#207: Strategy | Jason Lemkin on What Makes a Great VP Marketing in SaaS, Working with the CEO, and Lessons from SaaStr
Jan 2, 2025
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Jason Lemkin, the founder of SaaStr and former CEO of EchoSign, shares insights on building a successful marketing strategy in the SaaS space. He emphasizes the crucial traits of a great VP of Marketing and the need for alignment between marketing teams and the CEO. Jason reflects on the shift in tech dynamics post-2020 and the evolving roles of CROs and CMOs. The conversation also delves into content creation, highlighting the power of LinkedIn for professional growth and the importance of fostering strong business relationships.
The importance of revenue goals has become paramount in B2B marketing, as organizations seek effective strategies to allocate resources successfully.
Self-awareness in marketing candidates is critical, particularly as the landscape has shifted towards considering commitment and alignment with company visions.
Establishing independent roles for marketing and sales teams is essential for organizational success, mitigating the risks of CROs prioritizing immediate sales over long-term marketing strategies.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Marketing Attribution
Marketing attribution is a significant concern for B2B organizations, as highlighted by many marketing leaders in recent discussions. It involves understanding which marketing efforts are effective and where to allocate resources. Paramark addresses this issue through its marketing attribution platform, which uses advanced methods such as marketing mix modeling and incrementality testing. This approach enables businesses to analyze their marketing performance comprehensively, offering insights into various channels and campaigns without the complications of traditional click attribution.
The Evolution of Marketing Roles
The landscape of marketing roles has dramatically shifted in recent years, with increased complexities surrounding loyalty, commitment, and expectations from employees. Many marketers now face challenges finding individuals willing to engage fully with their roles, particularly in startup environments. The speaker emphasizes the need for self-awareness in candidates about their willingness to contribute beyond their expertise. Understanding the dynamics between job roles and actual responsibilities is crucial in the current job market.
Finding Joy in Work
In a time when many professionals question the significance of their roles, it becomes essential to focus on finding joy in one’s work. Individuals are encouraged to assess their jobs and seek meaning, especially when feeling dissatisfied. If a lack of fulfillment persists, a proactive approach is recommended: take a break, reflect, and evaluate whether the current position aligns with personal goals and happiness. This analysis can provide clarity and help in making informed decisions about career paths.
Effective Content Creation Strategies
Content creation is vital for marketers, but it's important to choose formats that align with one's strengths and passions. The speaker highlights the benefits of leveraging various channels, such as LinkedIn and blogs, while encouraging marketers to focus on what they enjoy most. Finding a personal superpower in content production, whether that be writing, video, or podcasts, enables professionals to maintain authenticity and engagement. By embracing one's strengths, marketers can effectively distribute their unique insights and connect with audiences.
The Importance of Distinct Marketing Leadership
The relationship between Chief Revenue Officers (CROs) and marketing teams can significantly impact organizational success. Marketers benefit from having independent leadership, as CROs often prioritize immediate sales over broader marketing strategies. When marketing is placed under the purview of sales, it can lead to a disconnect where marketing's long-term goals are overshadowed by short-term sales targets. Establishing distinct roles ensures that both marketing and sales functions operate effectively, contributing to an organization's overall growth strategy.
Dave is joined by Jason Lemkin. Jason is the founder of SaaStr, the world’s largest community of SaaS executives, founders, and entrepreneurs. Before SaaStr, Jason founded EchoSign, which was sold to Adobe in 2011.
They discuss:
Why Jason started SaaStr
What makes a great VP of Marketing in SaaS and how to hire one
How tech and SaaS have changed since 2020
CROs vs CMOs
Importance of alignment between the CEO and marketing team
Timestamps
(00:00) - - Intro
(07:26) - - Understanding the Importance of Revenue Goals
(10:50) - - Evolving Motivations and Changing Perspectives
(14:56) - - From Solopreneur to Founder: The Journey of Exit Five
(18:52) - - The Challenge of Transitioning from Solopreneurship
(20:51) - - Insights into Jason's Content Creation Process
(23:35) - - Efficiency in writing: a five-minute rule
(30:34) - - LinkedIn: A Haven for Text-Based Writers
(32:00) - - LinkedIn's Good Community and Marketing Potential
(36:36) - - Importance of Building Relationships in Business
*** This episode of the Exit Five podcast is brought to you by our friends at Paramark. You’ve heard it before – every B2B marketer’s top pain point is marketing attribution. It’s complicated, messy, and too often leads to fights with your CRO over whose lead deserves credit.
That’s where Paramark steps in. Their platform makes it simple to understand what’s driving results (and what isn’t) with tools like marketing mix modeling and incremental testing. No more relying on outdated click attribution or chasing UTM links. Instead, Paramark gives you actionable insights across channels, campaigns, and geographies to help you grow.
Paramark's founder & CEO Pranav has been in your shoes as a B2B marketer. He’s so passionate about solving this problem, he’s offering listeners a free brand assessment. Pranav will personally analyze your brand’s performance and share his insights—an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Slots are limited, so act fast. Head to paramark.com/brand-consult to claim your spot. Trust us, this is worth your time.
***
Thanks to my friends at hatch.fm for producing this episode and handling all of the Exit Five podcast production.
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