RV141 - MUST LISTEN: The Foundational Principles of an Integrated Go-to-Market (GTM) Team | Chris Walker Weekly episode 3
Feb 9, 2024
auto_awesome
This podcast episode discusses the evolving landscape of outbound marketing and the need for data optimization in go-to-market strategies. It highlights the importance of identifying buyer intent signals and how go-to-market professionals can transition into roles with greater strategic impact. The episode also explores the potential influence of AI on the role of SDRs and discusses topics such as demand generation in extended sales cycles and the role of SDRs in content creation and strategy.
Tracking signals that drive sales team action is essential for optimizing outbound efforts and go-to-market strategies.
Transitioning from lead generation to demand generation can result in quicker impacts and a more efficient go-to-market strategy.
Lowering investment in branded search may not justify the potential loss of revenue, as branded terms typically generate low cost compared to revenue.
Deep dives
The Value of Collecting Outbound Data
Outbound drives revenue for companies, but it is not cost-effective. The lack of data tracking in outbound makes it challenging to optimize and make informed decisions. Tracking signals that drive sales team action is essential. By collecting the right data, companies can understand which signals lead to high sales velocity, pipeline creation, conversion rates, and productivity. Closing the gap in tracking outbound data allows for a holistic view of the go-to-market strategy and empowers decision-making.
The Shift from Lead Gen to Demand Gen
Transitioning from lead generation to demand generation is a smarter and more efficient go-to-market strategy. It optimizes the entire go-to-market, not just marketing dollars. Focusing on converting active pipeline deals, instead of solely targeting new accounts, can show quicker impacts. Metrics such as sales velocity, win rate, ACV (Average Contract Value), sales cycle length, and hero pipeline creation are key indicators of success. Additionally, tracking the number of sales meetings with qualified accounts can demonstrate short-term progress.
The Limitations of Lowering Branded Search
Lowering investment in branded search as an experiment may not be worth the potential risk. The cost of branded terms is typically low compared to the potential revenue generated. The focus should be on optimizing non-branded and low intent searches to reallocate resources effectively. Lowering investment in branded search, unless there are specific considerations, may not provide enough benefit to justify the potential loss of revenue.
The Role of Up-and-Coming Marketers
For young professionals looking to break into marketing or go-to-market functions, focusing on content strategy and architecture is crucial. Architecting the content strategy requires understanding customer needs, conducting qualitative research, and connecting expertise from thought leaders. While creating content as a thought leader may require industry experience, the ability to strategize and architect content can be a valuable skill for up-and-coming marketers across industries.
Transitioning from SDRs to Content Creation
While some SDRs are shifting towards content creation roles, it is important to differentiate between architecting the content strategy and being the thought leader. Young professionals can excel in content strategy and creation by understanding customer needs, conducting research, interviewing thought leaders, and positioning expert insights. However, being the thought leader for complex industries may require specific expertise or experience beyond the scope of a young professional.
In the third episode of the new series, Chris hosts a critical conversation around outbound marketing's evolving landscape. This session dissects the status quo of outbound efforts, the questioning of the SDR model's efficiency, and the pressing need for data optimization—a shift that is redefining businesses' go-to-market strategies. Encouraging listeners to look beyond the conventional marketing measurements, Chris advocates for a more connected and data-centric approach toward all pipeline activities.
Chris insists on the importance of identifying and acting upon the "signals" indicating buyer intent. He explains that understanding these signals is essential for optimizing the SDR function and investing in go-to-market strategies effectively. The episode's insights underline how go-to-market professionals can leverage their skills to transition into roles with greater strategic impact, such as shaping overall go-to-market strategies. Moreover, Chris emphasizes the impending influence of AI, projecting a future where low-value tasks become automated and the role of SDRs dramatically alters.
Thanks to our friends at Hatch for producing this episode. Get unlimited podcast editing at www.hatch.fm
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode