Check out Leah's PLG Breakdown here

Get the full writeup for the episode hereGet early access to the internationalization resourceSaaS Revenue Growth by Region Data50% of SaaS Operators don't localize pricesCustomers in different regions have varying WTPRegions with most non-card payment methods

Christian Owens built the first version of Paddle about 10 years ago. Not only does this make him a great candidate to interview, he also served as a key witness in the Epic v Google case that concluded at the end of last year. For a succinct summary of events, check out our recent piece about How Fortnite Beat Google. This podcast episode is a continuation of that main episode. Here are some high level points:Epic Games vs. Big Tech: Christian delves deeper into the legal confrontations between Epic Games and major tech companies. He highlights how these legal disputes reflect broader issues within tech, particularly focusing on the impact these battles have on the dynamics of various app stores.Dominance of Major App Stores: Christian brings attention to the monopoly power exerted by app stores like those of Apple and Google. He critically examines how this dominance impacts market competition and places significant constraints on app developers, especially those who are smaller or independent.Barriers for Small Business Developers: Christian emphasizes the particular challenges faced by small business developers in these ecosystems. High fees and limited payment options in major app stores are highlighted as significant barriers that hinder these developers' ability to compete effectively and innovate within the market.Effect on Innovation and Growth: The conversation shifts to address the broader implications of the current app store model on innovation and business growth. Christian points out that the prevailing conditions within these monopolistic app stores stifle creativity and growth opportunities for smaller developers, impacting the overall health and diversity of the app market.Predictions for Future Development Trends: Christian conclude with forward-looking predictions about the app development industry. They speculate on potential shifts towards more open competition and the development of new, more equitable monetization strategies, suggesting a future where the app market could become more accessible and dynamic.

Pricing your AI product in 2024: sign up and ask Evan some questionsEvan Grubb has been with Price Intelligently... then ProfitWell... then Paddle for 7 years and counting (and yes, he's been there for all the name changes and acquisitions). He's been keeping track of monetization trends all along. You can check out his newsletter here if he inspires you in this podcast (and if he didn't, let me know).Just Give Me the 10,000 Foot ViewEvan Grubb's Career and Role at Paddle: Insights into his journey in the pricing and SaaS industry... and why The Eagles are the greatest American rock bandEffective SaaS Pricing Strategies: Exploration of successful pricing models and approaches in the SaaS sector.Costco's Business Model: Detailed analysis of Costco’s subscription model and its effectiveness.Application of Costco’s Model to SaaS: How lessons from Costco can be applied to SaaS businesses.Trends and Tactics in Pricing: Grubb shares his perspective on current trends and effective tactics in SaaS pricing strategy.

In the stillness of dawn, a lone runner paces the streets, their commitment to the run a silent battle against the comfort of rest. This is the power of accountability: when another joins the run, the journey changes—each stride is shared, and the motivation multiplies. What was once a struggle becomes a pact, as they urge each other forward, embodying the resilience and shared dedication that turn individual effort into collective endurance.Today, we dive into the parallels between this partnership and the world of B2B SaaS with Tanya Alvarez, Founder of OwnersUP. Tanya stands as the quintessential accountability partner for SaaS leaders, teaching them to channel the spirit of a marathoner to achieve long-term success. We'll uncover how the principles of accountability can catalyze growth, foster relentless pursuit of goals, and transform the solitary sprint of business into a synchronized stride towards triumph. Join us as we explore the synergy of teamwork and accountability with Tanya, and learn how to make your business run a race where every step counts.High-Level OverviewGoal Prioritization: Strategies for entrepreneurs to prioritize tasks effectively to ensure progress towards their most important objectives.Accountability Groups: The role and importance of accountability groups for entrepreneurs to stay focused and motivated, sharing the concept of Owners Up as a platform that facilitates such groups.Balancing Work and Personal Life: Tanya's personal journey from being a workaholic to achieving a healthier work-life balance, particularly after becoming a parent.The R.A.P. Method: Tanya introduces the Review, Assess, and Prioritize method as a daily productivity tool for entrepreneurs to wrap up their day and plan for the next.Building Supportive Communities: The significance of creating a supportive network or "village" for entrepreneurial success and parenting, emphasizing the importance of community in personal and business growth.The R.A.P. MethodThe R.A.P. method, developed by Tanya Alvarez, is a systematic approach designed for entrepreneurs to enhance their daily productivity and maintain focus on their most impactful tasks. It’s a reflective process that encourages regular review and assessment, allowing for the prioritization of actions that drive the most value for their businesses.Review (R): Reflect on the day’s activities, noting accomplishments and areas of improvement. This is a time for celebration of what was achieved and understanding what could be done better.Assess (A): Evaluate the day on a scale of one to five to determine what made it a five and what didn’t. This helps in identifying what tasks or actions contribute to the most productive days.Prioritize (P): Decide on the top three tasks that, if completed, would make the next day successful. These should be tasks that align with the overall business objectives and personal goals.This method goes beyond simple task management; it's a strategic approach for entrepreneurs to align their daily actions with their larger business goals. By implementing the R.A.P. method, founders can ensure that their efforts are not just busywork but are meaningful steps towards their company's growth and success. It's a tool for turning the chaotic hustle into a directed effort that pays off in the long run.

In the vast seas of B2B SaaS, where many are seduced by the allure of quick success and fleeting trends, envision a master shipbuilder like Tyler King, CEO and co-founder of Less Annoying CRM. His focus isn't on hastily crafted vessels for short voyages but on robust ships designed to withstand fierce storms, emblematic of resilience and endurance.Guiding an enduring ship, King's insights, drawn from both calm sails and tempestuous challenges, have become the navigational compass for many SaaS aspirants. Dive in with us to explore the art of building software businesses anchored in lasting vision and profit, and for more insights, catch Tyler on his podcast, Startup to Last, which centers on constructing companies built to stand the test of time.High-Level OverviewAdapting to a Changing Audience: The need for companies to evolve and position themselves for a younger demographic, with a particular focus on the shift in onboarding practices.Decision-making and Focus in Business: The challenges faced by founders in making strategic decisions, particularly when deciding which features to add or omit, and the importance of maintaining a specific focus.The Trade-offs between Bootstrapping and Raising Capital: Discussing the pros and cons of self-funding a startup versus seeking external investment, highlighting the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach.Understanding Personal and Business Goals: Tyler King emphasizes the importance of founders knowing what they truly want from their business and life, suggesting that these preferences should guide their decision-making processes.Advice for SaaS Founders: Tyler offers insights and recommendations for founders in the SaaS industry, stressing the importance of carving out a unique path and not letting external pressures define one's vision for success.Building a Profitable Software Business Meant to LastIn the fast-paced world of tech startups and SaaS ventures, there’s a prevalent rush towards growth — sometimes even at the cost of sustainability. However, true success in the software industry isn’t just measured by swift scalability or the dazzle of fleeting innovations. It's gauged by the longevity and profitability of a business model that stands the test of time. Building a software company meant to last demands a mix of strategic vision, steadfast commitment, and the agility to adapt, ensuring profitability not just today, but for years to come.Customer-centric Approach: Begin with an unwavering commitment to understanding and solving genuine customer pain points. Long-term profitability starts with loyal customers who see the value in your solutions.Financial Prudence: Prioritize sustainable growth over hyper-growth. This means being mindful of cash flows, avoiding excessive debts, and ensuring you’re scaling at a pace your revenues can support.Continuous Innovation: Ensure that the product evolves with technological advances and changing customer needs. Stagnation is the antithesis of longevity.Culture of Excellence: Cultivate a company culture that values long-term vision over short-term gains. This fosters dedication, quality, and resilience among your team members.Feedback Loops: Regularly gather feedback not just from customers, but also from internal teams. This helps in preempting potential challenges and adjusting course proactively.Diversified Revenue Streams: Relying on a single revenue source can be risky. Explore multiple monetization strategies to buffer against market fluctuations.Adaptable Business Model: The tech landscape is ever-evolving. An adaptable business model allows you to pivot when necessary, capitalizing on new opportunities or sidestepping challenges.Partnerships and Collaborations: Building lasting relationships with other businesses can provide mutual growth opportunities, strengthen market presence, and offer added value to your customers.In the journey of building a lasting and profitable SaaS business, there's no one-size-fits-all. The essence lies in understanding the unique values and strengths your company brings to the table and marrying that with the ever-changing demands of the market. It's a balance of staying true to your vision, while also being malleable enough to evolve. As the adage goes, it's not the strongest that survive, but the most adaptable.

Yannick Veys, CMO and Co-founder of Hypefury, discusses strategic acquisitions, challenges with automation and API changes, and the balance of AI and human touch in audience engagement. He shares insights on building and monetizing a social media audience, the importance of starting and maintaining a unique voice, and the trend of building and monetizing audiences.

Entrepreneur Lloyed Lobo discusses the power of community-driven growth in B2B SaaS, drawing parallels between religious congregations and building strong communities. He shares case studies of iconic companies like Apple and Atlassian, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships, fostering connections, and creating shared experiences. Lobo's book, 'From Grassroots To Greatness,' serves as a beacon for those seeking to deepen their understanding and build iconic brands with community-led growth.

In the world of American football, the coach is the linchpin, melding individuals with varying strengths, fears, and ambitions into a singular, winning force. They transcend mere instruction, turning raw talent into a harmonized strategy, creating trust, camaraderie, and synchronized action on the field.Similarly, in B2B SaaS, managers are the driving force, identifying and harnessing the unique capabilities of their teams. Dave Kline of MGMT Accelerator embodies this synergy, mastering the art of team cohesion both in sport and business. Today's episode dives deep into the art of effective management, exploring how to optimize individual potential for collective triumph with insights from the master himself, Dave Kline.High-Level OverviewEmbracing Limitations: The episode delves into the idea of differentiating between genuine limitations and self-limiting beliefs. The story of the artist with handshakes is used as an example to demonstrate how limitations can be embraced and turned into a source of creativity, forcing one to think outside the box and foster innovation.The Power of "And": Dave Kline discusses the potential of viewing situations as non-binary. Instead of "either-or" situations, he introduces the concept of "and," suggesting that it's possible to be two things at once, breaking traditional molds or expectations. This topic touches upon not being confined by titles or traditional methods.Codifying Culture: The significance of understanding, preserving, and conveying the culture of a growing company is stressed. Dave Kline emphasizes the intrinsic values seen in the first few members of a company and the importance of documenting these values to ensure they aren't diluted as the company grows.Language Precision with Values: The episode also touches upon the importance of sharp language when defining company values. Instead of generic terms like "integrity," the idea is to find specific, resonant terms that truly represent the company's values, attracting the right kind of employees and repelling those who might not align with the company's mission.Advice for Entrepreneurs: There are multiple moments in the episode where Dave Kline offers advice to those building software businesses from the ground up. Key takeaways include the importance of staying true to one's values, understanding the difference between perceived limitations and actual ones, and ensuring the company's culture and values are clearly communicated and upheld.Codifying Your CultureIn the dynamic realm of SaaS, a company's culture isn't just an ethereal concept; it's the very backbone of sustainable growth, innovation, and team harmony. A strong, clearly defined culture guides decision-making, promotes consistency, and most importantly, fosters a sense of unity among the workforce. To not merely sustain but truly thrive, businesses must recognize the intrinsic value of their cultural DNA and make intentional efforts to nurture, articulate, and preserve it.Identify Core Values: Begin by understanding the foundational values that your company stands for. What principles drive decision-making? What ethical standards are non-negotiable? Establish these clearly.Document Company Stories: Historical anecdotes and tales of company milestones often carry the essence of the organizational spirit. Capture these stories; they serve as living testimonials of your culture.Consistent Communication: Whether it's through monthly meetings, newsletters, or casual chats, ensure that the cultural ethos is always a part of the conversation.Leadership Modeling: Leaders and managers should exemplify the cultural standards, acting as role models for the rest of the team.Hire and Train Accordingly: Seek out potential hires who align with your cultural values. During onboarding, place significant emphasis on culture to ensure new members understand and embody it.Feedback Loops: Regularly solicit feedback on how well the team feels the company is upholding its cultural tenets. This helps in real-time adjustments and reinforces the importance of culture.Celebrate Cultural Wins: Recognize and celebrate when team members or departments particularly embody the company culture, reinforcing its importance.In conclusion, while technological advancements and business strategies are pivotal, it's the unseen cultural threads that often weave the fabric of long-lasting organizational success. Codifying culture isn't about imposing a set of rules; it's about crystallizing what's already there, ensuring that as the company grows and evolves, its heart and soul remain intact.

In the verdant heartland, rivers carve their paths, each with a destination in mind, much like the complex currents of market demand. These rivers, shaped by the terrain, can be directed and harnessed using tools like dams and pipes, ensuring every drop finds its purpose. Similarly, in the B2B SaaS world, these currents of demand transform into intricate systems, beautifully epitomized by the "Demand Waterfall".Sidney Waterfall, the SVP of Marketing at Refine Labs, emerges as the maestro of this intricate landscape. With a profound understanding of these digital waterways, she's the beacon guiding businesses through the ebb and flow of demand. Dive in with us as Sidney reveals the mysteries of the Demand Waterfall, offering insights into turning potential interest into definitive outcomes.High-Level OverviewTracking Macro vs. Micro Data Points: Sidney Waterfall discusses the common mistake businesses make by focusing too much on micro processes and missing out on the more critical macro data points. CEOs and leaders need to understand broader trends and insights to gauge what's working and what's not.The Importance of Conversion Sources: Sidney talks about how businesses often get bogged down in tracking conversions at the channel or tactic level, thereby missing the bigger picture. She emphasizes understanding the macro-level perspective like the pipeline source or conversion source.Technical vs. Marketing Perspective: Sidney and Andrew talk about whether The Vault’s primary audience is technically inclined founders or those with marketing job titles. Sidney mentions how many founders lead their sales and go-to-market strategies and how their content caters to such audiences.The Demand Waterfall: A lighter segment of the discussion revolves around Sidney's surname, Waterfall, and its relevance in the marketing world, especially in relation to the demand waterfall concept. She shares a humorous story about her VP thinking her surname was a pen name.Effective Go-to-market Strategy: Sidney provides advice to go-to-market leaders, emphasizing the importance of focus. She suggests that instead of spreading thin and trying multiple channels or tactics, businesses should hone in on one or two and execute them well.The Demand WaterfallIn the intricate world of B2B SaaS, the Demand Waterfall emerges as a lucid metaphor, helping businesses visualize and optimize their process of turning potential interest into tangible outcomes. Just as rivers traverse through valleys to find their end goal, the Demand Waterfall guides businesses through various stages of capturing, nurturing, and finally converting demand, ensuring that no opportunity is missed.The Demand Waterfall can be visualized like this:The Spring (Source): This is where the water (potential customers) first gushes out. It represents the marketing and promotional efforts to create awareness.Buckets (Flow): As the water flows down, it goes through various buckets representing different stages, like capturing interest (demand capture), nurturing the interest, and converting it into actual sales.Different Flows: Some buckets might be filled from multiple outlets, representing different departments (like sales, partners, etc.) working together to channel the water effectively.Last Bucket (Conversion): This is where water, having passed through all stages, collects in its final form, representing successful sales or partnerships.In simple terms, The Demand Waterfall is an organized way of visualizing how businesses attract, engage, and ultimately convert potential interest into successful sales, with every department working harmoniously together, just like a series of interconnected buckets handling flowing water.