Inspired by Community. Thankful.

As it gets closer to the holiday season and the end of 2016, I've been thinking about what I want my 2017 goals to be.

I was posting an update on Twitter about my next User Group event when I saw a post that Ben McCarthy posted about Marketing Cloud. I didn't know much about Marketing Cloud and had always wondered how it differed from Pardot. I also remembered seeing an update from Salesforce University in the last few weeks for Destination Success and the recent updates to Marketing Cloud certifications.

Feeling open to the idea, I signed up for the Salesforce EEB-101 course. Brian Richardson was teaching the course and is a fantastic instructor. This is the second course that I have taken with Brian and he is great at explaining concepts with real-life examples. I've always found that I can understand and retain material much better when I can focus my learning around a business scenario. Following the course completion last week, I used the two practice tests on Ben's site as well as my Marketing Cloud Org to practice email set up and scenarios. I used the Marketing Cloud Email Specialist guide to google terms and read through the documentation. I'm excited to say that I was able to complete the certification this morning!

I realized that I would never have thought to pursue the certification or add it to my goals list if it had not been for Ben's Twitter post. Thanks, Ben!

In the weeks that have followed Dreamforce, I have also been working my way through the Admin & Developer-led sessions. When one session completes (or as I have found out, if you pause for too long) another session begins. That is how I came across Phil Weinmeister's session this afternoon on Community Tips. I'm feeling really inspired by Community these last few days and have already tackled the Community Trailhead module thanks to Phil's suggestion!

This month we focus on what we're thankful for. I've learned that I don't have to create a complete goal list for 2017. I just need to pause and look around at the Salesforce Community around me. These are passionate and wonderful people, willing to share their knowledge and inspire.

I'm now well on my way to discovering much more thanks to the continued dedication of the Salesforce Community. Thank you all so much, I truly mean that.

I'm challenging everyone this month to look around you and identify someone that inspires you to be better at what you do. Does that mean trying something new? Taking a new course? Volunteering for a cause that you are passionate about? I want to know. Share your journeys and inspire others:

Use #SFInspired and let's recognize those community members that have helped us grow this year!