Justin Norris, Director of BDR and Marketing Operations at 360Learning and host of RevOps FM, shares his journey through the executive landscape. He discusses why traditional metrics like MQLs may be obsolete and emphasizes the importance of tailored reporting for executives. The conversation dives into effective collaboration between marketing and sales teams, exploring how qualitative data and AI can transform customer insights. Norris also highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in B2B marketing to drive relevant decision-making.
Focusing on high-level metrics like pipeline health and revenue outcomes is essential for effective executive communication and decision-making.
Regular data review meetings cultivate accountability and help teams align marketing performance with broader business objectives through actionable insights.
Deep dives
Understanding RevOps
Revenue operations is an expansive field that requires knowledge of various go-to-market functions beyond marketing alone. The host discusses the importance of understanding the health and effectiveness of all departments involved in revenue generation, including sales, customer success, and product teams. This comprehensive approach allows revenue operations professionals to learn from different perspectives and improve collaboration between departments. By fostering a broader understanding, one can gather insights that enhance overall revenue strategy.
Key Performance Indicators for Executives
When reporting to executives, it's critical to focus on a select few key performance indicators (KPIs) that directly impact revenue. High-level metrics such as pipeline health, hand raisers, and revenue outcomes are prioritized over more granular metrics that may clutter the narrative. Good executives focus on what influences revenue and care most about understanding the results and the actions needed to improve performance. Therefore, a concise presentation of the data, emphasizing core metrics, is essential for effective communication.
Effective CRM and Data Management
An efficient customer relationship management (CRM) system is crucial for tracking pipeline activities and understanding lead quality. Organizations need to adopt a systematic approach to analyze data by pinpointing the channels responsible for performance variances. Regular monitoring and visualization of data allow teams to respond proactively to changes, turning potential setbacks into manageable challenges. This practice establishes accountability and enhances the operational efficiency of the marketing and sales teams.
The Role of Rituals in Data Review
Establishing regular data review meetings helps maintain focus on key metrics and enables teams to hold themselves accountable for progress. Scheduling these rituals fosters a disciplined approach to understanding performance trends, allowing teams to identify and react to issues promptly. Emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement with data ensures that marketing functions align better with broader business objectives. By cultivating this routine, teams can ultimately better present actionable insights to executives and enhance decision-making.
Justin Norris, host of the RevOps FM Podcast and Director of BDR and Marketing Operations at 360Learning, joins our host, Camela Thompson, Go-To-Market Thought Leader and B2B Insights Expert, in this episode of the Revenue Marketing Report. Justin shares his insights and how years of experience sitting at the executive table representing marketing changed his views about which numbers matter most and why. They also geeked out over why MQLs are evil, how to build a ritual around data, and why B2B ops and marketing should focus more on learning from one another.