Publish date:

• 20th February, 2025

The world is advancing rapidly, quicker than ever before—new technologies emerge daily, presenting us with fresh information to grasp and techniques to master. If we fail to adapt, we might find ourselves obsolete. This concern also applies to us as Salesforce Consultants. I still recall my initiation into the Salesforce realm back in 2014; this was my reality:  

• Dressing in business attire daily, complete with a tie and a company pin.  

• I work from 9 until late at night.  

• Utilizing Salesforce Classic.  

• Employing change sets for deployments.  

• The primary focus for clients was transitioning from paper and Excel to CRM systems.  

In just a decade, there have been so many transformations that it can be challenging to keep up. We can operate from anywhere (including the couch!) and enjoy greater flexibility with our schedules—based more on responsibility. We have Trailhead to enhance our learning, we engage in more point-and-click activities than ever, and change sets are a thing of the past (I don’t miss seeing that little fish turn red—a classic consultant joke).

Given all these shifts, we consultants must adjust and keep pace with the latest trends. Enhancing our abilities allows us to cater to the changing demands of our clients, particularly with the emergence of AI influencing the future. So, my objective here is to show the skills required, identify the tools Salesforce consultants can use in this fast-paced environment, and explain how to create a solid profile in the era of AI.

Old Skills vs. New Skills

Old Skillset

• Proficient in analyzing Excel data and visualizing the Salesforce Data Model.  

• Extensive expertise in Classic Salesforce.  

• Utilization of manual deployment methods (such as change sets, etc.).  

• Significant dependence on coding for more intricate tasks.  

• Traditional Waterfall project delivery with on-site consultancy.

New Skillset

• Familiar with Lightning Experience and the generative AI features within Einstein.  

• Able to work agilely and collaborate remotely, using tools like Slack, Teams, Zoom, and Agile project methodologies.  

• Knowledge of contemporary DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and platforms like Copado or Gearset.  

• Skilled in Salesforce Flow for automation, embracing a no-code approach.  

• Ability to analyze data through Tableau (or CRM Analytics), create dashboards, and generate reports to provide insights based on data.  

• Awareness of how AI is integrated into Salesforce and its potential to enhance customer experiences.  

• Ability to convert customer data into tangible improvements using AI tools.

Essential Skills for Contemporary Business Analysts and Salesforce Consultants

Business Analysis and Strategy:

• Transforming intricate requirements into straightforward user stories.  

• Managing stakeholder expectations by skillfully saying no when necessary.  

• Crafting scalable processes that utilize Salesforce AI functionalities.  

• Adhering to the principles of time, budget, and scope.

Technical Awareness:

• Recognizing when to use clicks (Flows) versus custom coding.  

• Grasping integrations, APIs, and platform limitations.  

• Capable of configuring and overseeing security, sharing, and identity features.

Data Literacy:

• Formulating a strategy for data management.  

• Defining data models that yield significant insights.  

• Familiarity with analytics tools, ranging from basic reports to sophisticated dashboards.  

• Comfortable interpreting machine learning results (such as AI-driven recommendations).

Design Thinking and User Experience:

• Proficient in prototyping user experiences with contemporary tools (e.g., Lightning App Builder, Figma).  

• Emphasizing end-user adoption through simplicity in design.

Change Management:

• Articulating the rationale behind new processes or AI advancements.  

• Training end users and promoting adoption in a digital-centric environment.  

• Educating end users on the significance of data quality.

Tools to Support Your Consulting Journey

Collaboration and Productivity:

• Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom are excellent for real-time teamwork (if chosen, Slack is often the best option).  

• Trello, Jira, or Asana are ideal for tracking Agile projects.  

• Notion.AI serves as a comprehensive workspace with AI features.  

• The mural is helpful for collaboration and visual representation.  

• ChatGPT, Anthropic, and Gemini are fantastic for brainstorming, coding snippets, and creating user stories or test scripts.  

• Grammarly helps enhance the quality and clarity of writing.  

• Otter.ai assists with transcribing meetings and taking notes.  

• Beautiful.ai is designed for crafting presentations.  

Salesforce DevOps:

• Implement continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) using tools like Gearset or Copado.  

• GitHub and VS Code provide version control and a modern development environment.  

• Salesforce CLI is useful for advanced automation and tasks.  

Salesforce AI and Analytics:

• Data Cloud is Salesforce’s proprietary customer data platform (CDP), which collects and transforms CRM data before activating it (e.g., for marketing automation and analytical platforms).  

• Einstein offers advanced AI for deriving insights and content generation.  

• CRM Analytics and Tableau deliver sophisticated analytics, predictions, and visual data representations. It’s worth noting that Salesforce is working towards simplifying its analytics solutions.  

• Agentforce allows for creating and managing autonomous agents for various business functions, with Agentforce 2.0 recently introduced.  

• Prompt Builder enables the development of prompt templates for users and agents.  

Play and Learn:

• Simple Demo Orgs (SDOs) allow for exploring and testing new products, including showcasing them to clients.

Creating an Impressive Profile and Maintaining Relevance

Salesforce Credentials:  

• Administrator and Advanced Administrator: Fundamental knowledge base.  

• Consultant Certifications (Sales, Service, Experience): Expertise in Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Experience Cloud.  

• Platform App Builder: Essential low-code skills crucial in the AI-focused age.  

• Specialized Certifications (CPQ, Account Engagement, Marketing Cloud): Differentiate yourself with specialized offerings.  

• Data Cloud Consultant: Become proficient in the Salesforce Data Orchestrator.  

• AI Associate and AI Specialist: Emphasis on artificial intelligence expertise.  

Interpersonal Skills:

• Communication and Presentation: Converting technical language into accessible business terms.  

• Problem-Solving: Ability to think quickly, particularly when AI-driven processes encounter issues.  

• Adaptability: Adapting to new features, methods, and challenges.  

Online Engagement and Continuous Education:

Maintain an active presence on LinkedIn and connect with influential figures (here are a few notable names):  

• Mike Gerholdt, Admin Evangelist  

• Tom Bassett, Salesforce Solution Architect  

• Aaron Crear, Salesforce Architect  

• Melissa Shepard, Salesforce CTA  

• Pei Mun Lim, Author of Salesforce Discovery 101  

• Cheryl D. Feldman, Salesforce Product Manager  

• Adam Olshansky, Salesforce Architect  

• Rakesh Gupta, Founder of Automation Champion   

Participate in Salesforce events: Trailblazer Community gatherings, World Tours, and Dreamin’ events.  

Stay updated with key blogs:  

• Salesforce Time: Guidance on Salesforce Flow and platform changes.  

• Purposeful Architect: Strategies for architectural and business analysis.  

• SFApps: Advice for admins on how to excel in the Salesforce ecosystem.  

• Automation Champion: Expert tutorials and training on Salesforce automation.  

• The Good Enough Consultant: Consulting insights.  

• Ashish Agarwal: Resources and guides for enhancing Salesforce administration skills.  

• CertifyCRM.com: Improving Salesforce configurations, primarily through Flow Builder.  

• SF9to5.com: Admin tips and CPQ strategies for B2B Salesforce users.  

• Unofficial Salesforce: Installed Actions and Components for Salesforce Automation tools.  

• And, of course, don’t overlook Salesforce Ben!  

Continue accumulating Trailhead and super badges, and showcase your commitment to ongoing learning.

Summary  

We are currently in a swift transformation where AI is driving a new wave of Salesforce solutions, and as consultants, we must stay updated. By emphasizing the appropriate combination of technical skills (Lightning, DevOps, AI) and interpersonal abilities (communication, design thinking, adaptability), along with utilizing the right tools (Copado, Gearset, Einstein, CRM Analytics, Agentforce), we can provide exceptional solutions that delight our clients.  

Therefore, cultivate that intrinsic desire to learn, remain inquisitive, explore new features as soon as they are released, and remember that it’s not solely about keeping pace—it’s about setting the standard. Projects are fundamentally based on human connections, regardless of how advanced technology becomes!  

Do you have any insights to share? Make sure to drop them in the comments below.

Stay ahead in the ever-evolving Salesforce ecosystem with Codleo, your trusted Salesforce partner in the USA. As a leading Salesforce consulting firm, we empower businesses with cutting-edge solutions, from AI-driven automation to seamless integrations. Our expert Salesforce consultants help you navigate the latest advancements, ensuring optimized workflows, enhanced customer experiences, and data-driven decision-making. Whether you're transitioning to Lightning, implementing DevOps, or leveraging AI-powered analytics, we provide tailored strategies to maximize your Salesforce investment. Partner with us today and future-proof your business!