There Is No Post-Sales in SaaS w/ Sangeeta Chakraborty (CRO, Miro)
Jul 4, 2024
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Sangeeta Chakraborty, CRO of Miro and a pioneer in customer success, dives into the evolving landscape of SaaS sales. She challenges the concept of 'post-sale,' advocating for continuous customer engagement. Hear her insights on the importance of aligning sales and customer success teams, especially in product-led growth strategies. Sangeeta also discusses the significance of hiring leaders who resonate with company values and the need for collaboration between founders and sales professionals to enhance customer retention.
The traditional concept of sales has shifted towards continuous customer engagement, reimagining the journey as an ongoing process of creating value.
Coaching product founders on effective listening and collaboration enhances sales strategies, bridging their passion with customer needs for better outcomes.
Deep dives
Redefining the Role of Sales in Customer Success
The concept of sales has evolved, with a growing emphasis on creating customer value rather than merely closing deals. Sangeeta Chakraborty emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement with customers, implying that there is never really a 'post-sale' phase in modern business practices. By framing customer success as an integral part of the sales journey, companies can enhance customer loyalty and optimize their service offerings. Consequently, the role of the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) now integrates customer success perspectives to ensure that long-term relationships begin from the very first interaction.
Harnessing Founder Passion in Sales
Coaching product founders, who often possess great passion and vision for their projects, is essential for ensuring effective sales strategies. These founders need guidance on how to balance their enthusiasm with active listening during customer engagements. By channeling their energy into areas such as fundraising and talent acquisition, they can foster an environment where new sales strategies are cultivated distinct from their initial vision. This shift allows them to embrace a more collaborative approach, ultimately benefiting both the product and customer relations.
The Importance of Understanding Buyer Journeys
Developing a clear buyer journey is crucial for tailoring sales processes effectively. Rather than focusing solely on creating sales decks, understanding how potential customers perceive their issues and making that a central theme in sales meetings is disruptive to traditional selling methods. Engaging customers by exploring their biggest challenges and discovering their decision-making processes can significantly enhance the chances of closing a sale. By aligning sales processes with buyer needs, teams can create a more targeted approach that resonates with potential customers.
Aligning Compensation Structures with Customer Success
Forging a connection between sales and customer success teams through aligned compensation structures can drive unified growth for a company. Sales representatives should have incentives not only tied to initial sales but also to customer retention and expansion. By ensuring that compensation reflects a commitment to customer value, both teams can work towards shared goals rather than operating in silos. This comprehensive approach cultivates a culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction, aiding in long-term business sustainability.
Have you ever reflected on the term post sale? Why do we call that post sale? When did we stop selling? And what have we started to do? Create customer value. Renew and expand.
I've never thought about it until today's episode with Sangeeta Chakraborty (CRO, Miro) — a recent Silicon Valley darling. And what's really cool and unique about her is she grew up in customer success.
Customer success didn't even exist 20 years ago. And now we have this new generation of CROs that grew up from that perspective.
Evolution of Customer Success in Sales Leadership
Importance of Company Value System in Hiring Sales Leaders
Alignment of Enterprise and PLG Offerings in Sales Transition