyone has that time when they’re not commuting or they’re not going into an office, they’re spending their time at home and spending their time on their devices. Not always, I’m not saying it’s always a good thing to always be online or on social but I’ve seen an increase for myself at least. So I can speak to that.
Mike Gerholdt:
Right. No, balance. So you mentioned you’re obviously new to the community. I think that’s one aspect that you share with a lot of our admins as somebody who’s managers a lot of our content, interacts on social with a lot of our community. What is something that you would give as advice to new admins who are joining maybe as a way to interact with our Twitter handle or Facebook page or LinkedIn or et cetera, wherever else we are, YouTube?
Brittney Gibson:
I would just say as a new admin or just new person to this community, don’t be afraid to ask for help. That’s something I’ve learned at since starting this role. I am astounded by how welcoming everyone has been. So if you’re new and don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask on Twitter or use the hashtag awesome admin hashtag. People want to respond and people want to help you. I would also just say absorb the content. For me, this has been the best way to learn, reading the blog posts that we’re pushing out, seeing what the comments are on Twitter, seeing what people want to read about and want to know more about really gives you a sense of where the community is at right now. What’s interesting, what’s trending and just, I don’t know, just be open to the possibilities of the connections that you can make through social. And it’s honestly awesome that we can connect even when we’re not together. So yeah, I would just say join all of these different places in these communities. Get on the Trailblazer community, read what other people are sharing.
Mike Gerholdt:
Yeah. I’ll echo that and I still from 12 years ago, remember when Nick Panter replied to one of my tweets and said, “I think I know the answer but I can’t solve it in 140 characters.” That also dates me how old I was on Twitter back. There used to be a character limit folks and he said, “Email, I’ll DM you my email and we’ll solve it over the weekend.” I just remember thinking to myself. So there’s a guy in Canada that’s willing to sit and think about my problem and help me, how cool is that?
Brittney Gibson:
That’s really cool.
Mike Gerholdt:
I just found it really cool.
Brittney Gibson:
I love that.
Mike Gerholdt:
So I feel like we interrogated you plenty on the role. If you watched any of the Trailhead DX, Leah McGowan-Hare interview with Mindy Kaling, she had some really good lightening round questions that I actually stole, borrow, creatively copied that I was going to run through with you. So we used to do something on the podcast called lightening round but these are just very quick questions, whatever comes to mind for you. So, and they’re fun, they’re meant to be fun. Well here’s the first question. What is the best compliment you have ever received?
Brittney Gibson:
Oh, Ooh. I love all compliments but well, I recently got married and everyone ended up really liking my wedding dress and I was very scared that it wasn’t a good dress and I got lots of compliments on it. So that’s my most recent favorite compliment.
Mike Gerholdt:
I mean, that’s really good. As someone who has a person in their household that watches Yes To The Dress constantly.
Brittney Gibson:
Oh yes. That’s a big deal. Validation on wedding dresses.
Mike Gerholdt:
I feel like it is a big deal and it’s okay. So then this will be a good juxtaposition. If you could only have one meal the rest of your life, what would it be?
Brittney Gibson:
Pizza. I know that is the most basic answer but no matter what, even if I’m not hungry, pizza always sounds good. So I just don’t think I could get tired of it.
Mike Gerholdt:
Yeah. Okay. Good. The next question. So who is your hero?
Brittney Gibson:
My hero again, not to sound cliche but I fully mean this when I say my mom. She is the best person ever. And I feel like I am the person that I am today and because of her, I think some of my best traits come from her. So she’s my hero.
Mike Gerholdt:
That’s great. If you could meet one person that inspires you, alive or they could have passed on who would that be?
Brittney Gibson:
Mike, these are good questions. I am going to say Oprah Winfrey. She is just an incredible woman, a role model. And I’ve been watching her since I was a little girl. She’s interviewed so many incredible people, probably has 1,000,001 amazing stories. And just to hear about her life experience would be pretty awesome.
Mike Gerholdt:
Yeah. Yeah. She’s definitely met a few people. Okay. You’re stranded on island, what album did you bring?
Brittney Gibson:
I feel like my Sweety High experience is going to shine through right here because I like top 100 pop music, top 10. Recently I have been into Justin Bieber. I hope you don’t judge me. This is just recent.
Mike Gerholdt:
The most recent Justin Bieber?
Brittney Gibson:
Yeah. I’m going to say it. I don’t know if any other admin out there like Justin Bieber but-
Mike Gerholdt:
I bet they do. I’ve met Justin Bieber.
Brittney Gibson:
You have?
Mike Gerholdt:
I have, he was at a collector car auction I was at and he was selling a car.
Brittney Gibson:
Was he nice?
Mike Gerholdt:
I mean, he’s just, he had an entourage and I was standing there and they came by and I just looked over and I was like, “Oh, Hey, you’re Justin Bieber.” And he’s like, “Hey.” And we shook hands and took off. He went up on stage and it’s like, that was my Justin Bieber moment.
Brittney Gibson:
Okay. Well, yeah, like him, I like a lot of other people too. I like country music a lot. So I don’t know, it’s hard to choose one.
Mike Gerholdt:
Right. Well, apparently according to the question, you had enough time to grab an album but nothing else lifesaving before getting stranded on the island.
Brittney Gibson:
Yeah. And just my Justin Bieber album, that would save me.
Mike Gerholdt:
Okay, last question, five words that describe you.
Brittney Gibson:
Okay. Let’s do this, quirky, patient, kind, hard-working, genuine. This feels like I’m bragging but those are honestly what I can think of right now but I’m probably missing another word.
Mike Gerholdt:
There’s only five. So that’s great.
Brittney Gibson:
Yes, okay.
Mike Gerholdt:
I also think your five changes. Who knows in 10 years or you go back to when you were working at Buzzfeed, maybe you would have had different five.
Brittney Gibson:
Yep, absolutely. That’s just right now. I hope that I express these qualities.
Mike Gerholdt:
Well, we will look for the quirkiness on the admin Twitter handle.
Brittney Gibson:
Yes, please do. I want to interact with all of you. So hit me up at Salesforce admins handle, ask your questions, share what you want to read and learn more about. And I’m always happy to accept feedback.
Mike Gerholdt:
Or the album that you would be stuck on an island with, share pizza toppings.
Brittney Gibson:
Yeah. Yeah. Let’s talk about all of these things.
Mike Gerholdt:
Okay. Great. Well thank you Brittney, for being on the podcast.
Brittney Gibson:
Yeah. Thanks for having me, Mike. That was super fun.
Mike Gerholdt:
Well, it was great talking with Brittney and color me 17 ways to be surprised. I had no idea that she had worked at BuzzFeed, what a neat career start. I think it makes me think of the Steve Jobs quote of, “You can only connect the dots looking back and not moving forward.” Often our careers have all started somewhere else or maybe in process of getting to where we intend them to be. Brittney’s start off at BuzzFeed and now she is helping empower admins all over the world. So that is fantastic. Now, if you want to learn more about all things Salesforce admin go to admin.salesforce.com to find more resources. And by the way, did I mention that we have some new podcast swag on the Trailhead store. In fact, every episode when I’m recording these pods, I got my podcast shirt on.
Mike Gerholdt:
I also have this really cool podcast tumbler mug, depending on the time of day, it’s usually got coffee in it. So check out the link to that swag, send us a picture. You just met the social and content marketing manager. She’s going to reply. So we’d love to see pictures of you in that swag. If you need to know the link it is in the show notes. Then you can stay up to date with us on social. Ironically, that we had a guest about social. We are @SalesforceAdmins, no I on Twitter. And if you’d like to follow Brittney personally on Twitter, she is @brittgibs92 I’ll include that link in the show note. And don’t forget, you can of course follow my co-host Gillian Bruce, she is @gilliankbruce. And then while you’re on Twitter, let’s just make sure we round the list out. You can give me a follow too, I am @MikeGerholdt. I will keep you up to date on all the really cool articles that we’ve got coming out. So with that, stay safe, stay awesome and stay tuned for the next episode. We’ll see you in the Cloud.
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