All you need to know about Community Champions 💡

Alison Clancy

Update: Champion inductions for 2025 are now in progress! We'll reach out if you've been selected, so make sure your Community notifications are turned on.

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Hello all! Thought I’d pop in, especially for our new members, to talk a little about the Community Champions program. Why now?  

1. The program just hit the one year mark. 🥳 Fun fact: It was called Community Rockstars during its early days. 
2. We’re getting ready to start the selection process for the next class! 🏁

Before I get ahead of myself: My name is Alison if we haven’t connected yet, and I’m a part of the fabulous Community team here at Smartsheet. It’s my absolute privilege to not only connect with you on this platform, but I also manage our Community Customer Programs: Smartsheet Overachievers and of course, the Community Champions. 

As we get ready for this next phase of Champs, I wanted to answer some of the questions I get asked most frequently. Let’s crack into it!

Q) What is a Community Champion? 

A) A Smartsheet Community Champion is a Community Member who demonstrates product expertise and generosity in sharing best practices and support with others on the platform.

Q) How are Champions selected? 

A) Candidates are selected by the Community team annually based on a number of criteria. This includes metrics like recent activity, rank, and questions answered, as well as how these members reflect Smartsheet values and embody diverse perspectives. There is no application process. 

Q) How long are Champions in the program? 

A) FOR-EV-ER! Just kidding, though participants are in the program as long as they want to be.

Q) How will I know if I’ve been selected? 

A) You’ll get a very energetic email from yours truly extending the offer to join!

Q) What are some of the benefits of being a Champion? 

A) To name just a few: 

• Access to a private Community Group for networking and brainstorming with your peers
• Advocacy opportunities to help tell not only Smartsheet’s story, but your own story as well
• Exclusive feedback channels directly to our team and the Smartsheet product team 
• Swag! 

Q) I really want to be a Community Champion. What do I do? 

A) As long as you’re active in the Community and connecting with others, you’re on your way! Some things to keep in mind: 

• Make sure you’re answering other people’s posts as well as creating your own
• Reactions count
• Always lead with kindness and a We Before Me attitude 
• Make sure your profile is sparkling with a wonderful profile picture and information on who you are at peak human 

Still curious? Leave your questions below and either myself or the Champions themselves will be happy to answer them. 

This Community wouldn’t be so great without all of you. More to come! 

For a full list of Champions or to learn more, visit the Program Dashboard.

Humashankar

Perfect

Michelle Choate 2

I would love to be a Community Champion! I may not answer questions super often, but I really do in the r/Smartsheet forum as well as post on product update requests with ideas. I will work harder to also be answering questions as well. I just always seem to get there after the best answer has already been stated!

MarceHolzhauzen

@Michelle Choate 2 Congrats on being promoted to Ambassador! I am sure you're on the right path. I know the feeling of sitting back sometimes when it comes to answering questions - I almost feel like it's right up there with public speaking.

I had the privilege of meeting @Will Jeffords at ENGAGE Seattle 2024 (he's an overachiever this year), and his energy and passion for people is contagious. Have been friends with @Michelle Basson for quite a while - she's one of the OG Overachievers - she's one of those people you look up to your whole life and wish to get there too one day.

And you know what these two people taught me last week? Just be yourself and put yourself out there. We often don't think we're good enough, but guess what, there is always someone that can learn from you and someone who can take you to the next level!

Looking forward to seeing you around here more often!

Alison Clancy

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/458396#Comment_458396

I love this energy Michelle! We're just about to begin inductions for the next class soon so you're right on time for being in the Community more and helping out others. 👏🏻

Alison Clancy

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/458439#Comment_458439

Nailed it Marce! Be your whole self, be curious and open, and build those connections. A winning combo! So glad you had time with Will and Michelle, they are truly wonderful.

Will Jeffords

@Michelle Choate 2 I love this whole thread! 🙌

Lately, I witness my young children and remembering how fun and powerful it is to take the approach;

[slides into convos] "hey friends, what are y'all talking about?"

We share, we thrive! You are already in the right place and to reach Ambassador 🎖️ - you are well in among kindred spirits! I look forward to connecting with you more! 🤩

Ray Lindstrom

Sounds like fun!

SherryFox

I remember the email I got at the end of 2023 from @Alison Clancy stating that I was chosen as a Community Champion (for 2024). It was like winning the jackpot! I was so excited, like a 5 year old at Disney World for the first time. I still get excited thing about it. It is a "badge of honor" I wear proudly. Congratulations to the Champions of 2025!

Alison Clancy

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/464160#Comment_464160

Excuse me, I've got something in my eyes. 🥹 🥹 🥹 You're a Community Champion through and through Sherry!

Will Duplex

Excited to see all the nominees for 2025! I see from the dashboard that several of the current Community Champions are not only active, but have a wealth of knowledge about Smartsheet.

SherryFox

@Alison Clancy ,

That means so very much, especially coming from you! I am now working in Smartsheet Commercial like I was before AND Smartsheet Gov! Is there such a thing as too much Smartsheet? I think NOT!!!!!

And oops, this message was sitting in my drafts! I forgot to post! LOL