Authored by Zishan Razzaq

Friday, January 4, 2013

How to get Started on Salesforce

Hi everyone:
   Welcome back.
Many people have asked me numerous times on -"How do i get started on Salesforce?", "What should i know about it?". So I thought instead of me giving the same answer over and over again, I would outline it for you here on my blog.

So here is the solution to your inquiry:
  • First, you need to go to Salesforce.com if you never been there. examine it.
  • If you have been there, lets get into the tool itself:
    • Go to Developer Force . This is the key/core of you learning Salesforce from A to Z.
 
      • Developer force - has the latest news and upcoming events for administrators and developers of the system. It also contains the following sections:
        • Technical Library - All great documentation and workbooks are here
        • Live Webinar information on the next release.
        • Latest Featured Content - what is the top featured being released.
        • Upcoming Events - Cloudforce/Dreamforce, etc.
 
    • Go thru the steps and sign up. This will provide you the ability have your own instance/org. A developer version but still can do many things. 
  • Once you have your org. Log in. you can do that by going here:



  • Before getting started in your org it is always good to know what server you are on (just in case Salesforce is doing maintenance or it goes down).
    • The URL tells you what server you are on once you log into your developer org. For example for me it "NA3".
    • If salesforce is doing maintenance or updates, you can check the status of your server by going here. Trust Salesforce.com
 
      • Workbooks - the best source of info to start you off with developing in your new org.
        • It will provide you steps on all the basics you would need such as:
          • how to create new objects
          • how to create /modify fields
          • how to create workflow rules
          • how to create validation rules
          • how to create email templates 
          • how to create formula fields
          • how to get started on writing code
        • The rest are for more advance and once you get thru workbooks then i suggest getting started on that.
  

  • Other useful links that an admin/developer/BA/PM should know about the system:
    • AppExchange - a marketplace for plugins or apps to install onto Salesforce natively. Some are free and some need to be paid for. 
      • Some great apps that have helped me in the past that could be installed onto your developer box and your instance are:
        • Field Trip - A great app to determine if fields in your object has data or not. great way to clean up.
        • Duplicate Catcher - Great tool for initial deduping
        • DupeBlocker - Amazing tool from Demand tools for deduping.
    • Ideas Exchange - If you see anything or have a great idea that would make Salesforce even greater then it is make a suggestion and have the community vote for it on Ideas Exchange.
  • DataLoader - You need this to insert/ update/ upsert(mix of insert and update)/ delete/ export records for salesforce. Its free and it is part of your developer org. Comes with the system. See screenshot on the left.

  • Salesforce Channel  - If you like videos to learn Salesforce, 401 and 501 classes and other related videos are located here at the Salesforce Channel .
  • Help & Training - Within your developer org and or if you have unlimited edition in your company's org, you have access to great videos by clicking Help & Training link next to your name which would pop open a window for submitting cases directly to salesforce support or getting your e learning on for Salesforce. 
  • Salesforce Blog - A great way to see blogs created by Salesforce on new features, videos, e-learning, etc.
  • Force.com Discussion Board - If you ever are stuck with any of the functionality or need help with formula field or even code, go to the Force.com Discussion Board. (also if your looking for a job or side work there is a Job Board for that as well).
  •  Salesforce Certifications - If you like to get certified in salesforce this is the best place to go and learn what certs are out there and get started on setting up the exam.
  • ForcePrepare - a great way to learn about the force.com certs also a great blog on force.com.
  • Jeff Douglas - Technology, Coding etc. - a great source of information for advance developers.
Thank you
Zishan
Hope this helps.

8 comments:

  1. Cool and nice description. Besides, developers may interested in developing Apex triggers, classes and Visual Force pages.

    ReplyDelete
  2. hi Thanks For This Book is highly recommend for such a great information on salesforce help.

    ReplyDelete
  3. hello, this book is very helpful for me with full of grate information. if you are interested in salesforce support and development, you can visit us at
    www.rowalim.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Salesforce Certification Exam dumps 2019 Great post as always! You article helped us and considered as best content on the topic. Thanks much

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for sharing your knowledge to help others.

    Very useful Article.

    wordpress customer portal

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice Post! Your insight are very impressive and creative its very helpful.Thanks for sharing..
    Salesforce Online Training

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Salesforce B2C-Solution-Architect Exam B2C Solution Architect dumps
    is a key certification for professionals in the world of Salesforce Commerce Cloud. This exam evaluates one's expertise in designing and implementing B2C Commerce solutions, ensuring they can architect systems that meet business needs effectively.

    Key points to know about this certification:

    Industry Recognition: This certification is highly recognized in the e-commerce industry, enhancing career prospects.
    In-Depth Knowledge: It covers a wide range of topics, including architecture design, data modeling, and integrations.
    Client Success: Certified professionals are well-equipped to drive client success by creating scalable and efficient solutions.
    Business Strategy Alignment: The exam ensures alignment with business strategies, enabling professionals to contribute to organizational goals.
    Competitive Advantage: Holding this certification gives individuals a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

    Problem-Solving: Certified architects can effectively address complex challenges in B2C e-commerce projects.
    Industry Best Practices: It emphasizes the use of industry best practices, ensuring robust and secure solutions.

    Global Demand: With the growth of online retail, there's a rising global demand for Salesforce B2C Solution Architects.

    Continuous Learning: Staying updated with Salesforce Commerce Cloud advancements is vital to maintain this certification's relevance.

    Career Growth: Achieving this certification opens doors to high-impact roles in e-commerce and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in B2C architecture.

    ReplyDelete