The 3 greatest perks of using a one-platform solution like Salesforce

role=”presentation”

Salesforce is the leading customer relationship management platform for businesses for good reason. On average, customers using Salesforce CRM have seen a 35% boost in customer satisfaction and 38% faster decision-making. And the biggest trend on this platform for 2020 and beyond is thinking Beyond Basic CRM. 

We’re going to challenge you to think bigger. And give you insights into how you can leverage the Salesforce platform to bring your customers the ultimate integrated experience from their first point of contact all the way to getting cash in the door. 

Combining advanced CRM technology with world-class support and consulting programs has shaped Salesforce into the market leader it is today. Salesforce allows businesses to connect with their customers while continuing to grow their sales, service, and marketing with solutions specifically designed for their business. And it’s done all under one roof, giving companies the ability to manage and operate their business easily from anywhere in the world. And now – in this new decade – it’s so much bigger. You can use proven technology to extend the platform and take your customer all the way to service delivery and payments. 

For businesses considering making the switch to a single customer-facing solution, we think these are the three greatest perks of using the Salesforce platform as we move into 2020.

Improve team productivity 

This is the big one for most businesses. The need to improve productivity in companies is more necessary than ever, with studies showing that poor communication is the leading source of dwindling productivity. 

Salesforce takes team collaboration to the next level. With Salesforce, you can log in from anywhere and use it at any time. It allows you to collaborate easily with every department in your company, from Sales and Marketing to Support and Analytics.

 From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see updates come in real-time and seamlessly update data in every stage of your sales cycle (meaning virtually nothing goes unmissed!). In addition to stronger communication and congruency amongst your departments, you’ll also be able to offer your teams heightened solutions and support. 

Simplify your workday

Let’s be honest, no one has time for complex applications. In a fast-paced world such as ours, convenience is key. A single platform strategy like Salesforce is designed to streamline your entire business process and, as an added bonus, is also incredibly easy to use.

Implementing a quote-to-cash process in a single platform solution like Salesforce enables you to view every stage of your sales process in one place. This includes pricing, invoicing, orders, and service configuration. And utilizing FinancialForce, a comprehensive financial system already built into Salesforce creates a complete CRM-to-accounting solution all under one roof. 

Salesforce provides the tools to help you find new business, manage your customers, and keep them happy for life. Whether you want to add further sales processes or change workflows, businesses are able to customize their business processes to suit their needs. The single platform is especially handy for small businesses looking to increase visibility and expand the overall growth of their team and services. 

“If you believe in a one platform strategy to go from sales quote to cash in hand, Salesforce and FinancialForce together is the perfect choice to fuel your company’s growth,” says Tod Nielsen, CEO of FinancialForce.

If you believe in a one platform strategy to go from sales quote to cash in hand, Salesforce and FinancialForce together is the perfect choice to fuel your company’s growth

Tod Nielsen, CEO, FinancialForce

Save money and increase revenue

Reports have shown that companies that use Salesforce for their business, experience on average, have a 25% increase in revenue. And that’s not all. Being a cloud-based solution platform, there are no upfront costs required with Salesforce, unlike on-premise software solutions. There is also zero hardware installation or IT support needed, allowing a business to become fully operational quickly in the Salesforce platform. 

If you’re a company looking to grow your business, integrating your operations into the Salesforce platform is the right place to start. Streamlining and automating your entire operation on the Salesforce platform will allow your business to grow with clarity and vision, two major factors in achieving business success. 

Raul Acosta

Sales Director

As an agile, focused and collaborative team player Raul strives to consistently take a holistic approach and make an impact with each networking experience and partnership forged.

 

With 15+ years of experience in sales strategy, application sales, and relationship management, he excels at solving complex business challenges through data-driven insights, superior customer service, and relevant Salesforce expertise.

 

As a former trusted advisor at Certinia and Salesforce, Raul has successfully implemented strategies that drive revenue, align business units, engage target audiences, strengthen brand image, maximize productivity, develop people, transform processes, and improve overall customer experience, showcasing his commitment to clients, partners, and colleagues.

Michael Kelly

Engagement Director & Head of Project Management

Michael, with a background in project financial management and analysis, has spent over a decade in various project management roles. Leading clients, project teams, and fellow project managers, he ensures successful project deliveries and implementations. Michael’s PMP Certification enables him to stay current with the latest industry standards and project management practices.

 

Passionate about his field and role, Michael finds fulfillment in successful projects, tangible results, and meeting client needs.

 

Throughout his experience in engagement management Michael has successfully led over 25 clients, projects, and go-lives. He has overseen a project budget portfolio of $25 million per year, managing 21 separate project engagement efforts concurrently for his client base. In his career, Michael has hired, trained, and personally managed a team of over 50 project managers.

 

He has also contributed to the development and training of new agile project methodologies in multiple companies.

 

Currently, at VFP, Michael has played a crucial role in implementing the new agile methodology across all active projects for their client base in 2023.

Greg Plaisance

Managing Consultant

Throughout his career at VFP, Greg has progressed from the role of Consultant to Senior Consultant and currently serves as a Managing Consultant.

 

With 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Greg possesses a diverse skill set that spans Retail Banking, Post Audit, and Consulting. He holds 3 Salesforce certifications and 2 Certinia certifications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Billing, and leadership strategy. Greg’s extensive background equips him with a deep understanding of financial processes, enabling him to offer valuable insights and guidance to clients within the industry.

 

Passionate about process improvement, efficiency, and leadership he helps companies by managing the systems that support their core objectives, allowing them to focus on their key goals.

 

Greg aims to build VFP into a premier consulting firm that is highly sought-after by both clients and professionals as a desirable place to work.

Kristin Hubbard

Managing Consultant

Kristin, a seasoned Salesforce and Certinia professional since 2011 specializes in Financial Management, specifically focusing on areas such as Billing, Revenue, and Accounting.

 

With a degree in Accounting, Kristin began her career as a Billing Specialist, where she actively contributed to the implementation of Salesforce and Certinia, showcasing her problem-solving skills and passion for process improvement.

 

Recognizing her abilities, she transitioned to the role of Certinia Administrator, playing a crucial role in the system’s global rollout. Later, as a Business Systems Manager, she assumed responsibility for the entire Salesforce platform. Motivated by her love for the job and a desire to help multiple organizations, Kristin pursued consulting, specializing in Certinia ERP and leading consultant teams for approximately eight years.

 

Since 2018, she has played a vital role in planning and executing the Florida Dreamin event. Recognized as a Salesforce MVP in 2023, she holds 7 Salesforce and 1 Certinia certification, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to growth.

 

Kristin understands the value of embracing technology and streamlining processes to reduce costs and enhance profitability. With expertise in Salesforce and Certinia, she guides organizations to implement efficient systems, optimize operations, and achieve financial success.

Ty alibhai

Managing Consultant

Ty is a seasoned consulting leader who has focused his experience over the last 15 years on the Salesforce platform and solutions in its ecosystem. He brings 20+ years of business knowledge, consulting experience, and a knack for successful Salesforce and Certinia implementations in the quote-to-cash space. Ty has successfully implemented technology solutions such as Salesforce and Certinia to over 100+ customers over his career and has led/managed consultant teams of 5-10 people.

 

Graduating from UC Berkeley’s Haas Business School and with a strong background in Computer Science, he launched his career in technology consulting. He focused his career on the Salesforce platform after experiencing success at Salesforce in the early 2000s and growing that knowledge with consulting partners the latter half of his career. His knowledge spans multiple industries, solutions, and market segments from SMB to Enterprise level experience.

 

As part of his role at VFP, he effectively manages a team of consultants, empowering them to achieve their career objectives. He also leads project teams and ensures the seamless adoption of technology, thereby driving client success at VFP.

 

Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on customers’ lives by simplifying their experience with new systems he excels as a leader, mentoring consultants and guiding project teams to successful outcomes.

Nick Anderson

Managing Consultant

A global Salesforce and Certinia consulting and implementation leader, Nick is an expert in his field with more than 8 years of experience on the platform, specializing in Quote to Cash and Professional Services Automation best practices.

 

With a focus on mid-market and enterprise accounts, Nick brings a deep knowledge of best practices to all aspects of client projects including change management, business process documentation & improvement, system configuration, revenue recognition and managed services.

 

With an extensive background in International Business and PSA solutions, Nick is the driving force behind the VFP consultants, helping the team tap into their full potential in order to deliver excellent results.

 

Never one to back down from a challenge, Nick embraces his ever-changing environment and encourages customers to do the same as a way to drive further success down the road. He stresses the importance of clear communication and building strong working relationships in order to effectively articulate a vision for the future of a business.

 

Using his own years of consulting experience as a touchstone, Nick’s focus is on developing talent and ushering in customer success for the VFP team across the board.

Doug Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

Building scalable large-capacity services teams in enterprise environments for more than 25 years, Doug is focused on operational excellence and builds high-quality and high-growth companies and teams.  


As COO, Doug’s responsibilities encompass overseeing all facets of customer services including a Project Management team, internal operations, and a team of expert consultants. His primary focus lies in fostering a high-performing team and culture, guiding its development, providing support, and offering coaching to optimize efficiency.

Doug’s diverse experiences in industries including software services, government, private sector, medical, and beyond have led to the development of a global team, overseeing projects ranging from small initiatives to multi-million dollar implementations and long-term relationships with clients.


With unwavering determination, Doug strives to establish a top-tier consulting firm in collaboration with VFP’s CEO, Stephanie Taylor. Together they shared a vision that transcends software implementation, aiming to provide value, challenge conventions, and leverage expertise for optimal outcomes. Though strategies shift with growth, the core objective of building an exceptional company remains a constant in Doug’s journey. 


Doug joined VFP in its infancy, with a goal to grow the team and scale the operation – which is now doubling year over year, based on a passion for people matched with a deep sense of purpose. With 2x INC5000 placements under 1000, team growth of more than 10,000%, high customer success ratings and stability within the team, his leadership has proved vital to positive growth and long term stability for VFP. 

Stephanie Taylor

Chief Executive Officer

A sought-after leader with a 20+ year history working with global Fortune 500 companies, Stephanie is a business process expert with a deep and well-recognized expertise in the Salesforce and Certinia ecosystems, with a focus on Quote-to-Cash, ERP, CRM, and Financial Management.

 

Stephanie founded VFP Consulting to offer companies with access to a 360 approach to not just implementing but managing their technology investments over time, from aligning people, process and product needs to long term management that maximizes the investment and fuels growth and business needs over time. 

 

Front-line experience overseeing 100+ projects and relationships with diverse clients, from mid-market enterprises to billion-dollar enterprises, Stephanie’s expertise spans high-growth businesses, private equity, mergers and acquisitions across various industries. Her leadership at VFP places a premium on the core values behind the name – Vision, Focus, and Passion.