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Posts by Ryan Felkel:

Amanda McClain Joins the Blackbox Connector Team as Implementation Project Manager

Posted by Ryan Felkel on January 25, 2018

 

Amanda McClain Full Sail Partners, a Concur and Deltek Platinum Partner, is pleased to announce the addition of Amanda McClain to the Account Management Team. Amanda joins the Blackbox Connector team as an Implementation Project Manager. In this position, she will oversee implementations for financial related Blackbox Connector integrations. Amanda’s strong finance background in combination with her vast customer service experience will enable her to provide a positive client experience throughout the project lifecycle when purchasing a Blackbox Connector solution.

“Joining the Blackbox Connector team allows me to utilize all aspects of my background to help create a long-lasting client relationship,” stated Amanda McClain. “I am very excited to begin this position as Implementation Project Manager. My previous experience has given me the tools needed to effectively listen to clients and work with them to create a system tailored specifically to their firm needs.”

The Blackbox Connector team integrates Deltek Vision and Deltek for Professional Services with ready-to deploy business solutions, including Concur Expense and Invoice Connector, as well as, the Informer Connector that is coming in the first quarter of 2018. With the increase of Blackbox Connector solutions, Full Sail Partners sought a new team member to ensure quality was provided throughout the implementation. In her role, Amanda will provide clients with a personal point of contact to discuss and resolve any issues relating to their Blackbox Connector purchase.

“As demand for our Blackbox Connector continues to grow, we are focused on providing a quality product. This includes ensuring our clients have a successful implementation,” stated Wendy Gustafson, General Manager of Full Sail Partners. “We are super excited to have someone who is customer service and detail-oriented. She will be instrumental in keeping our client implementations on track.”

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department. 

Full Sail Partners Welcomes Back Rick Childs as a Senior Consultant

Posted by Ryan Felkel on January 19, 2018

 

Rick ChildsFull Sail Partners, a Deltek Platinum Partner, is excited to announce that Rick Childs has returned to the team as a Senior Consultant. Due to his amazing rapport with clients and ability to solve problems, he was asked to join Petroleum Field Services (now known as Ascent Geomatics Solutions) as Controller back in 2015. Since this firm is now running efficiently, Rick desired the opportunity to be able to service other firms in the same exemplary manner.

“Whether working for a single firm as an employee or for multiple firms as a consultant, my goal is always to do what I can to help automate processes and build a foundation to take the firm into the future and prepare for growth. I am excited about returning to the Full Sail Partners team of knowledgeable, dedicated professionals and having access to their ever-growing arsenal of client-based solutions,” stated Rick Childs.

Rick is an experienced consultant having led more than 100 Deltek Vision implementations since 2003. His familiarity with legacy Deltek products has also enabled him to provide client solutions. With this extensive industry knowledge, Rick will be able to jump right back into his role as Senior Consultant addressing the needs of our clients and helping them further leverage their investment in Deltek Vision and Deltek for Professional Services.

“Full Sail Partners’ management team is excited to welcome Rick back to the consulting team. Rick adds additional depth and knowledge to our diverse and collaborative consulting team that handles all areas of Deltek Vision and Deltek for Professional Services. I personally know that many of the clients and team members that Rick previously worked with are pleased to hear of his return and looking forward to working with him again,” said Scott Seal, VP of Consulting.

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department. 

Marketing Analytics: Understanding the Value of Marketing Efforts

Posted by Ryan Felkel on November 01, 2017

Marketing is tough. Marketers are expected to be jacks of all trades:  Brand manager, technology expert, social butterfly and head collaborator. Yet at the end of the day marketing is often a thankless job. Unfortunately the fruits of our labors are often six degrees of separation removed from our actual efforts. We do not directly sell and there is no physical doo-dad at the end of the day that we can point to in order to justify our existence. Enter the world of ‘marketing analytics.’

What the heck are marketing analytics? Marketing analytics are the lifeblood of your efforts. You spend countless hours working on integrated marketing content – blogs, newsletters, infographics, proposals and much more! Yet at the end of the day can you honestly claim to understand the impact of these efforts? Marketing analytics are not only the indicators of our successes but the learning blocks of our mistakes.

Don’t fool yourself! Know what metrics are worth tracking.

Like many things in life, we can often get caught focusing too much on the nice-pretty red herring rather than digging deep and identifying what truly matters. Metrics are no different! Marketers often get caught looking at superficial statistics rather than focusing in on metrics strengthen our business case. To better understand what kind of metrics you should focus on let’s identify the two main data types:

Vanity Metrics | these metrics often look good – and make you feel good – at first glance. Unfortunately, vanity metrics focus on pumping up our ego – not our business. I often equate these metrics to a high school popularity contest: All that matters is how many people sign my yearbook. But don’t be fooled, these metrics are not your friends. So what are some examples of these metrics?

  • Total website visits
  • Page views
  • Number of subscribers or followers

As you can see, these metrics look good at first. But do they actually provide actionable data that allows you to drive your business case forward? The ambiguity of these analytics leaves your marketing efforts reactive rather than proactive.

Action Metrics | meaningful metrics are the bread and butter of your efforts. To be able to leverage marketing analytics to improve your marketing campaigns you must be able to understand the customer behavior represented by these metrics. Using the above high school analogy, these action metrics are representative of the number of people that invite you to their party. These metrics do not only want to know you – they want to hang out with you! Examples include:

  • Site behaviors – what are people actually viewing and consuming on your website
  • Who is converting; is there a common buyer persona?
  • Customer acquisition costs

These metrics actually mean something to your business. They are not only indicative of your efforts, but reflective of your results.

How do we track marketing analytics?

So now that we understand what we want to track we must figure out how to track our desired marketing analytics. Luckily for you, there are hundreds of tools out there. Highlighted below are examples of each type of tool you will want to add to your marketing arsenal.

Content Management System (CMS) | a content management system will allow you to seamlessly optimize all of your integrated marketing efforts within your website. Gone are the days of fumbling with html and css codes. While in the day-to-day trenches of marketing you need the ability to quickly and easily access the living data regarding your marketing campaigns – and this is precisely what a CMS allows you to do.

Examples of CMS include:

  • Act-On
  • Hubspot
  • Marketo

Whatever CMS you decide is right for you, make sure that it integrated with all of your other business systems and processes to provide you with maximum visibility.

Web Analytics Platform| integrating your website with a Web analytics platform is essential for taking the step from analytics-shmoe to analytics-pro. Yes, you already get analytics from your CMS. However, think of a CMS as fast food and a full Web analytics platform as a five-course meal. Your Web analytics platform is your go-to asset when you need the full meat and potatoes of reporting.

Examples of Web analytics platforms include:

  • Google analytics
  • Mixpanel
  • Webtrends

Understanding a full Web analytics platform can be intimidating. Luckily you can often find free training. For example, Google offers a free analytics certification course that you can complete at your own leisure!

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System | what good are all of these marketing analytics if you can’t actually do anything with them? A CRM system will allow you to better understand your leads, holistically track your marketing campaigns and most importantly provide you with the tools needed to build meaningful relationships. Our CRM recommendation for professional-services firms is Deltek Vision.

Go forth and spread your analytical marketing wings!

Gone are the days where you fear that your marketing efforts will be glossed over. You now have the tools and knowledge needed to go out and make something of your marketing campaigns! We hope that you take this new found knowledge and prove your resolve by becoming an analytical marketing guru!

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Full Sail Partners Recognized on Accounting Today’s 2017 VAR 100 List

Posted by Ryan Felkel on September 26, 2017

 

2017 VAR 100Full Sail Partners, a Deltek Platinum Partner, is proud to announce that it has been recognized by Accounting Today on the top 100 VAR list for 2017. Accounting Today annually chooses the top value-added resellers (VARs), and Full Sail Partners has been ranked in the top 100 again this year. Not only was Full Sail Partners named on the 2017 list, but it impressively moved up in ranking by fifteen. 

“We are thrilled to move up the ranks on Accounting Today’s VAR 100 list,” stated Sarah Gonnella, VP of Marketing & Sales at Full Sail Partners. “This accomplishment is a result of having a diverse and talented team that can address not only today’s challenges, but tomorrow’s challenges as well. Over the past couple of years, we have invested in building the right team and developing our Blackbox Connector to allow project-based firms to connect Deltek products to other best of breed solutions. We can’t wait to see what 2018 brings.”   

Accounting Today also reported recognized trends from this year's top 100 VARs. Some of those trends included responding to talent demands, adapting to the cloud, and smaller clients demanding better technology and analytics. Full Sail Partners has positioned itself to respond to these exact needs. With its Blackbox Connector capabilities and emerging business intelligence offerings, Full Sail Partners intends to keep developing solutions to fit client growth and desires.

Here is the full 2017 VAR list: http://pages.marketing.accountingtoday.com/act_77836_sr_lp.html 

Accounting Today is a leading provider of online business news for the accounting community, offering breaking news, in-depth features, and a host of resources and services. The VAR 100 list is annual report developed to rank the top technology resellers in the account and ERP space.  

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department. 

Lindsay Diven Joins Full Sail Partners to Strengthen Consulting Services

Posted by Ryan Felkel on September 07, 2017

Lindsay Diven Full Sail Partners, a Deltek Platinum Partner and Client Feedback Tool Premier Partner, is pleased to announce the addition of Lindsay Diven, CPSM to the consulting services team. Lindsay has joined the firm as a senior Deltek Vision CRM consultant. In this position, she will work with clients to implement Deltek Vision’s CRM, Custom Proposal, and SF330 modules, as well as the Client Feedback Tool.

Lindsay comes to Full Sail Partners with 12 years of marketing and business development experience in the AE field. Using Deltek Vision, Lindsay has worked with both marketing and business development teams to implement business strategies and manage client data in pursuit of increasing sales opportunities and win rates. Additionally, her active involvement both with the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and the Deltek Vision Central Florida Users Group ensures Lindsay keeps a pulse on the AE industry.

 “My prior experience as a marketing and business development director and a Deltek CRM client will help me bring an insider’s approach,” said Lindsay. “I’m excited to work closely with our clients to implement Deltek CRM in a way that strengthens their marketing and business development efforts.”

The Full Sail Partners’ CRM consultant acts as a trusted advisor for all clients. This consultant focuses on evaluating the client's existing software solution to develop a training strategy that is unique to each client experience. In this role, Lindsay will leverage her knowledge to ensure our clients continue to be successful long into the future.  

"When asked who would be an ideal candidate to be a CRM consultant, a hand full of names came to mind," stated Sarah Gonnella, VP of Marketing & Sales. "Amazingly the stars aligned and I am ecstatic to have Lindsay join the Full Sail Partners’ team. A strong Deltek CRM expert, demonstrated leader in the industry, and overall marketing and business development guru, our clients will gain an outstanding consultant in Lindsay to help grow their business."

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department.

Full Sail Partners Promotes Kevin Hebblethwaite to Principal Consultant

Posted by Ryan Felkel on August 28, 2017

Kevin Hebblethwaite Full Sail Partners, a Deltek Platinum Partner, is honored to announce that Kevin Hebblethwaite has been promoted to principal consultant. With 20 years of experience in marketing, business development and management for professional services firms, Kevin is a seasoned consultant. He is also a past national president of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and remains very active.

"Full Sail Partners has assembled an incredible team – one I learn from every day,” Kevin said. “I love watching professional services firms turn their traditional marketing and business development functions into catalysts for great client experiences and growth.”

As principal consultant, Kevin will continue to guide clients in strategic marketing and business development implementations of Deltek’s professional services platforms. Kevin also is the key point of contact for Full Sail Partners’ Blackbox Connector integrations between Deltek Vision and third-party marketing applications such as Client Feedback Tool, Constant Contact, and MailChimp.

"It is with great honor to promote Kevin to principal consultant," stated Sarah Gonnella, VP of Marketing & Sales. "Kevin has played a key role in expanding our focus of helping business development and marketing professionals. His strong leadership, mentorship, and client management skills will play a huge role as our firm continues to expand."

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department.

Full Sail Partners Promotes Ryan Felkel to Marketing Manager

Posted by Ryan Felkel on August 18, 2017

Ryan FelkelFull Sail Partners, a Deltek Platinum Partner, is pleased to announce that Ryan Felkel has been promoted to Marketing Manager. Ryan has extensive experience in content creation, web & social media, SEO, event management and Deltek Vision CRM. As a creative and focused marketing leader, he believes strongly in providing clients with the most valuable industry information to ensure they are getting the most out of their Vision systems.

"I truly enjoy being a member of the Full Sail Partners’ team and working with our consultants to identify content that is relevant to our clients,” Ryan said. “It’s extremely satisfying when a client reaches out to tell us how our information has helped them.”

As Marketing Manager, Ryan will continue to cultivate current client relationships while also pursuing new business within the AEC industry and in new market verticals. Additionally, he has assumed responsibility for building awareness of Deltek for Professional Services (DPS), Deltek Talent, Deltek Project Information Management (PIM), and the Blackbox Connector integrations for Deltek Vision.

"Finding the right person to fill your shoes is not always an easy task," stated Sarah Gonnella, VP of Marketing & Sales. "Ryan's demonstrated leadership and ability to quickly learn our business made that decision an easy choice. I am proud to hand the torch to someone that understands the importance of providing educational content to our clients and prospective clients."

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department.

Full Sail Partners Named a Deltek Platinum Partner and Recipient of the 2016 Deltek Vision Partner Marketing Excellence Award

Posted by Ryan Felkel on March 14, 2017

2016 Deltek Marketing Excellence Award FinalFull Sail Partners is pleased to announce that Deltek has named our firm a Deltek Platinum Partner, the highest Deltek partnership tier. Deltek Platinum Partners provide sales, implementation, consulting, support and customization services for project-oriented professional services organizations and are required to meet and maintain a number of standards with respect to sales and marketing goals. Full Sail Partners is also the proud recipient of the Deltek Vision Partner Marketing Excellence Award for 2016.

Deltek Vision is a leading enterprise software solution designed for project-based professional services firms to improve business performance, streamline operations and win new business. Deltek Vision uniquely integrates end-to-end business processes by automating the marketing, financial management, planning, tracking and administration of resources and projects.

“We are proud to be recognized by Deltek as a valued partner,” said Sarah Gonnella, VP of Marketing and Sales at Full Sail Partners. “Our success comes from our abilities to leverage multiple inbound and outbound marketing strategies to drive awareness and to establish ourselves as a thought leader in a niche industry. The Full Sail Partners’ team is dedicated to providing strategic solutions to extend Deltek Vision’s already robust ERP solution to ensure clients are to maximize their investment.”

In 2017, Full Sail Partners will continue to partner with Deltek to help businesses integrate their processes into one singular system, better understand and retain current customers, and increase market share. Additionally, we will continue to collaborate with industry agnostic solution providers and create repeatable integrations for Deltek Vision to allow users to connect their system to other software solutions with the Blackbox Connector.

“We are pleased to distinguish Full Sail Partners as a Deltek Platinum Partner for 2017, and to honor them with a Marketing Excellence Award. The enthusiasm and focus that Full Sail Partners brings to our partner ecosystem helps Deltek to provide optimal services and solutions to our mutual customers,” said Ray Lazarine, Senior Marketing Director at Deltek.

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department. Interested in learning more about the Full Sail Partners' team? Check out our crew! 

Valerie Kelleher Joins Full Sail Partners to Strengthen Client Services

Posted by Ryan Felkel on March 02, 2017

Valerie Kelleher.pngFull Sail Partners, a Deltek Platinum Partner, is pleased to announce the addition of Valerie Kelleher to the client services team. Valerie has joined the firm as the south central account manager and will provide account services for Full Sail Partners’ clients in the southwest United States. In this position, she will work as a liaison between Full Sail Partners and clients, helping to build an open and collaborative community.

Valerie joins Full Sail Partners with over 20 years of accounting and finance experience. Additionally, she has served as a contract administrator in the architectural and engineering industry.

“I enjoy working with people, and in this role, I will have the opportunity to interact with Full Sail Partners’ clients on a regular basis,” Valerie said. “The culture and strong belief in the success of our clients makes me proud to be a member of the Full Sail Partners’ team.”

The Full Sail Partners’ Account Management Program is designed to serve the needs of our Deltek client base and promote greater engagement. In this role, Valerie will serve as an additional resource to address client questions and will be a dedicated point of contact for the clients in her region.

“Valerie is an outstanding person who is passionate about serving others, which makes her the perfect fit for this role,” said Wendy Gustafson, Full Sail Partners’ Vice President and General Manager. “We are excited to grow as a company and even more thrilled to have Valerie on our team.”

For more information, please contact Full Sail Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department. Interested in learning more about the Full Sail Partners' team? Check out our crew!

 

Full Sail Partners Earns Spot on Accounting Today’s 2013 Top VAR 100 List

Posted by Ryan Felkel on October 28, 2013

Full Sail Partners, offering business consulting, technology solutions, and application hosting for Deltek Vision, recently announced it has earned a spot on Accounting Today’s 2013 Top Value-Added Reseller (VAR) List.  Accounting Today is a leading provider of online business news for the tax and accounting community, offering breaking news, in-depth features, insightful editorial analysis, and a host of web-related resources and services.

Each year a select group of 100 organizations are honored for their accomplishments as VARs. The top VARs are selected from organizations focused on sales and implementation of accounting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Criteria used to determine the winners include 2012 revenue, number of offices, and staff size.

According to Accounting Today, “There can be no doubt that many of this year’s top accounting and ERP value-added resellers benefited from an improved economy, but adding niche-focused services and software and even new product lines helped keep them at the top and prepare for the future.”

"Full Sail Partners is extremely honored to be named a Value-Added Reseller for the second year in a row," said Sarah Gonnella, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development of Full Sail Partners. "Our firm continues to look at ways to strength our relationship with our clients and serve as a voice for the SMB market. It is because of this, coupled with a strong reputation as a leading Deltek Vision implementation partner that we not only remained on the top list, but moved up nine spots. We will continue to work hard for our clients to provide them the tools needed to help them grow their business.”

Full Sail Partners provides on-premise and cloud-based solutions for architects and engineers, energy and environmental consultants, and professional service firms across the United States. Full Sail Partners' team, collectively, brings more than 200 years of experience with Deltek solutions. The firm also provides unique technology solutions that integrate with Deltek Vision including Deltek’s Kona social collaboration platform, the Client Feedback Tool, and Vision Unleashed.

“At Deltek, we rely on our strategic partner relationships to extend our solutions in key markets, and Full Sail Partners has a long history as a committed Deltek Premier Partner. They understand the challenges and issues professional services firms face on a day-to-day basis and ensure their customers have solutions in place that will deliver the critical information they need to be successful,” said Claus Thorsgaard, Executive VP and General Manager – Professional Services at Deltek. “On behalf of Deltek, I’d like to congratulate Full Sail Partners for being named a Top 100 Value-Added Reseller – a well-deserved recognition.”

About Full Sail Partners 
Full Sail Partners specializes in client-focused technology solutions for architects and engineers, energy and environmental consultants, and professional service firms across the country. Full Sail Partners offers business consulting, technology solutions, and application hosting for Deltek Vision. Partnering with more than 1000 clients nationwide, Full Sail Partners builds long-term relationships and seeks to identify the critical resources to create a faster, more efficient, and integrated business.

Full Sail Partners – Keep Your Business on Course. | For more on Full Sail Partners profile and background on the Full Sail Partners crew, visit us at http://www.fullsailpartners.com.

About Deltek 
Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for professional services firms and government contractors. For decades, we have delivered actionable insight that empowers our customers to unlock their business potential. 16,000 organizations and 2 million users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek to research and identify opportunities, win new business, optimize resources, streamline operations, and deliver more profitable projects. Deltek – Know more. Do more.® http://www.deltek.com

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