Validating Positioning Strategies in SaaS

This chapter highlights the critical approach companies should take toward validating their positioning strategies, especially when resources for market research are limited. It stresses the value of constructing a positioning story based on initial assumptions and using systematic testing, while warning against the dangers of making constant adjustments based on sporadic feedback.

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Episode notes

Without a real point of view, your company, your product, and all of your amazing features will drift into irrelevance amidst the soothing currents of the sea of sameness we see in the state of SaaS. (Just learned about this thing called alliteration!)

To help you avoid that terrible fate and aid you in developing your positioning, we are thrilled that Bob Wright, the Founder of Firebrick Consulting, joined co-hosts Craig Rosenberg and Matt Amundson on the show. As a B2B Marketing expert, Bob has helped hundreds of B2B companies define and refine their positioning over the last several decades and is one of the foremost authorities on the subject working today.

In this episode, Bob illuminates the criticality of ‘selling the problem, not the solution’, why B2B positioning should be a CEO-led initiative, and the three questions that your positioning must answer for buyers.

Also, Craig eats the world’s loudest piece of chocolate and Matt tries to hire another guest while live on the podcast.

Critical Takeaways

Sell the Problem, Not the Product. Focus on identifying and articulating the key problem your product solves for the customer. This creates urgency and relevance in the buyer's mind, making them more likely to engage with your solution.
Your positioning should answer three key questions: 1. Why now? 2. How are you different? 3. Why does it matter to the customer? These answers create a compelling narrative that drives customer interest and action.
Stop focusing on the features. Emphasize the broader business impact and outcomes in your B2B marketing, rather than detailed product features. This approach resonates better with executive buyers who are more concerned with strategic advantages.
Shift from explaining how your product works, to inspiring the customer on why it matters to them. This makes your marketing message more compelling and memorable, driving stronger customer engagement and commitment.

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Chapters

00:00 Highlights

01:56 Introducing Bob Wright, the Founder of Firebrick Consulting

07:36 Differentiate your B2B Brand or Die

17:22 Portfolio Positioning Challenges

22:00 Targeting the Right Buyers with your B2B Marketing

23:55 Expanding into New Markets

28:56 Maintaining Focus While Growing

31:06 The Importance of CEO Involvement