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MenuWhat value is there to auto populate a SaaS subscription module with Businesses/Customers which have not actually registered for the service?
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It's certainly been an effective tactic and I'd caution you that I don't think the examples you use are counting these people as customers per se but more as trying to solve issues related to two-sided marketplaces.
These businesses are trying to prove their worth as effective lead-gen tools for the practitioners. The service providers are more likely to be responsive/pay-attention to an email or inbound message that says "We have someone interested in booking with you" than "Hi, I'm calling from Company X, would you please-sign up and maybe we'll get you some customers?"
There's no implied endorsement and the data is really "directory" type content, so it would be unusual to find someone unhappy that their business profile is being published.
So it's absolutely a valid tactic but it's also a case of "devil is in the details." Happy to talk through the specifics of your inquiry and what you're looking to do in a call with you.
IT'S A DISTRACTION...
Instead of pretending that you are more awesome than you really are -- just be a little bit more awesome.
BTW, that mantra works for more than just client acquisition. It's a badass roadmap for treating your employees better, designing your web presence, or engaging on social marketing platforms.
JUST BE BADASS. Don't try to copy someone else's half-ass, poser bullshit. Wake up in the morning and ask yourself: "What can we do today that will blow our client's mind?"
And then go do that shit.
You make some valid points.
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If I have 51 percent and my partner has 49 percent of our company, what real decision making authority would I have?
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How can a small offshore development company find companies/software sales people to sell their service in the US/UK?
My company does a lot of consulting with offshore firms who are looking for a way to generate new business, so I hear this question a lot. My first reaction is that you need to totally reverse your mindset when you talk about your own company. You mentioned that you have: a great software developers team, proven track record, passion, real value But, everyone says that. There a 10,000 companies that have those things, so a customer isn't going to notice it. You need to figure out what your company is best at (doesn't have to be technical) and present it as a solution to a specific problem that clients have. Maybe a speciality, or really good project management, really good communications, a special expertise or experience, a personality, experience with a certain type of client.. really anything.. But, there must be some thing that makes your company 'special' otherwise you will be lost in the mix. Don't worry about things like rates, or the fact that you have 'great' developers. Those are generic. Think about why a client would really choose you, and try to build on that! After you understand your company identity, it gets much easier to identify and engage marketing channels because you understand your target.DH
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What do (bootstrapped) startups offer to new sales hires? Commission only? What are some good examples to keep people motivated and still survive?
Generally bootstrapped startups should avoid salespeople, for a few reasons: a. they typically can't afford the base and overall comp required to attract sales people who can actually sell / or afford to support them with marketing, management, etc b. it will be very difficult to find the rare person with the right mix of sales and startup DNA along with the critical domain knowledge, consequently the startup is likely to settle c. the founders need to be very involved in the selling and customers will demand it That said, if the plan is still to hire a salesperson, find someone who has demonstrated sales success in startups and is excited by the early stage in company building. Create a comp plan heavily leveraged on sales results (unless you are in an industry where 100% commission is a common practice, would recommend against $0 base as this creates the false impression that your hire isn't passing time with one company while looking for another job with a richer comp plan - you want your rep focussed). Sell the vision and opportunity to be part of a growth story. I have written a several blog posts on hiring sales people into start-ups. You might find these useful: http://www.peaksalesrecruiting.com/ceo-question-should-i-learn-to-sell-or-hire-a-sales-person/ http://www.peaksalesrecruiting.com/start-up-sales-and-hiring-advice-dont-stop-selling-once-you-hire-your-first-sales-rep/ http://www.peaksalesrecruiting.com/hiring-start-up-sales-reps/ http://www.peaksalesrecruiting.com/startups-and-salespeople/ Good luck!EB
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Whats the best way to find commission sales reps?
This is not my specialty, however, I have been in your position many many times -- maybe this will help. If the product is in-tangible, then look for JV partners on the Internet. Try to find an expert that deals with these JV opportunities (like me). If the product is physical, then look for sales organizations that have networks of sales people across the country. You do the deal with the organization and the independent network of sales people sells your product. It's a sweet setup if you can negotiate a margin that works for everyone. Hope that helps - Cheers - NickNP
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