Scaling a Technology Enabled Service Firm from $20-$150M, With Corey Quinn
Aug 23, 2023
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Corey Quinn, scaling expert, discusses the Scorpion business model, services-led technology development, and the resurgence of services in software. He explores specialization in professional services and shares valuable content and resources for agency owners.
Combining services with technology development and focusing on a specific vertical market allowed Scorpion to rapidly grow and attract funding.
Services play a crucial role in the success of SaaS companies as they complement software offerings and ensure customer success and retention.
Deep dives
Scorpion's Business Model: Services-Led Technology Development
Scorpion, a company in the agency space, successfully adopted a unique business model that combined services with technology development. They focused on one vertical market, namely personal injury attorneys, and built a culture and expertise in solving their specific challenges. They developed custom software to deliver better results for clients, creating workflows that increased operational efficiency. This services-led approach allowed Scorpion to grow rapidly, attract $100 million in funding, and become an attractive acquisition target for other agencies.
The Value of Services in the SaaS World
There is a growing recognition that services play a crucial role in the success of SaaS companies. While software can scale and enhance efficiency, it is not enough to ensure customer success. Services provide a means to understand customer requirements, iterate on processes, and guarantee results. Successful B2B SaaS companies often have professional services teams or ecosystems that complement their software offerings. As momentum investing wanes and focus on the economics of software companies intensifies, the value of services in achieving customer success and driving retention becomes increasingly apparent.
Specialization and Focus for Agency Success
Specialization and focus are key for agency owners looking to thrive and adapt to the changing landscape. By becoming specialists in serving a specific vertical market, agencies can differentiate themselves and provide superior value. Specialization helps agencies develop expertise in solving expensive, complex problems for their target audience. It also allows them to build a unique value proposition and attract clients within the chosen vertical. Additionally, agencies need to focus on their unique strengths and outsource areas where they lack expertise, ensuring operational efficiency and scalability.
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ABOUT: Corey helps agencies break the cycle of flat sales by becoming a vertical market specialist. Host of theVertical Go-To-Market podcast, Corey is also the author of Focus Vertical (Q3, 2023) and the former CMO at Scorpion (which he scaled from $20-$150M in 6 years).
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