Urelevant

In this episode, we meet sisters Rebecca Youngquist and Nicole Looker, who have both found success in the Salesforce ecosystem. 

Nicole, with her background in finance and insurance, shares her journey of becoming an "accidental admin" and how she eventually transitioned into a product owner role. 

Rebecca, a former Navy nuclear engineer and instructor, explains how she pivoted to Salesforce after leaving the military, inspired by her sister's success.

The sisters discuss their unique paths into Salesforce, the challenges they faced, and the skills that have helped them excel in their roles. They emphasize the importance of understanding both the front-end and back-end aspects of Salesforce, as well as the critical soft skills needed to succeed in the ecosystem.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career in Salesforce or looking to enhance their skills in the field. From the importance of visual learning to the key characteristics that make a great Salesforce professional, Rebecca and Nicole provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this conversation, coming next week!

Contect with Rebecca Youngquist and Nicole Looker on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-youngquist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-looker/

Watch here - https://youtu.be/yR06s8kCItM

In this episode, we explore the  parallels between the evolution of Spider-Man and our own journey with emerging AI technologies. Just as Peter Parker navigates the challenges of discovering his superpowers, we too must navigate the unfamiliar terrain of AI and its capabilities. We delve into the importance of embracing a lifelong learning mindset, rapidly reskilling, and developing a strategic reserve of skills to stay relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. Join us as we discuss how the hero’s journey in both superhero tales and real life is marked by transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of making a difference.

Watch here - https://youtu.be/2kaYP8jo8Ww

Become Skills-Powered

In this episode, we dive into the Skills-Powered Advantage Framework, a revolutionary approach to professional development in the age of AI to become a Skills-Powered Practitioner.

Discover how mastering the trifecta of Business Skills, Durable Skills (aka Soft Skills), and AI Skills can propel your career to new heights.

You'll learn:

Whether you're looking to advance in your current role, switch careers, or launch a new project, this episode provides a roadmap for becoming a well-rounded Skills-Powered Practitioner. Tune in to discover how to transform your intent into insights, and ultimately, into career success. Don't miss this discussion on future-proofing your professional life, one skill at a time!

Watch here - https://youtu.be/DQxOu87UgAE?source=urelevant

It is one thing to claim that you possess certain skills, but it can be challenging for companies to verify that you do indeed possess certain aptitudes and abilities. Whereas certain hard skills or technical skills can quickly be determined through various task-based assignments, the verification of soft skills can prove more challenging for organizations.

There are several mechanisms that Skills-Based organizations are employing to help them verify that you do indeed possess the skills that you profess. One emerging specialty for skills verification is what is known as Multi-Measure Testing, otherwise referred to as MMT.

What is Multi-Measure Testing (MMT)? Multi-Measure Testing is an approach that evaluates a candidate's abilities and potential through various types of assessments. Rather than relying on a single test or metric, MMT uses a combination of methods to get a comprehensive picture of a candidate's skills, personality, and suitability for a role. This holistic approach is becoming increasingly important as employers seek to identify the best candidates in an ever-evolving job market.

Why MMT is Important?

The traditional methods of hiring, which often relied heavily on resumes and interviews, are proving inadequate in today's fast-paced, skill-based economy. MMT addresses this by providing a more nuanced and accurate assessment of a candidate's capabilities. It helps in reducing biases, improving hiring accuracy, and ensuring that candidates are well-suited for their roles. This is particularly crucial in the age of AI and automation, where the right mix of skills can make a significant difference.

Let's break down the core components of Multi-Measure Testing. Each of these assessments provides unique insights into different aspects of a candidate's abilities and potential.

These tests focus on the specific skills required for the job. For example, a coding test for a software developer or a marketing strategy test for a marketing role. They provide direct evidence of a candidate’s ability to perform key tasks.

Candidates are given tasks that mimic the actual work they would do in the role. This could include writing a report, creating a presentation, or solving a real-world problem. These assignments demonstrate how candidates apply their skills in practical scenarios.

These tests measure general cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and numerical aptitude. They help predict how well a candidate can understand and process information.

These assessments evaluate personality traits that are important for the role. They can provide insights into a candidate's work style, interpersonal skills, and how they might fit into the company culture.

Behavioral assessments focus on past behavior as an indicator of future performance. They often involve situational judgement tests (SJTs) where candidates describe how they would handle specific work situations.

These tests explore a candidate’s preferences and motivations, helping to determine if they align with the role and the organizational culture.

SJTs present hypothetical, job-related situations and ask candidates to choose or rank the best responses. They measure judgement, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Now that we understand what MMT is and its importance, let’s shift our focus to you, the candidate. How can you thrive in an MMT screening process?

Before applying, thoroughly research the role and the skills it requires. Understanding the job description and the key competencies will help you anticipate the types of assessments you might face.

Brush up on the specific skills required for the job. If you're applying for a technical role, practice coding problems or software tasks. For marketing roles, review case studies and strategic planning.

Create sample work assignments that reflect the tasks you would be doing in the role. This not only prepares you for the assessments but also builds a portfolio that can impress potential employers.

Engage in activities that enhance your problem-solving and logical reasoning skills. Puzzles, brain games, and relevant online courses can be very beneficial.

Work on your communication, collaboration, and time management skills. These are crucial not just for assessments but for excelling in any role. Participate in group activities, take leadership roles, and seek feedback on your interpersonal skills.

Reflect on your past work experiences and how they have shaped your work style and behavior. Practice answering situational questions and be honest about your strengths and areas for improvement.

Preference tests often explore your motivations and interests. Stay true to what drives you and look for roles that align with your passions. Aligning with Skills-First and Skills-Based Organizations to increase your marketability in a skills-first economy, it's essential to align yourself with the values and practices of skills-based organizations.

Stay current with industry trends and continuously seek to improve your skills. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, and participate in professional development opportunities.

Utilize platforms like Rapid Reskill to gain new skills quickly. Our Skill Blocks offer focused, tightly structured courses that can help you rapidly acquire and demonstrate new competencies.

Document your skills and achievements in a portfolio. Include work samples, project summaries, and any certifications or training you’ve completed. This portfolio can be a valuable asset during the hiring process.

In addition to assessments, certifications can be a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise. They are widely recognized and can significantly boost your credibility. Look for certifications that are relevant to your field and invest in obtaining them. We will see a proliferation of new certifications popping up in the areas of AI, Prompt Engineering, Business Essentials and Soft Skills certifications as well.

So when you boil it all down, the primary drivers to skills-verification for Skills-Based organizations are Certifications and Multi-Measure Testing or MMT

I have a lot more to share on MMT and these new certifications, in a free course available on RapidReskill.com called the Skills-Powered Advantage Framework. I will link to that course in this episode description. I encourage you to get that free course and learn more on how you can position yourself for maximum effect in this new Skills-First landscape.

And be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you are alerted when the next episode drops, which is about becoming a Skills-Powered Practitioner. Your Skills-Powered journey will come into clarity. Until next time, consider leaving a review for this podcast. It’s the best way to add your voice to the conversation here at Urelevant!

In this episode, we dive into the massive shift in the job market towards valuing soft skills, now becoming recognized as Durable Skills.

Durable Skills play a large part in my Skills-Powered Advantage Framework, which you can learn more about in my free Skills-Powered course here - https://www.rapidreskill.com/skills-powered-advantage-framework-3747e4f7-0e02-4231-bd78-3c6c503c07c6

Today's top sought-after skills include communication, collaboration, and time management. This shift is driven by AI and the realization that these skills have a longer shelf life and remain relevant through rapid technological advancements.

We explore the Durable Skills Advantage Framework, a partnership between CompTIA and America Succeeds, highlighting how these skills have become essential.

Key findings include:

The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the importance of Durable Skills as remote work highlighted the need for communication, adaptability, and digital literacy. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for individuals with a strong foundation in Durable Skills will only increase.

 Watch here - https://youtu.be/i6IKmCF_JxY

009 - The Future is Skills Powered! Will You Be?

In this episode, we delve into becoming Skills Powered, essential for individuals and organizations. Discover how these approaches address the persistent skills gap by prioritizing tangible, measurable skills over traditional criteria like degrees and job titles.

Explore how a skills-powered approach fosters a more diverse talent pool and promotes continuous learning, enabling employees to adapt to market changes and contribute based on their abilities. I share how forward-thinking businesses prioritize efficiency and leverage force multipliers, seeking advantages in both talent and tasks. Also discover how AI's pattern recognition capabilities can help build advantage frameworks for individuals and organizations.

Whether you're focused on advancing your career or enhancing your company's performance, this episode will guide you through the evolving landscape of business.

Watch here - https://www.urelevant.com/podcasts/urelevant/episodes/2148686250

In this final installment of our Attract, Attain, Retain series, we dive deep into the crucial topic of customer retention within CRM systems. Discover why retaining an existing customer is significantly more cost-effective than acquiring a new one and explore the pivotal role of Salesforce in facilitating customer service through case management. We delve into the concept of case deflection, self-service solutions, and the challenges of effective issue resolution. Learn about intelligent routing, support processes, and the ethical implications of AI in customer service. Join us as we explore how AI is revolutionizing CRM, enhancing productivity, and ultimately helping businesses retain customers by providing exceptional support. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on how marketing, sales, and service intersect to create a seamless customer experience.

Watch here - https://youtu.be/OXdSac-v5T0?feature=shared 

Welcome to the second episode of our three-part series, "Attract, Attain, Retain," where we dive into the marketing, sales, and service lifecycle of any business relationship. In this episode, we shift our focus to the critical stage of attaining customers through effective CRM sales processes. Previously, we explored the importance of attracting attention to your brand, product, or service. If you haven't caught that episode yet, I encourage you to start there before continuing with this one. Today, we delve into the heart of sales: converting attracted leads into loyal customers. We discuss the key objects in Salesforce—Accounts, Contacts, and Opportunities—and how they interconnect through the lead conversion process. We'll break down how lead data transitions into account and contact records, setting the stage for successful sales efforts. Discover the significance of opportunity stages and how they serve as milestones in your sales journey, increasing the probability of deal closure at each step. Learn how Salesforce’s flexible setup allows you to customize these stages to match your specific sales processes, whether you’re selling real estate, vehicles, or multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. Moreover, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing sales. From auto-generating product descriptions and emails to predictive analytics and opportunity scoring, AI is reshaping how businesses operate within Salesforce. We'll discuss the potential of Salesforce’s AI platform, Einstein, to recommend next best actions and identify patterns that lead to successful deals. Finally, we'll touch on the future of CRM, where AI-driven automations and voice-prompted processes will streamline sales operations, making it easier and faster for businesses to thrive. Join us next week as we conclude this series by exploring the retention side of the lifecycle, focusing on how excellent customer service and AI advancements are transforming customer retention strategies. Don't miss out—subscribe now and stay tuned! Happy Learning and I'll see YOU In the Cloud!

Watch here

 Attracting Attention through effective Marketing in CRM

In this episode, we begin a three-part series on customer relationship management (CRM). This episode focuses on the "Attract" phase, discussing how businesses can draw attention to their brand, products, and services. 

Whether you're a business owner refining your marketing strategy or someone preparing for the Salesforce Administrator certification, this episode provides valuable insights. We explore the creation and management of campaigns, the importance of lead generation, and the role of AI in modern marketing efforts. 

Join us as we set the stage for understanding the full lifecycle of business relationships, starting with attracting potential customers.

Resources:

Salesforce Einstein Trust Layer - https://www.salesforce.com/artificial-intelligence/trusted-ai/

Explaining the Einstein Trust Layer Salesforce Video - https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/video/explaining-the-einstein-gpt-trust-layer/

Watch here - https://youtu.be/VyAoVXSBnrA?feature=shared

There’s a new technological advancement brewing on the horizon - the Skills Graph. The Skills Graph follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Social Graph. Whereas Facebook mastered the social graph to dominance, the Skills Graph race has yet to be won. In this episode of Urelevant, I explore what the Skills Graph is and why it is important to your future career success. I dissect the differences between skills and talents. Also explored are adjacent skills, trending skills identification, skills assessments and a future where certifications reside on the blockchain!
Recommended Resources:
Rapid Reskill - https://rapidreskill.com

Watch here - https://youtu.be/fNmWV84j_4c?feature=shared