What does an Opportunity represent in Salesforce?

An Opportunity in Salesforce represents a potential revenue-generating event or deal. This concept is central to the sales process, as it allows organizations to track and manage potential sales opportunities throughout their sales lifecycle. The Opportunity entity includes critical information such as the potential deal value, expected close date, and the stage of the sales process—providing sales teams with a clear understanding of where each deal stands and what actions need to be taken to close it.

This definition highlights the proactive nature of opportunities. Instead of focusing solely on closed deals or customer behavior, it emphasizes the potential for future sales, which aligns perfectly with the purpose of managing sales pipelines. By tracking opportunities, sales teams can better forecast revenue, understand sales trends, and prioritize their efforts effectively to maximize success.