Salesforce and the Democratization of Data Through Clicks Not Code

Shout out to Rob Shook for suggesting IBM Smart Talks! I’ve found some gems including the episode “Clicks, not code: transforming digital experiences with Salesforce."

Host Malcolm Gladwell speaks with guests who are, “…channeling knowledge and expertise, developing more creative and effective solutions, no matter the industry.”?

I’ve used the Salesforce platform as a player (sales individual contributor), a coach (sales manager), and as a builder, working on the platform to deliver custom solutions and grow revenues for 15+ years. As a less-technical person, I welcome the evolution of Salesforce’s platform, empowering business people like me to create digital solutions without writing code.?

I felt like he was speaking directly to me as Phil Weinmeister discussed human-centric design, the low-code/no-code approach, and how IBM Consulting powers digital transformations with the Salesforce platform. Since a few thousand people in my network touch the Salesforce platform in some way, I wanted to share this here to extend reach and visibility.

One challenge that comes up during this conversation is the lack of engineers: technical talent gaps. This phenomenon has driven innovation and platform development to create custom solutions with low-code and no-code solutions.?

As Phil talks about the product development aspect of their work, building solutions, he offers several key wisdoms, quotes that resonate with my 20+ years in the ecosystem:

• “You can’t give your customer what they want (if) you don’t know who they are.”
• “Useful to start with ‘where things have been’ (journey) and where we’re coming from.”
• “Who is this person, what do they want? What are they trying to achieve?” Journey maps yield more intentional conversations?
• Low-code and no code tools (are helping to) democratize technology

I identify as a business-minded person who doesn't know how to code. For me and colleagues like me, empowered to deliver solutions for their customers, Salesforce has been a game-changer, improving efficiencies and communication with customers, and helping to win new business. ?

The ecosystem is a resilient mosaic, but recent layoffs beyond the Salesforce ecosystem into tech reflect one critical constant: change.

When Malcolm asks Phil for one piece of advice for anyone trying to improve digital experience, he offers:?

“Be open to change; be open to new ways of doing things.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. His guidance around creativity resonates with every entrepreneurial bone in my body, every consultative sales, delivery, or really team conversation I’ve ever had; (paraphrasing) “Be open, inquisitive, and resourceful. Be willing to talk with and work with others, to build on one another’s shoulders… Ask the right questions to solicit what’s in other people’s minds… and listen.”

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