The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

SaaStr 823: Is GTM Really Dead?! with SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin

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Oct 3, 2025

Jason Lemkin tackles the hot topic of whether go-to-market strategies are truly dead in the AI age. He debunks myths around traditional marketing methods, revealing how top companies are still thriving with smart adjustments. High-quality content and dynamic tactics are essential, and low-energy marketing fails to engage. Lemkin emphasizes the lasting power of case studies and events, while highlighting the explosive growth of product-led companies. He urges businesses to ensure immediate ROI to capture AI budgets effectively.

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INSIGHT

Old Playbooks, New Velocity

Many top AI companies run upgraded versions of classic go-to-market playbooks rather than wholly new ones.
The playbooks work when teams execute them well and tap into AI-driven demand.

ADVICE

Train And Iterate Your AI SDR Daily

Train and iterate your AI SDR continuously and measure its outputs.
Expect to tune it daily and use multivariate tests to improve response rates.

INSIGHT

AI Amplifies Mediocrity

Mediocre outbound has always been declining and AI makes more of it mediocre, not better.
Sending an email or ad still reaches customers, but low-quality efforts underperform.

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SaaStr 823: Is GTM Really Dead?! with SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin In this episode, Jason Lemkin, SaaStr CEO and Founder, addresses common misconceptions about traditional go-to-market strategies in the age of AI. Despite claims that outbound marketing, SEO, and old-school tactics are dead, the speaker highlights how leading AI companies are successfully employing these methods with minor tweaks. Drawing from the success stories of OpenAI, Notion, Dialpad, and others, the presenter emphasizes the importance of high-quality content, dynamic sales tactics, and the unmatched potential of AI-driven tools like AI SDRs. He also discusses the necessity of providing substantial ROI from day one and urges marketers to reassess and improve their strategies rather than dismiss them as obsolete. Finally, practical advice is given on optimizing sales and marketing efforts to tap into the booming AI budget effectively.

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We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.

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