Jess Mah, Co-founder of indinero, discusses pivoting to a new customer segment, observing customer use to identify product issues, customizing marketing for each vertical, and replacing herself as CEO with an experienced leader.
Pivoting to target high-paying niche verticals resulted in increased profitability for indinero.
Combining software with services helped indinero differentiate themselves, build relationships, and achieve healthy margins.
Deep dives
Finding the Right Customer and Higher Price Point
In the podcast episode, the host shares the journey of Jessica Ma, founder of Indinero, a FinTech company that provides automated bookkeeping and accounting services. Jessica realized that targeting micro SMBs was not a profitable strategy, and she needed to find customers who were willing to pay a higher price point. She discovered that larger, more established businesses cared about tax strategy and optimization, which led her to pivot her marketing efforts and product enhancements towards serving these customers.
Blended Tech and Services Model
A key factor in Indinero's success was their adoption of a blended tech and services model. By offering more than just software, they were able to provide additional value to their customers and iterate on their product. Jessica emphasized the importance of services in B2B companies, as it helps to build a closer relationship with customers, understand their pain points, and inform product development. This approach allowed Indinero to differentiate themselves from competitors and achieve healthy margins while still scaling their business.
Focus on Winning in Verticals
Indinero found success by focusing on specific verticals where they could excel. Jessica identified non-profits as a segment where they had a competitive advantage and were able to serve effectively. By understanding the unique needs and pain points of these verticals, Indinero was able to tailor their marketing collateral, sales training, and product enhancements to provide targeted solutions. This approach allowed them to stand out in a crowded market and build a strong customer base.
This week on How To Win: Jess Mah of indinero, a fintech company providing automated bookkeeping and accounting services. You'll hear how she focused on high-paying niche verticals, pivoted to find product-market fit, and how she brought in an experienced CEO.
Key Points:
01:45 Pivoting to a new customer segment willing to pay more 03:00 Combining QuickBooks, Mint.com and luxury concierge service 04:15 Seeing product issues by observing customers use it 08:00 Focusing on customer health and early churn indicators 10:30 Customizing marketing and sales for each vertical 16:15 Replacing yourself earlier as CEO with a more experienced leader