Episode 156: How to handle leadership objections about demand gen & ABM with Andrei & Vladimir
Mar 11, 2025
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Discover how to tackle leadership objections regarding demand generation and account-based marketing. Learn why sales push back on these initiatives and the data you need to counter those concerns. Explore strategies for aligning marketing and sales efforts while managing expectations for ROI. Gain insights into crafting internal business cases that win executive buy-in. Uncover the significance of personalized offerings and the shift from quantity to quality in outreach to engage high-potential targets.
Understanding the root causes of leadership objections to demand gen and ABM is crucial for addressing concerns effectively and fostering collaboration.
Utilizing performance data and showcasing low-cost ABM success stories can help mitigate fears of high investment and demonstrate value to stakeholders.
Deep dives
Understanding Objections to New Programs
Introducing new marketing programs like Account-Based Marketing (ABM) and demand generation often faces resistance from sales and leadership teams. Common objections stem from a protective mindset among salespeople who fear losing control over their accounts and a perception that marketing lacks crucial domain knowledge. Sales professionals may worry that marketing does not fully grasp their buyer personas or understand the selling process effectively. Addressing these objections requires data and proof points to demonstrate the effectiveness of new initiatives, thereby fostering trust and collaboration between sales and marketing teams.
The Importance of Data Collection
To combat objections regarding the effectiveness of ABM and demand generation, it is critical to gather and present relevant performance data. Companies should track metrics such as conversion rates of past efforts and their relationship to sales opportunities, thereby connecting marketing activities to revenue targets. By highlighting the potential missed revenue due to inefficiencies in current marketing strategies, teams can articulate the necessity for change. Presenting clear data on expected outcomes is essential in getting buy-in from key stakeholders and addressing concerns about the effectiveness of new programs.
Addressing Cost Concerns in ABM
Many organizations perceive ABM as an expensive initiative that requires significant upfront investment in platforms and advertising for a limited number of accounts. This mindset often leads to resistance from leadership who question whether the return will justify the high costs associated with targeting fewer accounts. It is essential to demonstrate that ABM can be implemented effectively on a smaller budget, utilizing tiered approaches or pilot programs to validate outcomes before committing additional resources. By showcasing successful, low-budget ABM programs that have generated substantial revenue, marketers can help dispel these cost-related objections.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Results
Time concerns are a frequent objection faced when implementing ABM and demand generation, as many executives desire quick results. Educating stakeholders on the disparity between active and passive awareness within target accounts helps set realistic timelines for achieving meaningful engagement. Establishing early indicators of success, such as the number of qualified meetings or engagement rates from targeted accounts, can help build initial momentum and faith in the program. Communicating that significant results may take months to materialize and managing expectations around sales cycles is paramount to garnering support for new initiatives.
In this episode of Fullfunnel Live, we talked about how to handle leadership objections about demand gen & ABM.
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐โ๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป: โข The root reasons behind sales and leadership pushback for demand gen and ABM โข How to address the most common objections: the data and proof points you need to collect โข How to prepare internal business cases to get a buy-in
๐ก As always, we share real live examples and answer your questions, making this episode a must-watch for marketers and sales professionals alike.
๐ Donโt forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on ABM, content strategy, and B2B marketing!