In 2009, I was managing sales teams in Western Canada, and we were in desperate need of a robust system to track our sales and manage our order flow. Our Systems team deployed Salesforce as the solution and it was a game changer! We went from a world of spreadsheets and inaccurate data to a platform that gave us a real-time view of our orders, along with ad hoc reporting at our fingertips. I was hooked! I rolled up my sleeves and learned as much as I could about Salesforce. I was now on a path to a career change that would allow me to blaze a new trail for my life!

Trailhead has been a great tool for our team that goes beyond just learning the basics. We use Trailhead to prepare for each of the three annual releases by having our team members complete the Release Highlights modules. And we've found Trailhead to be incredibly powerful when evaluating new products. If we want to explore using Communities, we just take the trail and try building one in a Playground to see how it works. There is nothing better than getting hands-on with a product, and Trailhead allows us to do just that!

I've been an active member of the Vancouver Administrators Trailblazer Community Group since 2015, and it has been an amazing experience. It helped introduce me to the wonderful community of Salesforce professionals in my city and opened my eyes to innovative ways to use the platform. Most importantly, it has allowed me to tap into an invaluable source of knowledge and expertise from Trailblazers just like me! I've learned a lot from my local Community Group, and I do my best to give back and share what I've learned with new Trailblazers who are just starting out on their journey.

Being a Trailblazer means you're on an endless journey. A Trailblazer is neither content sitting still nor happy with the status quo. A Trailblazer's path is not a straight line; they may encounter a dead end or two along the way, but they will not be discouraged by setbacks. A Trailblazer sees endless opportunities on the road ahead, but these opportunities are not finish lines, they are milestone markers. A Trailblazer likes to be challenged and is not afraid to take the road less traveled. Most importantly, a Trailblazer doesn't travel alone; they blaze a trail for others to follow, and they stop and help fellow travelers along the way. Because we're all on this adventure together.

What are you waiting for?! With Trailhead, you have an extensive catalog of trails and modules at your fingertips, along with free Playgrounds to explore and build in. You can learn at your own pace and get hands-on experience inside Salesforce. Pick a trail or module that looks interesting and give it a shot! If it's not quite right, pick another. What do you have to lose?! Now stop reading this, go roll up your sleeves, and jump right in!

I've been blown away by the outpouring of support and encouragement I've received along my way to becoming a Trailblazer. The Trailblazer Community is overflowing with kind, caring, and generous people who are more than happy to help answer questions and lend a hand. In my quest to learn new skills, I unexpectedly learned about other industries, new technologies, and inspiring nonprofits, and have been welcomed into a community where I've made great friendships. It has been an absolutely fulfilling journey every step of the way!