Why admins should listen to podcasts

Why Salesforce Admins Should Listen to Podcasts

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Your role as a Salesforce Admin demands more than just technical know-how—it requires creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to think beyond the basics. While there are plenty of resources available that teach you the “how” of Salesforce, from documentation to step-by-step tutorials, there’s something invaluable about understanding the “why.” 

Podcasts, often overlooked as a learning tool, offer a unique avenue for expanding your critical-thinking skills. Here’s why listening to podcasts should be a regular part of your growth strategy as a Salesforce Admin.

The value of learning the “why”

Podcasts go beyond the surface-level explanations and delve into the deeper reasons behind certain practices, decisions, and trends within the Trailblazer Community. When you listen to a podcast, you’re not just hearing about how to configure a feature; you’re gaining insights into why that feature exists, how it fits into broader business strategies, and how other admins are using it to solve real-world problems.

Understanding the “why” behind the tools and processes you use daily can drastically improve your ability to implement solutions that aren’t only effective but also aligned with best practices and long-term goals. This kind of deeper knowledge helps you make informed decisions, anticipate potential challenges, and offer more strategic recommendations to your team or clients.

Access to conversations beyond your reach

You might find yourself in a bubble, surrounded by the same colleagues, clients, or industry experts. While these interactions are valuable, they can sometimes limit your exposure to new ideas or different ways of thinking. Podcasts break down these barriers by allowing you to listen in on discussions you wouldn’t typically be a part of.

Whether it’s an analysis of the latest Salesforce Release, a roundtable on user management best practices, or an interview with an industry leader, podcasts bring you into conversations that can expand your perspective. These discussions often explore topics in a way that written articles or tutorials can’t, offering a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. By tuning into these conversations, you’re essentially broadening your network and gaining insights from experts you might never meet in person.

Multitask and learn: Podcasts don’t compete for your eyes

One of the greatest advantages of podcasts is that they don’t require your full visual attention. Unlike videos or written content, you can listen to podcasts while doing other activities. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, cooking, or even performing some of your more routine admin tasks, podcasts allow you to learn and expand your skills without sacrificing time.

This multitasking capability makes podcasts an incredibly efficient learning tool. Being able to absorb new ideas while you’re on the go or handling everyday tasks is a game-changer. It’s like having a mentor or industry expert in your ear, guiding you through your day while enriching your knowledge base.

Diversity of voices and perspectives

The Trailblazer Community is vast, made up of individuals from various backgrounds, industries, and regions. Podcasts reflect this diversity, offering a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives. When you listen to podcasts, you’re exposed to ideas and approaches that might be very different from your own.

This diversity is crucial for problem-solving. The more perspectives you’re exposed to, the more tools you have in your mental toolbox. You might hear about a creative solution to a common problem, a different way of thinking about data management, or a new approach to user adoption that you can adapt to your own work. Listening to different voices can spark creativity and help you see challenges from angles you hadn’t considered before.

Investing in yourself: A priority, not a luxury

As a Salesforce Admin, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of your job. However, investing in yourself and your continuous learning is crucial for long-term success. Podcasts are a simple yet effective way to keep up with industry trends, learn new skills, and stay motivated.

By dedicating time to listen to podcasts regularly, you’re investing in your professional growth. This investment pays off by keeping you informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry. 

How to listen to podcasts

If you’re new to podcasts or looking for more convenient ways to listen, here are a few options.

  1. Streaming: You can listen to podcasts directly from a website by clicking the play button. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any additional software or apps. It’s perfect if you’re at your desk and want to listen to something during a break. You can listen to the latest episodes of the Salesforce Admins Podcast directly from the website you’re on now!
  2. Downloading: Many podcast platforms allow you to download episodes to your device. This is especially useful if you want to listen offline, such as during a flight or in areas with limited internet access. Popular apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts make it easy to download and organize your favorite shows.
  3. Smart speakers: If you have a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Echo, you can use it to play podcasts with simple voice commands. Just ask your device to play a specific podcast, and it will start streaming instantly. This hands-free option is great for multitasking around the house.

Make podcasts a regular habit

Podcasts are more than just a form of entertainment; they’re a powerful tool for expanding your thinking, improving your problem-solving skills, and investing in your professional development as a Salesforce Admin. By learning the “why,” accessing different conversations, multitasking, and embracing the diversity of voices, you’re setting yourself up for success in an ever-changing industry. Make podcasts a regular part of your learning routine, and watch how they change your approach to your work.

Resources

Catch the latest episodes of the Salesforce Admins Podcast, where real-life Salesforce Admins, product managers, and community leaders share their experiences in transforming businesses, careers, and communities through simple clicks instead of code. This 30-minute weekly podcast is a source of inspiration for Salesforce Admins working on Enterprise CRM solutions.

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