
Topline
The #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Tune in every week to hear Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno and Asad Zaman discuss and debate the trends, news, and developments impacting the B2B tech world. Enjoy the hot takes, strong opinions, and dry humor.
Latest episodes

Aug 22, 2024 • 10min
TOPLINE HOTLINE: Should you report ARR before or after discounting?
The discussion kicks off with the debate on whether to report ARR before or after discounts, a dilemma for many companies. The hosts delve into best practices for revenue schedules in Salesforce, focusing on the invoicing cycle versus even distribution. They emphasize the importance of aligning revenue recognition with service delivery rather than just invoicing times. Additionally, they navigate the ethical challenges in revenue reporting and highlight the risks of distorting figures for appearance's sake, advocating for transparency in financial practices.

Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 13min
E71: Google's Anti-Trust Ruling, SaaS Performance Updates, and The Future of Venture Capital
The discussion covers Google's antitrust ruling and its effects on competition in tech. Leaders face challenges of context-switching and must balance responsibilities while maintaining productivity. The hosts dive into SaaS performance metrics, capital allocation, and the necessity for B2B tech to broaden their market reach. Additional insights into the impact of technology on youth emphasize the importance of setting limits and promoting outdoor activity, while trends in vertical SaaS highlight the balance between growth and sustainability. Personal anecdotes about insomnia add a relatable touch.

Aug 15, 2024 • 12min
TOPLINE HOTLINE: Is there a way to more efficiently prepare for board meetings?
Preparing for board meetings can be a monumental task, often taking weeks of effort. The hosts explore strategies to streamline this process, emphasizing concise communication and consistent reporting metrics. Tips include creating shorter board decks and regular updates to facilitate better discussions. They also discuss the importance of effective communication between founders and board members, especially given their busy schedules. Insights on enhancing focus and encouraging board member engagement are shared to promote alignment during meetings.

Aug 11, 2024 • 1h 14min
E70: Navigating Market Volatility: Recession Fear, Jobs Report, & Resiliency
The hosts dive into recent economic shifts, tackling the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and rising unemployment concerns. They analyze Japan's market crash and its ripple effects. The tech sector's resilience amid broader volatility is explored, advocating for data-driven strategies. Leadership dynamics are examined, emphasizing authenticity and effective communication. Personal anecdotes highlight the delicate balance of receiving feedback while maintaining stability. The group also shares insights from a CEO retreat, focusing on growth strategies and the pursuit of financial security.

Aug 8, 2024 • 17min
TOPLINE HOTLINE: How can I establish a performance-driven culture among my sales team?
This mini-listen dives into the dynamics of establishing a performance-driven culture in sales teams. The hosts dissect the impact of leaderboards, revealing how transparency can boost motivation. They compare President's Club initiatives with leaderboards and discuss the cost-effectiveness of sales kickoffs. Engaging team events and personal leadership connections are suggested as ways to enhance motivation. It’s a lively debate on what really works for driving sales performance!

Aug 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
E69: Cold Calling Sucks, and That’s Why it Works with Armand Farrokh
Armand Farrokh, founder of the revenue media platform Minutes to President's Club and author, dives into the complexities of cold calling and its surprising effectiveness. He discusses the impact of AI and automation on sales strategies, highlighting the need for personalized outreach. Armand argues for the importance of human connection in an age of technology, critiquing generic communication. He emphasizes the resurgence of direct methods and the balance between automation and personal interactions to foster meaningful client relationships.

Aug 1, 2024 • 7min
TOPLINE HOTLINE: How do I make the most of conference season without overspending?
Join a seed round CEO who shares strategies for making the most of conference season without breaking the bank. Discover how to select the right events and whether securing a booth is worth it. Learn about proactive networking methods aligned with your Ideal Customer Profile, and how tools like QR codes can enhance connections. The discussion also highlights the benefits of collaborating with like-minded companies for sponsorships to unlock cost-effective opportunities.

7 snips
Jul 28, 2024 • 1h 8min
E68: How to Build the Right Executive Team to Reach $100M
Explore the chaos of a recent tech crisis with CrowdStrike and its far-reaching effects. Delve into the intricacies of building strong executive teams, balancing feedback with trust, and aligning strengths with company needs. Discover innovative organizational strategies inspired by total football to enhance team flexibility. Reflect on the importance of ownership in growth dynamics and the changing landscape of entrepreneurship, while appreciating personal achievements and the historical influences shaping today's business environment.

Jul 25, 2024 • 11min
TOPLINE HOTLINE: How do I swiftly transition my company from inbound to outbound sales?
The podcast discusses transitioning a company's sales strategy from 90% inbound to a 50-50 inbound-outbound split, exploring challenges, strategies, and success stories. It highlights the crucial role of experimentation, dedication, proactive planning, clear communication, and incentivizing high performers in achieving successful transitions.

39 snips
Jul 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
E67: How Clay's Co-Founders Built a $500M Series B Company
Kareem Amin and Varun Anand, co-founders of Clay, discuss their $46M Series B funding round, the impact of AI on sales and marketing, and how a silent retreat influenced leadership style. They explore market trends, AI in outreach strategies, personal growth through data sources, and notable industry acquisitions.
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