Predictable B2B Success

Welcome to another episode of "Predictable B2B Success," the podcast designed to empower B2B entrepreneurs and leaders with insights and strategies for predictable growth. Today, we're thrilled to have the remarkable Gregory Shepard with us, a seasoned startup savant whose vision has reshaped the entrepreneurial landscape. In his two decades of navigating the startup ecosystem, Gregory has orchestrated a staggering 14 liquidity events and co-founded Boss Capital Partners and BOSS Startup Science. His story is not just one of financial success but of overcoming personal challenges, including dyslexia and autism, which propelled him to master the art of pattern recognition—a skill that has profoundly influenced his unique approach to business. As you dive into this episode, prepare to uncover Gregory's groundbreaking strategies, prioritizing the endgame right from the start. He'll unravel the intricate tapestry of startup success, pinpointing why 9 out of 10 startups face failure and how his methodologies aim to turn those odds around. From the nuances of altruistic capitalism to the power of leading KPIs over lagging indicators, we're about to embark on a journey that promises to equip you with the knowledge to steer your company towards predictable, sustainable growth. Hold onto your seats and get ready for a mind-expanding conversation with the master of startup science, Gregory Shepard, right here on "Predictable B2B Success." Some areas we explore in this episode include:  The mission of StartUp Science and its global reach.The importance of planning an exit strategy for startup founders.The role of standardization and constant optimization in business growth.The significance of leading KPIs for proactive business management.Introduction to the BOSS methodology and valuation drivers.The concept of altruistic capitalism to achieve positive environmental and social outcomes.Gregory Shepard's journey and expertise in startup entrepreneurship.Analysis of the high failure rate of startups and measures to improve success rates.The practical advice on how founders can align their startups with potential acquirers early on.Gregory Shepard's insights into the common pitfalls contributing to startup failure and how to overcome them.And much, much more...

Welcome back to Predictable B2B Success, the podcast that dives deep into the strategies behind successful business-to-business ventures. In today's highly anticipated episode, we're joined by Riaz Kanani, a trailblazer in advertising and marketing technology with over 20 years of experience. Get ready to discover cutting-edge insights as Riaz unravels the intricacies of account-based advertising and its pivotal role in today's noisy marketplace. Have you ever considered why your traditional marketing efforts may falter in an era of rapidly evolving buyer behavior? Riaz discusses how personalized experiences and a shift in marketing strategies can counteract these challenges. He also sheds light on the potential of AI agents to revolutionize how businesses engage their audience. Host Vinay Koshy questions the validity of conventional B2B approaches and explores the creative guerrilla tactics necessary to thrive in modern marketing environments. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about B2B success as Riaz predicts the future of marketing and provides actionable steps to navigate these changes. Are you leveraging your data effectively? Is your personal branding geared for consultative success? Do you know how to connect with potential clients? Tune in to find out and elevate your marketing game. Some areas we explore in this podcast include: The Role and Effectiveness of Account-Based AdvertisingThe Importance of Personal Branding in B2B Sales and DevelopmentStrategies for Engaging Potential Buyers with LinkedIn AdvertisingCrafting Marketing Plans for Individual Accounts in ABMThe Importance of Quality Data in ABM CampaignsThe Evolution of Buyer Behaviors and Its Impact on MarketingUtilization of Artificial Intelligence and GPT Technology in MarketingThe Importance of Events and Face-to-Face Interactions in a Digital WorldBuilding and Scalability Challenges in the B2B EnvironmentLeveraging Communities and Intent Data for Revenue Growth in B2B MarketingAnd much, much more...

Welcome to another transformative episode of Predictable B2B Success! I'm your host, Vinay Koshy, and in this captivating conversation, we have the strategic mastermind Varag Gharibjanian with us. Prepare to dive deep into the future of computing, spatial platforms, and the genuine impact of AI on our world. Varag doesn't just theorize; he brings experience and a treasure trove of actionable insights to reduce partnership risks and drive revenue in the tech landscape. Today, you'll get an insider's look at achieving synergy between business models and technology partners and how the timing, location, security, scalability, and cultural alignment can make or break your strategic alliances. But that's not all; Varag will challenge your thinking by emphasizing the cultural dynamics within startups and the need to codify them. Could startups be dangerously neglecting market needs over perfecting their tech? Varag argues that understanding market fit is as crucial as the innovation itself. We'll explore his approach to building a go-to-market strategy that works and unpack the essence of customer stories in driving growth. This episode is packed with gems to reshape your view on partnerships, revenue growth, and the critical balance of technology and market realities. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey with Varag Gharibjanian that's bound to leave you itching for more. Let's get set for a ride into the future of B2B success! Some areas we explore in this episode include: Integration of Technology and Product: Discussing the importance of integrating advanced technology with the actual product to make it functional and user-friendly.Strategic Technology Partnerships: Emphasizing how to effectively scope out technical capabilities versus market expectations and the need for a balanced approach to technology and business aspects in partnership development.Revenue Acceleration Strategies: Outlining key components of revenue success such as average revenue per customer, recurring revenue, and cost of revenue optimization.Customer Stories and Case Studies: The significance of documenting and leveraging early customer success stories to build credibility and illustrate business benefits.Sales Outreach Process: Detailing a timeline for sales outreach, including preparation, active outreach, and closing stages to test the market efficiently.Founder Involvement in B2B Sales: Advocating for the founder's active role in early strategic agreement negotiations and maintaining ongoing partnership nurturing.AI and Spatial Computing Potential: Discussing the disruptive impact of AI in the short term and the long-term potentials of spatial computing merging digital and physical spheres.Fundraising and Investor Engagement: Providing guidance on preparing for investor meetings, pitching, and strategically aligning with the right investors.Startup Culture Codification: Highlighting the need for startups to establish, understand, and codify their culture for long-term success.Humility in Product Development: Advising founders to concentrate on creating a product that customers value and are willing to purchase, emphasizing product-market fit over a fundraising-first approach.And much, much more ...

Welcome to Predictable B2B Success, your go-to spot to dive deep into the strategies propelling business growth. In this captivating episode, we're joined by the inquisitive mind of Doug Utberg, founder of People First Leaders, an organization reshaping the cultural fabric of business in America. As we navigate the complexities of contract restructuring and the nuances of budget management, Doug spurs a thought-provoking conversation on the delicate balance between human connection and corporate scalability.  Doug doesn't hold back in challenging conventional recruitment practices, advocating for leaders to leverage their networks to uncover hidden gems in the job market. Doug and Vinay dissect how purpose-driven organizations can act as ethical anchors in pursuit of success while achieving phenomenal financial outcomes.  But beyond the strategies, this dialogue takes an impassioned turn towards the value of stories, the power of diversity in fostering innovation, and the vital role soft skills play in nurturing a thriving workplace. This episode isn't just an exploration of business acumen; it's a rallying cry for a people-first revolution that promises to transform how we think about productivity, leadership, and success. So, tune in to discover the secrets behind forging deeper connections and driving authentic growth in the B2B landscape. Some areas we cover in this episode include: The specialization and expertise of contract renegotiation and savings.The impact of leadership behavior on company culture and authentic leadership practices.Strategies for tackling budget overages in system deployments.The importance of inclusion, people-first focus, and connecting skills across domains in recruitment and employment.The concept of People First Leaders and the impact on organizational culture and employee productivity.The idea of "value first" in business and delivering superior use value to customers.The effectiveness of learning from failures and unwritten organizational rules for new hires.The role of analytics versus stories in understanding organizational health and employee perceptions.The balance of soft and hard skills in hiring and leadership and assessing values and soft skills during the hiring process.The benefits of a people-first approach and creating emotional security in the workplace for enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.And much, much more...

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Predictable B2B Success," where we seek to empower B2B leaders and marketers to achieve predictable growth through strategies, systems, and actionable steps. I'm your host, Vinay Koshy, and in today's episode, we're diving into the intriguing world of emotional selling and storytelling with our guest, James Bond—not the superspy from the movies, but a master marketer with undercover tactics for business success. James brings a license to skill with a remarkable flair for engaging clients and customers by leveraging the brain's emotional triggers. With a backstory as compelling as any 007 plot—we're taking you from the family business trenches, dealing with the mafia, to breakthrough advertising strategies that turned companies from underdogs to market leaders. What's the secret sauce behind branding that sticks? How do reflexive questions build better relationships and drive successful sales? And what can "Nose Noodles" and "Squatty Potty" teach us about memorable marketing? Get ready to uncover these answers and James's transformative approach to communication, all distilled into his game-changing concept of "Brain Glue." Stay tuned for a mission of marketing mastery that will leave you both stirred and shaken. This is one episode you don't want to miss! Some areas we cover in this episode include:  The effectiveness of using simple reflexive questions to engage and improve business relationships.The role of customer stories and testimonials in marketing and how they evoke emotions that influence buying decisions.James Bond's journey from learning business fundamentals to becoming an advertising, sales, and marketing expert.The concept of "Brain Glue" and the significance of emotional resonance in making products and services memorable.Strategies for targeting, messaging, and understanding the audience to stimulate immediate purchases in B2B sales.The use of linguistic tools like alliteration and chiasmus in product names and marketing to create impact and memorability.The critical importance of ongoing sales training and the challenge of maintaining reps' skills beyond the initial training period.The necessity of understanding your product's alternatives and competitors to find emotional differentiators.James Bond's methodology in applying 14 brain triggers to simplify sales processes and enhance customer engagement.Several case studies and success stories demonstrating the implementation of emotional selling strategies leading to significant growth in sales.And much, much more...

Welcome to another fascinating episode of Predictable B2B Success, where we dive into the depths of innovative concepts that shape the future of business. Today, we're joined by Doug Howarth, a marketplace maestro disrupting the traditional economic models with his ground-breaking concept of 'Hypernomics.' Imagine a world where the well-worn paths of supply and demand take a backseat to a model that maps out market territories in more than four dimensions. Doug introduces us to proprietary software poised to revolutionize how small startups and midsize companies approach market analysis and economic trajectory. At the heart of today's conversation is the idea that markets organically reveal their desires, needs, and means – an understanding that Doug's software makes accessible at a strikingly cost-effective rate. As we delve into the storytelling of Doug's epiphany after a shopping trip, we discover how this led to the application of Hypernomics in giants like NASA and Virgin Galactic and how ants' reconnaissance missions mirror market dynamics. Our host, Vinay Koshy, probes the potential AI future Doug envisions and what it could mean for businesses looking to innovate beyond automation. In a sea of data and complexity, join us as we navigate the concepts that will help your business capitalize on market movements and find those niche spaces where competition ceases to exist. This is not just another business discussion; it's a glimpse into a potential future where economic trajectories are as predictable as the dawn. Buckle up; this is an episode you can't afford to skip. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Introduction to Hypernomics: Explaining the proprietary software developed by Doug Howarth and its cost-effective application for companies analyzing market data.Data Analysis and Economic Trajectory: How the software assists businesses in dissecting the market for better product positioning, pricing, and predicting market movements.Innovation Over Automation: Doug Howarth's company focuses on innovation with the potential future integration of AI to enhance the software's capabilities.Understanding Market Limits: Howarth's insight into businesses' lack of awareness about mathematically plotting demand and market boundaries.Case Studies in Market Analysis: Discussing the example of the electric car market and Aeryon's supersonic business jet to underscore traditional market analysis's practical applications and potential pitfalls.The Philosophy of Hypernomics: The theoretical underpinnings of Howarth's approach to economics replacing the traditional supply and demand with a law based on value and demand.Practical Applications of Hyponomics: How large organizations and sectors, like US government entities and aerospace companies, apply Hypernomic principles.Data Collection and Analysis: Challenges and strategies for collecting market data, especially in less transparent industries, and the importance of constant monitoring and modeling.Impact of Hypernomic Adoption: Potential economic implications of widespread Hypernomic strategies and their role in stabilizing reactions to major market events.Multidimensional Business Insight: Utilizing Hypernomic methods to identify unique market opportunities and navigate complex business environments effectively.And much, much more...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Predictable B2B Success, where we delve into the intricacies of B2B strategies and the secrets behind sustainable company growth. I'm your host, Vinay Koshy. In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of financial technology, focusing on lending. Our distinguished guest, Michael Barnett, is the pioneering founder of Loanspark, a cutting-edge Fintech marketplace revolutionizing how companies access capital. With over two decades of leadership in consumer and commercial lending, Michael brings an invaluable depth of knowledge to our discussion. In this episode, Michael unravels the complexities of loan acquisition, debunks common misconceptions about commercial lending, and reveals how Loanspark facilitates transparent and efficient loan processes for businesses across the US. We'll venture beyond surface-level understanding to uncover the impact of customer experience in lending and how Loanspark's partnership model offers a competitive edge in redefining industry standards. Are bad reviews influencing your company's borrowing power? Is there a smarter way to navigate the loan marketplace without getting lost in the fine print? Get ready to engage with a narrative that could reshape your business financing approach. Don't miss out on the insights that could transform your understanding of lending—tune in to our in-depth conversation with Michael Barnett on Predictable B2B Success. Some areas we explore in this episode include:  The challenges and implications of bad reviews for companies and the general neglect of reading terms and conditions.Loanspark's marketplace model and its mission to partner with organizations to offer tailored loan options.Loanspark's pivot from various loan products to achieving balanced offerings across different segments.The rapid and straightforward deployment of Loanspark's technology platform for new partnerships.The multiple benefits Loanspark provides to its clients, including customer retention, revenue generation, and democratizing loan access.Loanspark's role in making capital access more transparent and straightforward for businesses in the US.The competitive edge Loanspark offers financial institutions by providing unique loan solutions.Michael Barnett's background in the financial services industry and the vision behind founding Loanspark.The importance of customer experiences in lending and how Loanspark ensures transparency and efficiency in loan applications.The misunderstandings around commercial loan interest rates and the importance of proper education for potential borrowers.And much, much more...

In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, we dive into process science with Sam Drauschak, co-founder and chief process scientist at Truvle. With over a decade of experience in management consulting and expertise in integrating knowledge from different domains, Sam shares insights on how businesses can leverage process science to achieve sustainable success. We explore the significance of process management roles, the impact of COVID and digitalization on work practices, and the role of process science in creating value for customers. Discover how Sam's Truvle mapping language revolutionizes process mapping and addresses the lack of a standard human-centric process language. As we unravel the misconceptions about processes and automation, Sam sheds light on the transformative potential of process science in a digital world. Join us as Sam Drauschak delves into the essential role of process science in helping businesses create value, navigate the shift to process science, and establish a standard process language for data-driven analysis. Tune in to better understand process science and its relevance in achieving predictable B2B success. Some areas we explore in this episode include:  The role and impact of process science in businessThe development and utilization of the Truvle mapping languageIntegration of process science for successful organizational changeThe impact of process science on creating a customer-centric operating modelThe importance of process skillsets at the executive levelThe future of process management in the wake of COVID and digitalizationAreas of process science that are often overlookedThe broad and encompassing nature of processes in businessMisconceptions about process science and its role in businessesAutomation and digitization's influence on process workAnd much, much more ...

How can organizations foster creativity and develop truly customer-centric solutions in a world where B2B success increasingly relies on innovation?  Please tune in to our latest episode, in which service innovation expert Shaun McAndrew shares her transformative insights on navigating the dynamic landscape of business innovation. Discover why Shaun advocates for prototypes over MVPs to avoid over-featured products and the importance of guided ideation and team collaboration in driving innovation. Uncover how Shaun's experiential workshops empower companies to identify opportunities and challenges while understanding the voice of the customer to shape innovative offerings. Learn why a customer-centric approach and storytelling are pivotal in B2B contexts and how the living lab model revolutionizes the traditional product development process.  Join us as we explore the nuanced strategies, cultural shifts, and iterative testing required for businesses to thrive in an era where simplicity and customer empathy are essential to predictable B2B success. Some areas we explore in this episode include:  Importance of using prototypes instead of MVPs for product testingDistinguishing between MVPs for product offerings and prototypes for services or solutionsDirected/guided ideation and the sharing of ideas within a team for innovationSponsor and leadership commitment to service opportunitiesOrganizational culture and leadership support for fostering innovationShifting mindsets towards focusing on "jobs to be done" perspectivesCustomer-centric approach to product and service innovationWorkshop-based approach to bring about organizational change and support service innovationSignificance of storytelling and value proposition in B2B business developmentChallenges and solutions in developing and testing minimum viable services or productsAnd much, much more...

In this episode of "Predictable B2B Success," we delve into the world of scaling startups and early-stage investments in the enterprise AI space with Anupam Rastogi, a seasoned general partner at Emergent Ventures. Anupam brings over a decade of invaluable experience in venture capital, with a keen focus on seed and early-stage investments in AI-powered SaaS and infrastructure. Join host Vinay Koshy as he explores the unique challenges and key strategies for the growth of startups with Anupam. From the critical importance of achieving early product-market fit to the intricacies of scaling and continuously growing sales and marketing efforts, this conversation offers a goldmine of insights for founders and entrepreneurs navigating the ever-evolving startup landscape. Anupam doesn't just discuss the challenges; he also provides actionable advice, such as the significance of the founder or one of the founders making the first 5-7 enterprise sales and the need to engage in deliberate sales, marketing, and product cadence during a company's growth stages. Tune in to gain exclusive access to Anupam's expertise and unrivaled advice on venture round fundraising, fostering a thriving company culture, and choosing the proper lead generation channels at different stages of a company's growth. If you want to scale your startup or are deeply invested in venture capital, this episode promises to be a game-changer. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Importance of early-stage hires in startupsProduct-market fit and customer feedback in scaling companiesDistinction between fundraising and sales Successful startup example: Present, an AI-powered presentation creatorEnterprise sales and the role of founders in initial salesInvolvement of founders in understanding customer feedbackDeliberate efforts in sales, marketing, and product cadence during growth stagesImportance of surrounding founders with the right advisers and investorsChallenges of scaling startups and achieving early product-market fitDynamics of venture round fundraising and critical considerations for startupsAnd much, much more ...