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Navigating Dreamforce 2023: Top 10 Must–Attend Sessions

by Ravi Chudasama in News

Source: https://x.com/salesforce/status/1682051282662752256?s=46&t=0kbkvwGkDZDyAPu_mz4aGQ

Get ready to mark your calendars because Dreamforce is back for 2023! It’s that time of year again where the global Salesforce community gathers for the world’s largest software conference from September 12th to 14th in San Francisco, California. With so much bustling excitement and a sea of knowledge and innovation, ProvenWorks has your back with a list of the top 10 sessions you must keep an eye out for.

The enlightening sessions aren’t all that Dreamforce 2023 offers. On the evening of Wednesday September 13th, prepare for the atmosphere to be electrified as Foo Fighters take the stage for a spectacular live performance.

And if you can’t make it to the in-person event? No worries! Salesforce has got you covered. With Salesforce+ you can experience all the magic of Dreamforce from home absolutely free. By registering through here: Salesforce+ Original Series and Events, you will unlock three full days of Dreamforce content. With 120+ on demand episodes, live sessions, keynotes, exclusive digital content and so much more, you don’t want to miss out!

Who’s Speaking at Dreamforce 2023?

Some of the brightest minds shaping our future will be at the largest and most magical AI event ever. From visionaries and AI experts to global leaders, you get the chance to hear them speak at this incredible Salesforce event.

Look forward to insights from Marc Benioff (Chair, CEO & Co-Founder of Salesforce), AI innovator Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) and even San Francisco’s very own Mayor, London Breed.

But that’s not all, joining them are award-winning celebrities such as will.i.am and Rainn Wilson adding an extra layer of glamour. Want to know more about the impressive line-up of speakers at Dreamforce 2023?

Check out the full list here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

Key Sessions to look out for at Dreamforce 2023

1. Dreamforce Main Keynote

Tuesday 12th September

10:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT

6:00pm – 8:00pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

No Salesforce event can start without the main keynote and Dreamforce is no exception. Hosted by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and a special guest, the keynote is set to kickstart the event with some inspiring words and insight into Salesforce’s latest product, Einstein GPT.

2. Automate the Customer Journey with Bots, AI & Real–Time Data

Tuesday 12th September

12:30pm – 12:50pm PDT

8:30pm – 8:50pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

Want to boost productivity within your business and reduce costs? Well, this session’s just for you! Learn how to bring intelligent automation across every channel and every part of your business from sales and marketing to service, all within a perfectly productive 20-minute session.  

3. Lightning Web Components: What’s New and What’s Coming

Tuesday 12th September

3:00pm – 3:40pm PDT

11:00pm – 11:40pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

Join the Salesforce Product Management team as they show you how you can use Lightning Web Components to make developing on Salesforce easier and more efficient. Also get a taste of what’s coming up in the roadmap and the latest features in the LWC world.  

4. Beyond the Hype: How AI can actually make our Lives Better

Wednesday 13th September

9:00am – 9:45am PDT

5:00pm – 5:45pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

So, you’ve already had a glimpse into AI with Salesforce’s Einstein GPT and Open AI’s Chat GPT, but how can these tools make our personal lives better? Don’t worry you won’t be having to battle it out with I, Robot! Instead, David Luan (CEO & CO founder, Adept AI Labs), DR. Fei Fei Li (Professor of Computer Science, Stanford University), Richard Socher (Founder & CEO, You.com) and Sam Jacobs (Editor in Chief, TIME) take us back to reality in this session to discuss the exciting opportunities available to us through AI.  

5. Study Smarter, Not Harder for Cert Prep without Burnout

Wednesday 13th September

10:30am – 10:50am PDT

6:30pm – 6:50pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

We know many of you trailblazers are probably looking to complete another certification or maybe even your first. To assist you on your journey, take onboard these key lessons for managing your work-life balance to avoid burn out. With Kate Lessard (Delivery Team Manager, Arkus Inc).  

6. Drive Business Value with Sales Metrics that Matter

Wednesday 13th September

3:00pm – 3:40pm PDT

11:00pm – 11:40pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

In this limited spaced session, become part of the circle of success with David Carnes (Chairman, OpFocus Inc) and gain the unique opportunity to network in small groups and learn how to create reliable dashboards using metrics to fit your needs.  

7. CEO Talks: Forging a Brighter Future of Work with Honest AI

Thursday 14th September

9:00am – 9:30am PDT

5:00pm – 5:30pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

Build on your AI knowledge with Dario Amodei (Co-Founder and CEO, Anthropic) and Lidiane Jones (CEO, Slack) as they discuss how to simplify, enhance and elevate productivity and business outcomes with AI.  

8. Integrate APIs Faster and Effectively with External Services

Thursday 14th September

10:00am – 10:20am PDT

6:00 – 6:20pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

CEO Saurabha Gupta (Manras) and Sixuan Chen (Software Engineer, Salesforce) invite you to join them to investigate how to integrate faster with External Services. Take a look how the feature transforms OpenAPI end points into invocable actions you can call from low code tools.  

9. How To Avoid 6 Digital Transformation Pitfalls

Thursday 14th September

2:00pm – 2:20pm PDT

10:00pm – 10:20pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

Digital transformation is essential to your business growth, however typically transformation fails due to 6 common issues. Join this short 20-minute blast on how to avoid these issues and take actionable steps for navigating these challenges.  

10. 5 ways to Ensure Trust and Security on Your E- Commerce Site

Thursday 14th September

3:30pm – 3:50pm PDT

11:30pm – 11:50pm BST

Add it to your agenda here: Dreamforce – Session Catalog (salesforce.com)

As we grow ever more digital, digital security is one of our most important tools for establishing trust. In this session join Eric Lessard (Director, Product Marketing, Salesforce) and Sid Gupta (Sr Director, Product Management, Salesforce) on best practices to ensure your e commerce site delivers trust and performance at scale.  

Dreamforce Here We Come!

As you embark on Dreamforce 2023, it’s important to remember that it’s more than just an event. Dreamforce, along with all Salesforce events, encourages attendees to share their stories and celebrate their successes within this powerful ecosystem.

The event has a key focus on learning, connecting, having fun and most importantly giving back to help local communities, becoming more sustainable and making your business a platform for change.

We hope that this ProvenWorks guide has helped set the stage for you to engage with remarkable individuals and share in the Dreamforce experience that Salesforce is renowned for!

 

About ProvenWorks

We mean it when we say we’re Salesforce experts. We work exclusively in the Salesforce ecosystem and our products are built 100% for Salesforce.

About Us

Working in Tech whilst studying at University

by Ravi Chudasama in News

Working part time in tech and studying at university

Thriving in both worlds: University study and part-time work in tech

Like many students, I found myself working in industries unrelated to my studies, like hospitality and retail, for financial reasons. For me, the fixed working schedules and travel costs, in addition to the challenge of balancing study with work, made it less practical to work in these industries alongside pursuing my degree.  

However, it all changed when I found a part-time job through my university careers page working for ProvenWorks, a software company and partner of Salesforce. The possibilities were limitless – working remotely, being part of the global Salesforce ecosystem, and gaining access to the most cutting-edge cloud-based technologies!  

Join me as we delve into the challenges and benefits I’ve faced along the way, sharing top tips from other part-time members of ProvenWorks on how to manage your productivity whilst studying at university in this unique industry.   

Decisions and priorities: Navigating university work commitments

As a university student, managing academic commitments is critical, often requiring tough decisions between university and work. To navigate these decisions, you must prioritise. For me, this looks like organising tasks and situations based on their urgency and importance, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.  

Let me illustrate this approach with an example. I find myself torn between a group meeting for an accounting report due at the end of the week and a weekly team meeting at ProvenWorks. 

Recognising that the accounting report takes priority given the deadline and potential repercussions, I make the decision to focus on this rather than attending the team meeting, knowing I can catch up on the meeting later as it can be recorded. This way, I’m able to prioritise my studies without neglecting my work.  

This flexibility within the tech industry clearly contrasts to the rigidness of hospitality and retail. In these sectors, students are often faced with a choice that boils down to working or not. Due to the nature of these workplaces, rearranging shifts and the need for constant staffing makes it difficult to adapt and the final decision is often left in the hands of management.  

Safeguarding your well being: Balancing work and battling burn out

Working in tech part-time has been a fantastic experience for me. As I pursue a degree in Business Management and Marketing, the Marketing Assistant role complements my studies perfectly. I get to apply my academic knowledge of marketing strategies and branding theory to practical scenarios, such as social campaigns. However, it can also be mentally draining, especially after long days of lectures and staring at my laptop.  

To ensure I stay productive and maintain a work–life balance, I set aside time for personal activities during the working week and weekend, whether it’s hitting the gym, enjoying a refreshing swim, or spending time with friends on a night out. I guarantee my world doesn’t solely revolve around the demands of part-time work, despite the significant benefits that come with the job.  

For more insights on how to achieve a balanced and productive lifestyle, check out my colleague Beth’s post: How to increase your productivity.  

Flexibility and focus: Scheduling for triumph in tech

As I’m sure many newbies to the Salesforce ecosystem will agree, there’s a huge learning curve! The demanding nature of balancing tasks and training in the tech industry, particularly within the Salesforce ecosystem, is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a newcomer.  

To address this, ProvenWorks Marketing Assistant Sean suggests having a to-do list every day to know exactly what needs to be completed. Following a similar strategy, I use my calendar app to schedule and set deadlines for when exactly I’m going to tackle tasks and training around my university commitments. For example, I’ll schedule in time to complete a Trailhead module on data imports to prepare for an upcoming task around uploading accounts to Salesforce.  

Whilst the extent of training in tech, especially the Salesforce ecosystem, is far more demanding than hospitality and retail jobs, I’ve experienced less pressure and stress in comparison to those industries. With hospitality and retail, it’s common to receive on-the-job training, requiring you to shadow and then immediately replicate in real-time. This can be intimidating and challenging with potential for mistakes and constant pressure not to keep customers waiting.    

In comparison, training in tech offers greater flexibility, allowing you to have a better balance between work and training as you can schedule it when you want. With Trailhead, you work in demo orgs which simulate real Salesforce CRM instances. You can break down complex topics into bitesize modules, with clear step-by-step guides to tackle in your own time all for free!   

Ultimately the flexibility offered in a part-time job in tech gives me the time and resources to better understand the platform, get hands-on with the solutions, and balance work with training better.   

Strategies for success: Time management in the tech industry

Working for a Salesforce ISV partner gives me an invaluable opportunity that extends beyond the usual part-time job experience. The industry’s incredible networking opportunities with events like Salesforce World Tour London can open doors for future placements or graduate jobs, giving me a competitive advantage over many students who may not have access to such opportunities until much later.   

However, the challenge lies in ensuring there is no lack of focus on the here and now: with so much flexibility about when I complete my work and so many opportunities for networking, setting boundaries is crucial. As I’ve already said, my academics and maintaining a healthy balance between work and studying must stay a priority. An effective way of setting boundaries, prioritising my university studies and maintaining a work-life balance is to practise good time management.   

To gain insight into productive time management I asked Jai Mansford, our Support & Solution Engineer who’s also a university student, for his advice:  

“I find that communicating working hours with whoever assigns tasks to me works best. I found I was consistently free in the evenings, outside of working hours and allocated time to work on tasks that are not time constricted such as blog posts. I also do bits and pieces during the day to handle tasks that require attention during working hours when other people are online.”  

This level of flexibility and time management available in the tech industry aids students as they are still able to focus on their studies without having fixed working schedules, something that’s just not available in “regular” student jobs. By establishing boundaries between working hours and studying, Jai can dedicate sufficient time to work, university and the rest of his life.  

Thriving academically and professionally in tech

My experiences in the tech industry have proven to be an invaluable opportunity that lets me apply academic knowledge to practical scenarios within a thriving industry.   

Despite the challenges of task completion, burn out and risk of losing focus on my university degree, I and my part-time ProvenWorks colleagues can thrive both academically and professionally through dedication, effective time management and prioritisation. Our journey so far in the Salesforce ecosystem is paving the way for a promising future within the tech industry, opening doors to exciting possibilities in this dynamic space.   

To explore how you can be part of the ProvenWorks team and embark on a rewarding tech career, visit our careers page. Join us in the world of Salesforce and cloud-based technologies!  

Learn more about working at a Salesforce ISV partner

Why work for a Salesforce ISV? – ProvenWorks  

How to get a job at a Salesforce ISV – ProvenWorks  

 

Build vs. Buy: make the right decision

by Sean Chan in Data Management News

 

What is Build versus Buy?

The ‘build vs. buy’ debate has long been at the forefront of decision-making when it comes to implementing a software solution. Should your company invest in developing a custom solution, or purchase an existing commercial product? This discussion is particularly pertinent when considering Salesforce solutions. Salesforce, known for its flexible platform and extensive ‘AppExchange’ marketplace, offers both paths, adding unique dimensions to this decision. 

Build: developing a custom solution from scratch 

Buy: purchasing an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution from a third party 

It’s a complex decision, with numerous factors at play. This classic dilemma requires careful thought and consideration of several key factors. In this article, we’ll examine a framework of factors—implementation complexity, business requirements, budget, and solution scope—to help you understand, after weighing both sides, which approach suits your business the best. 

1. Implementation complexity 

The complexity of the project is an important consideration when deciding between building or buying a solution. Custom-built solutions are appealing because of the high level of tailoring they offer from the start, especially when non-standard processes need to be accommodated. In short, you can build a custom Salesforce solution for your unique needs. However, this comes with its own set of challenges. Creating a custom solution from scratch involves a certain level of complexity itself. Building a solution requires not only expertise in Salesforce, but also a clear understanding of your unique business processes and how any new solution can impact your wider Salesforce implementation. As you start developing your application, the complexity can easily multiply. Scope creep, unforeseen obstacles, additional testing requirements – these are all part of the building journey. And that only covers the additional build, let alone the ongoing maintenance of a solution, managing feature requests and Salesforce’s own upgrades! 

Conversely, the complexity of an implementation can be greatly reduced when you buy an existing solution. The application has already been refined over time, tested, and proven successful in real business environments, providing you with a tried-and-true solution that’s ready to deploy anytime. By buying, you can benefit from the pooled knowledge of others – the solution’s team and other customers – and reduce the risks involved with a challenging build. 

2. Business requirements 

Every business has its own special requirements. Reading the previous paragraph, you might be thinking that buying an existing solution could never meet your specific, complex needs. In other words, if your business requirements are unique or intricate, building your own solution provides the flexibility to create precisely what you want. It enables you to manage and develop a solution that grows and evolves alongside your company. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between “unique” and “commonly unique.” Many businesses believe their processes are unique when, in reality, they share many similarities with other organisations in the industry. 

Pre-built solutions are created based on industry best practices and common requirements. They cater to a wide range of needs and are continuously improved based on user feedback, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness. Although building allows you to create a solution tailored to your exact specifications, it might not necessarily be the best approach. There’s a reason that ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions have been built the way they have been! Consider your requirement – perhaps buying could be a better option. 

3. Budget

Budget is one of the most crucial factors in any business decision, and the ‘build vs buy’ debate is no exception. While ‘building’ might seem attractive since it offers financial control over a customised solution, it can easily turn into a money trap. Building a solution can end up being more costly due to the need for experienced developers, longer development cycles, and potential trial and error. Additionally, consider the long-term costs of maintaining, updating, and improving your custom solution, not to mention the time cost of writing and maintaining any onboarding and support documentation! If there’s one thing you remember, we hope you take home that the cost of building a solution always has an element of unpredictability. 

On the other hand, buying a solution can offer more financial predictability. Licensing, support, and updates are all built into the price. In addition, the speed of deployment is significantly faster with a ready-made solution, allowing you to start realising return on investment much sooner. In essence, buying offers financial predictability and reduces financial risk. 

4. Solution scope

Lastly, building a software offers a high level of customisation, but it comes with its fair share of risks. When the solution is live, it may solve short-term needs. However, what if the long-term needs for your business change over time and you are building a solution with the short–term in mind? The time and resources used to develop the software could have been wasted! 

Buying a solution eliminates this uncertainty. Since purchasing an existing solution typically offers a quicker and simpler path to user satisfaction, time to value is significantly shortened with buying. You’re investing in a solution that’s been proven effective in real-world applications. You benefit from the learnings of the companies that used the solution before you and their feedback has driven continuous improvement of the product. You also benefit from ongoing updates and enhancements made based on feedback from a community of users, ensuring the solution remains effective, relevant and futureproof. 

Conclusion

While the ‘build vs buy’ decision ultimately depends on your organisation’s unique circumstances, considering these four factors presents a compelling case for buying. In the Salesforce ecosystem, buying a solution offers reduced implementation complexity, a solution tailored to common industry needs, predictable costs, and the long-term confidence of a proven solution. 

In many cases, purchasing a Salesforce solution isn’t just the easier path, it’s the smarter one.  

Check out more from our Build versus Buy series

When does a developer recommend a managed package?

5 tips for choosing a solution on the Salesforce AppExchange

How to succeed with a Salesforce ISV partner

Cencal Dreamin’ 2022 | Build Versus Buy: Deciding What’s Right For You 

Everything you need to know about the Address Verification Flow Component (Summer ’23 Release)

by Gabriele Russello in AddressTools News

Please note: To leverage this component, your org must have AddressTools Premium installed from the AppExchange with Address Verification credits.

We always look to improve our products and the Address Verification Flow Component is no different! We have been hard at work enhancing the component with additional functionality to improve your user experience and up your address data game. 

Here is the list of updates we will cover in this article: 

  • Custom CSS is now available via a Salesforce Flow Screen 
  • Users no longer need “View All Custom Settings” permission enabled on their profile 
  • Additional accessibility tags have been implemented 
  • Improved search results by filtering and prioritising countries 
  • Street Line 2 parameter 
  • Release notes 
  • How to upgrade 

Custom CSS is now available via a Salesforce Flow Screen

Ensuring a Salesforce Org matches your company’s branding is important, and even more so in digital experiences. We want to ensure that you don’t need to compromise your visuals when using our flow component. We’ve made changes to simplify adding a CSS file to the component so that you no longer need to wrap it in an Aura component first.

Learn how to apply custom CSS using Additional Styles. 

Users no longer need “View All Custom Settings” permission enabled on their profile 

Previously, users required the “View All Custom Settings” permission on their profile to utilise the Address Verification Flow Component. This is now no longer a requirement; all you need to do is update the package and then the permission can be revoked. 

Additional accessibility tags have been implemented 

We believe our tools should be able to be used by everyone, and that’s why we’ve improved the accessibility tags within the flow component to make them more descriptive. 

Improved search results by filtering and prioritising countries 

We understand how important it is to provide the most relevant results first when looking up an address. That’s why we’ve implemented ‘Top Priority Country’ to help promote the best results, saving the user time and reducing keystrokes.

Here is how to implement this feature. 

Street Line 2 parameter

Adding Street Line 2 provides the flow component with the ability to split the street responses across 2 fields. This feature means it is easier to comply with strict character limits you might face. Street Line 2 is now available in the Address Verification Flow Component.

Here is our guide on how to enable 2 Street Line Address. 

Release Notes

To see the full list of enhancements and improvements, please refer to the Release Notes. 

How to Upgrade

To access the new features, you will need to upgrade the Address Verification Flow Component package. You can upgrade your version of the AddressTools Verification Flow Component by installing the latest package from the AppExchange. 

Upgrade now

Join ProvenWorks at World Tour London

by Ruth Cawdron in News

We’re excited to share that ProvenWorks is attending World Tour London on Thursday 29th June! Whatever your role in the Salesforce ecosystem, we know there will be something here for everyone.

What is World Tour London?

Salesforce describes World Tour London:

“World Tours are flagship Salesforce events around the world that help people connect, learn and be inspired. Expect to hear not only about technology, but also what is possible for your company and your career.

At the full day in-person event there’ll be over 70 sessions of content geared towards helping everyone succeed, you’ll have the chance to explore demo booths, industry specific content, and hear from Trailblazers from across the UK and Ireland. Friends for life have been made at World Tours!

There’s always a surprise element to World Tours, and this year will be no different, with special guests and entertainment.”

As usual, this year’s World Tour London will be taking place at the ExCeL, London all day on Thursday 29th June.

Join ProvenWorks at World Tour London

We’re always excited to meet up with other trailblazers in the Salesforce ecosystem. Whether you want to learn more about the role ISV Partners like us play in the ecosystem, learn more about how our solutions empower users to become data heroes, or chat about Salesforce more generally, we’d love to see you at World Tour London!

Why not schedule in some time in advance using our contact form? Just reference “World Tour” in your message and one of us will get in touch to schedule some time!

Let’s chat at World Tour 🚀
 

About ProvenWorks

We mean it when we say we’re Salesforce experts. We work exclusively in the Salesforce ecosystem and our products are built 100% for Salesforce.

About Us

Unleash your productivity potential: ProvenWorks takes on London’s Calling and empowers Salesforce professionals with game-changing hacks

by Ravi Chudasama in News

Held annually in London, London’s Calling is a prestigious event that connects Salesforce professionals from around the world. The conference serves as a platform for thought leaders and pioneers to share their knowledge and innovative solutions in the Salesforce ecosystem. The highly anticipated event gathers attendees for a vibrant day of learning, networking and getting up to date with the latest trends and advancements across the Salesforce community. The event saw speakers, sponsors as well as the much-anticipated Demo Jam competition where eight Salesforce ISVs battle it out to be crowned champion.

💡 Watch Ruth and Damian’s demo jam from London’s Calling 2022 showing off SimpleImport by ProvenWorks!

Again, ProvenWorks took to the stage at London’s Calling on Friday, releasing a whirlwind of Salesforce productivity superpowers. Led by our very own Beth Clements, a Salesforce maestro and co-leader of the Manchester Salesforce User Group, Beth’s session shared game-changing insights to transform your working day and conquer the productivity game.

Preparation is the key to unlocking your productivity potential

Did you know employees spend five hours a week waiting to hear back from other people? At ProvenWorks we understand the value of time, so we shared invaluable insights to help you reclaim those precious hours. During interviews with industry experts Beth uncovered powerful methods:

  • Elisa Edmondson, Business Systems analyst at AMAROK found making detailed notes on each project is great preparation as you can jump back in without reinventing the wheel.

Master the productivity game

Beth revealed an eye-opening truth: it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction. Her approach to combat this involves establishing a general focus for the month and then breaking it down into weekly and daily objectives. Drawing on insights from accomplished professionals we heard one of their strategies:

  • Mike Davis, Chief Revenue Officer at Invisory, emphasised the importance of following your own productivity timeline.

Achieve peak performance with prioritisation

Prioritisation is key to peak performance. Beth as an Operations Director knows the value of efficient scheduling. Here is an example of a strategy shared by our experts that high performing individuals use: 

  • JP Legget the CEO of Squivr, stressed the power of prioritising tasks by leveraging his calendar.

Self care and vulnerability: a winning combination

At ProvenWorks, we understand that productivity extends beyond work. Happy employees exhibit higher job performance, increased efficiency, and enhanced effectiveness. Our experts shared this insight:

  • Ben McCarthy, Managing Director of Salesforce Ben, kickstarts his brain and body with a refreshing morning walk, emphasising the importance of self-care.

Elevate your workspace for maximum productivity

Recognising the impact your workspace, 60% of remote workers stressed the importance of a dedicated space for optimal productivity. ProvenWorks encourages you to mix it up and find new ways to liven up your workspace, boosting your productivity.

 

Read the full session

You can read Beth’s full speech, capturing every detail of the enlightening session here.

Learn more

 

Join us at Salesforce World Tour London

Events season is only just beginning! We’re excited to announce our presence at Salesforce World Tour London on 29th June in the ExCeL Centre. Join us and the rest of the Salesforce community for a day of learning from industry leaders and discovering solutions that can help you unlock your true productivity potential. Together, lets embark on an adventure towards exceptional productivity.

 

 

How to increase your productivity: a toolkit for all Trailblazers

by Beth Clements in News

There are tons of tools out there to assist with productivity, and yes, they can really help. But ultimately, it comes down to you and your desire to be productive.

After 9 years in the Salesforce Ecosystem, and tons of insights from Salesforce experts, I’m going to share with you 5 of my favourite hacks for being as productive as possible whilst having fun along the way!

 

1. It’s all in the prep

Do you have a to do list? How far ahead do you plan? Do you know when you’re the most productive?

If you answer no to all of the above, get a notepad, dedicated document on your laptop, or invest in some software to start planning ahead and ask yourself the question: when am I most productive?

Before I had a to do list, I had no idea how I knew what was going on! Not only do you get your dopamine hit by ticking something off after completing it, but it can really help you to get more done. By planning what you will be doing in advance, you are setting yourself up for success and you will be able to thank your past self for being so organised.

With good preparation, you can look at big picture items and see how they fit alongside your day-to-day items. Then you can assess if what you want to get done in a week is actually achievable. It’s such a handy tool for a 1-1 as well and helps your manager to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed.

Insights from the experts

Lauren Metcalf, Content & Marketing Coordinator, Salesforce Ben

“Give yourself credit for small wins. Break tasks up so you are giving yourself lots of small ticks instead of waiting for that one big one. I add things to my list that weren’t on there to start with but needed to be done and I’ve completed. It helps me look back at the end of the day with a sense of achievement.”

Paul Harris, Principal Consultant, Coacto

“Plan your day the day before. Do the difficult tasks first. Do it, schedule it, delegate it or bin it.”

Elisa Edmondson, Business Systems Analyst, AMAROK

“I make detailed notes on each project so I can jump back in without reinventing the wheel.”

Will Shinton, Director of Operations, Purus

“Make a list, order it by priority, execute!”

Stuart Manning, Apprentice/Consultant, Coacto

“Break tasks into smaller pieces to make them more manageable which stops you feeling overwhelmed, and ensures critical tasks are completed on time. Set realistic goals that are achievable and ensure you reward yourself when tasks or projects are successful. Working as a team and being a team player helps you achieve goals. Finally, take breaks to help prevent burnout and increase productivity.”

2. Give yourself space to focus

Setting yourself aside some distraction free time to knuckle down on a task / project is a great way to get a big chunk of work done. You’ll feel productive, motivated, and a great sense of achievement!

This can be achieved with focus blocks. The most important part of these focus blocks is that all distractions are truly gone! Yup, that even means leaving your phone on the other side of the room. The biggest game changer for me has been blocking out my calendar, setting myself on ‘do not disturb’ mode, and enjoying getting into the zone. It’s actually amazing how much you can do in 25 mins with no distractions! Sometimes I’ll set myself 50 mins of time to get a decent chunk of work done and its only taken me 20 mins because I am truly in a state of flow.

Whilst there are tons of different tools and techniques you can use related to focus blocks, once you’ve found what works for you, make sure you are aware of the time of day you are most productive to set aside for these focus blocks. For me, it’s earlier in the morning, but this will be different person to person!

Insights from the experts

Mike Davis, CRO, Invisory

“Embrace the reality that 5-6 hours of focused, 100% dedicated work time is more productive than 8-9 hours of in and out focus. Follow your own productivity timeline of the day and adapt your schedule to meet your needs.”

Jonny Wilson, Software Architect, ProvenWorks “Being able to get my head down, no interruptions or meetings and just get into the flow of the code.”

Eric Dreshfield, Independent Consultant

“Set aside specific blocks of time on your calendar every day to work on specific projects (outside of meeting times) and don’t let anything get in the way of this dedicated time.”

Jon Oliver, Commercial Manager, NC Squared

“Allocating tasks not just by priority, but by the type of attention they need. Some tasks are labourious, but don’t need too much focus so may work best in ‘down’ time; others are interesting but need lots of attention so perhaps best at the start or end of the day just after caffeine!”

David Massey, Founder, Get Force Certified

“Time blocking – Although a really simple concept, I’ve found that time blocking my calendar allows me to stay focused and avoid distractions, it allows me to maximise my working hours so when I finish, I can spend time with my family without feeling guilty for not accomplishing enough. I’ve tweaked how I do it over a number of years, and I think I’ve got to the stage where it’s really effective for me.”

3. Establish your priorities

When speaking to a whole range of people both inside and outside the Salesforce ecosystem, priorities came up the most. You can be the most productive person in the world but if your priorities don’t align with your team or organisation, you might not actually feel like you’re getting anywhere.

Take a step back and look at what your goals are for the quarter ahead, the month ahead, the week ahead and THEN you can look to see what is important daily.

Insights from the experts

Tamsin Foster, Salesforce Administrator, Service Express

“I write a note to myself for tomorrow, saying what to prioritise.”

JP Legget, Founder and CEO, Squivr

“If it is on the calendar it gets priority – in my role the jobs are never done and I wear many hats. Using my time wisely means effectively setting aside time to support each arm of the business.”

Chris Taylor, Principal Consultant, Nebula Consulting

“I organise and prioritise work items. I keep my inbox at zero by snoozing items with a low priority, creating tasks to book things into a time slot that works for me and unsubscribing from stuff I don’t need cluttering my inbox.”

Lucy Mazalon, Operations Director, Salesforce Ben

“One post-it note for priorities (my rule is I can’t add more than five at a time).”

4. Be kind to yourself and be vulnerable

I really want to hammer home the point that to help others, you have to help yourself first. You’re never going to be efficient, productive, or happy at work if you’re struggling. Reach out to colleagues if you need help. In the long run, who knows, they might be the one to reach out to you when they need help!

A little note / nudge for managers here about showing your vulnerable side. For years I thought you had to be superhuman to be a manager, never having an off day. But we all get them! Share your failures and struggles with your team, they will realise you too are human! Plus, perfectionism is scary and not many people want to work with perfectionists. Open up to your team, share your struggles along the way, and you will succeed even better together.

Insights from the experts

Ruth Cawdron, Marketing Manager, ProvenWorks

“I’m learning that you don’t have separate energy tanks for work and life, and so I find it helpful to plan ahead how I’ll be kind to myself. Busy weekend? Schedule in some easy administrative work to start your Monday off. Huge work event? Try to block out the next day for follow up. Being kind to your future self is what nurtures a long-term sustainable approach to productivity.”

Ben McCarthy, Managing Director, Salesforce Ben

“I suppose a few things…ensure I use a to-do list to work through, block out time on my calendar to work through specific items, try and minimize unnecessary meetings, ensure I go for a walk in the morning to kick start my brain and body!”

Kuldip Hilyer, Founder and CEO, Kugamon

“Strive to be in the zone, and if you are not, do something, such as go for a drive and get coffee, run an errand. Then get back in the zone. This only works if you enjoy what you do. Otherwise change your job. You are a productivity guru if you enjoy your work. No tool can really help. Tools are only band aid.”

Charlene Johnson, Senior Salesforce Administrator, University of York

“Take your lunchtime away from your desk – go for a walk.”

5. Consider your workspace

Have you ever gone to cook dinner in a messy kitchen? You’ll know that when everything is fresh and tidy, not only will you be more motivated, you’ll find yourself enjoying your work more too!

Do you need to change up your workspace every so often? Every Wednesday morning I make an effort to go and work elsewhere (I work from home 95% of the time) and I’m amazed at how different my mindset is when I change scenery. Often it’s either on a Wednesday morning or when I’m walking my dog that I get some of my lightbulb moments!

Want to know how others in the Salesforce Ecosystem are productive!?

Read some more advice from other people across the Salesforce ecosystem; you’ll start to see some common themes!

Sarah Kelleher, Customer Success Director, Nebula Consulting

“Keeping my inbox tidy is my secret weapon. My unreads act as my to-do list which means I can keep a good eye on what I’ve got on at the moment and prioritise effectively. I know it’s divisive, but it works for me!”

Aaron Poulton, Head of Business Development, Ortoo

“Get uncomfortable! Too often we do the work we like or find easy as opposed to the work that will make a real difference.”

Megan Sadler, Partner Marketing and Alliances Manager, Traction Complete

“I get a lot of satisfaction from crossing things off a list, so getting to do so definitely helps drive me. I like to break up projects into smaller tasks so I can celebrate the smaller victories as well as the large ones.”

Jessie Shedden, Customer Renewals Executive, ProvenWorks

“RADICALLY reducing clutter. My inboxes consistently have less than 10 items (rough figure), my electronic folders are kept clean and fresh too. My singular desire is to do things in the quickest and easiest way with the greatest amount of impact.”

Leon Crisp, Founder and CEO, Ortoo

“Focus, ruthless prioritisation, maximise energy health and mood. Tools – get a good set of tools, learn to use them well, and use the right tools for each job.”

Laura Truman, Marketing Executive, Native Video

“Time manage, set time to tasks (i.e. task x to do at 3pm), and don’t stress about things until they come around. You know that you’ll resolve the problem / task when it arrives.”

Rachel Dance, Business Development Manager, Improved Apps

“Have a list of what needs to be done… Prioritise 3! Collaboration, I find working closely with others promotes creative thinking and encourages problem solving and innovation, but be strict on time and focused on the task in hand. Avoid distractions if you need to focus. Ignore slack and email and get your head down, use ‘do not disturb’. I’m always more productive if there is a time pressure!”

Callum Hurry, Director of Product Engineering, ProvenWorks

“Break tasks down into more manageable pieces of work and don’t be so strict on yourself if it doesn’t get done when you initially planned it to.”

 

About ProvenWorks

We mean it when we say we’re Salesforce experts. We work exclusively in the Salesforce ecosystem and our products are built 100% for Salesforce.
About Us

ProvenWorks’ very own Beth Clements takes the stage at London’s Calling

by Ruth Cawdron in News

London’s Calling, Europe’s largest community-led event for Salesforce professionals, is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable! As ever, members of the ProvenWorks team will be attending and we’d love to meet up with you in person if you are planning on attending. This year in particular we have more reason to want you there…

ProvenWorks’ very own Operations Director, Beth Clements, will be taking to the stage to share invaluable insights in her session “Productivity Hacks: A Toolkit for All Trailblazers!”

London’s Calling: Europe’s largest community-led event for Salesforce professionals

London’s Calling has established itself as a premier event in the Salesforce community, attracting professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from around the world. The conference offers a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the Salesforce ecosystem. For the past couple of years, London’s Calling has been held at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell St in London.
 
London’s Calling differs from Salesforce World Tour as it’s tailored to users, developers and administrators of all levels as opposed to prospective customers. All sessions are geared to audiences who are already developing, using or managing the Salesforce platform.

💡 This year’s London’s Calling is currently sold out. You can join the waitlist in case more tickets become available.

Productivity Hacks: A Toolkit for all Trailblazers

We’re thrilled to share that ProvenWorks’ very own Beth Clements joins the list of speakers at London’s Calling 2023! Beth’s session is called Productivity Hacks: A Toolkit for all Trailblazers where she will share 5 productivity hacks that actually work, featuring many other voices from the Salesforce ecosystem.

Room: James Watt

Time: 11.20-11.45am

“You’ll be surprised to see how a few habitual changes can have a very positive impact. From admin to architect, join me as I take you through 5 productivity hacks that actually work!”

Beth has been researching and testing a number of different ways to be more productive in her home and work life. In her session, Beth will unveil productivity hacks, tips, and best practices that empower Salesforce professionals to streamline their workflows, enhance efficiency, and maximise their impact. Attendees can expect to gain practical insights and discover actionable strategies that they can implement immediately within their own organisations.

Say hello to ProvenWorks at London’s Calling

We’d love for you to come hear Beth’s talk, and we’re suggesting that we have a ProvenWorks meetup at 11.45am, directly after the session, with as many familiar faces as possible. We’ll aim to do this outside but keep an eye out for the ProvenWorks t-shirts!

Don’t miss the chance to hear Beth share her expertise on productivity hacks that can transform your Salesforce experience. Join ProvenWorks at London’s Calling, and discover a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge solutions that will elevate your Salesforce journey.

So mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable experience at London’s Calling. We’ll see you there!

 

About ProvenWorks

We mean it when we say we’re Salesforce experts. We work exclusively in the Salesforce ecosystem and our products are built 100% for Salesforce.

About Us

The 2023 events season kicked off in style with AppExchange Live!

by Ruth Cawdron in News

 

Events season is well and truly under way thanks to AppExchange Live! The first UK event of its kind, this in-person conference was packed with informative keynotes, customer-centric breakout sessions, and a bustling expo hall. The ProvenWorks team was thrilled to be a part of it all, and we’re looking ahead to more events this summer!

One of the standout moments of AppExchange Live was the keynote speech from Salesforce VP, ISV Sales EMEA & APAC, Virginia Matassa and Senior Director, ISV Technology Solutions, Marco Kuster. They share some startling statistics from Capgemini:

75% of companies think they are customer-centric. 30% of customers actually agree.

This data proves that the customer success gap is very real, and experienced by most customers.

With 91% of Salesforce customers having installed an app from the AppExchange, the importance of putting customers at the centre of business could not be clearer. This message resonated with us here at ProvenWorks, where we believe our value that customer success is everything. When you purchase one of our solutions, you’re not just buying software, you’re buying years of experience and expertise in solving your problem.

We also enjoyed attending some of the industry breakout sessions, where we heard from inspiring Salesforce customers like Clarins, NHS Professionals and Jaguar Land Rover about how they leverage the power of the AppExchange. It was inspiring to see how much innovation is happening in the Salesforce ecosystem, and we can’t wait to bring some of these ideas back to our own team!

At our ProvenWorks sponsorship booth, we loved connecting with attendees, including plenty of our own customers, and sharing the latest about our suite of products. We were thrilled to receive such positive feedback about our solutions and to answer questions from people looking to enhance their Salesforce experience and empower their users to be data heroes.

What events are coming up?

Looking ahead, we’re excited to be a part of several upcoming events in the Salesforce ecosystem. We’ll be attending London’s Calling on 9th June and World Tour London on 29th June.

We can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new friends at these events!

At ProvenWorks, we believe that events like AppExchange Live are essential for staying up to date with the latest trends and building connections in the Salesforce community. We’re committed to being a part of these events and helping people get the most out of their Salesforce experience.

AppExchange Live was a fantastic way to kick off the 2023 events season. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people and learn more about the exciting things happening in the Salesforce ecosystem. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events!

Connect with the Salesforce ecosystem

Sign up to London’s Calling
 
Register for World Tour London

 

 

About ProvenWorks

We mean it when we say we’re Salesforce experts. We work exclusively in the Salesforce ecosystem and our products are built 100% for Salesforce.

About Us

Join ProvenWorks at AppExchange Live

by Ruth Cawdron in News

We’re excited to share that ProvenWorks is an official sponsor of the upcoming AppExchange Live! Whether you’re a Salesforce administrator, developer, or business leader, there’s something for everyone.

What is AppExchange Live?

AppExchange Live is the in-person conference for Salesforce users who want to make the most out of their Salesforce org by leveraging the power of the Salesforce AppExchange. The event is taking place all day on Thursday 11th May at etc venues, 133 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7BX, and we can’t wait to meet you there!

With over 30 ISV partners (including us!) attending, and 19 customers sharing stories of how they accelerated their digital transformation journey, the day is guaranteed to be full of opportunities to discover how you can maximise your Salesforce investment. And did we mention that the event wraps up with a keynote from former rugby player, Maggie Alphonsi MBE followed by some live music during the networking session!

The best part? It’s totally free to attend! All you need to do is register and get access to the full event, including keynote sessions, industry breakout sessions, and the expo hall (where you can find us!). Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the industry and learn more about the latest trends in Salesforce and its AppExchange marketplace.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to swing by the ProvenWorks sponsorship booth. We’re excited to share our latest product news with you, answer any questions you have and most importantly… get hands-on with live demos! Our team of experts is always happy to chat and help you find the best solutions for your business needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Register for AppExchange Live today and join us for a day of inspiration, education, and fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register today 🚀

Need more convincing?

Don’t just take it from us! Check out Salesforce Ben’s blogpost: 5 reasons to attend AppExchange Live.

About ProvenWorks

We mean it when we say we’re Salesforce experts. We work exclusively in the Salesforce ecosystem and our products are built 100% for Salesforce.

About Us