Mike Haylon

I like a consistent review of competitive win rates by stage. I think these can serve as early signals to so much: from how your narrative is landing, whether price is where you fall down or perhaps even foresight into late losses building up as a result of a missing piece of functionality or two. We have the benefit of someone who dedicates the majority of their time on content creation, visiting with customers and regular analysis of our results. Whether or not you can make this a full-time jo ...Read More

Sales KPIs play a critical role in forecast accuracy, especially in unpredictable markets. Amidst the market turbulence, really the only thing you have are deal execution and forecast accuracy. The difference between having a math based forecast everyone is aligned around vs not is stark. There are so many ways to cut your forecast in an effort to determine where you'll land. The math itself is important but the most important is having a shared language and "walkup" in order to pinpoint the ass ...Read More

Sales leaders can set KPIs around behaviors we want to see and hold the team accountable to them but top performers will disregard them if they don’t find it is what puts them in the best position to achieve their growth targets. That’s why it’s really important to spend meaningful time with your top account executives upfront to be sure you have a pulse on the ways in which they are translating the strategy you’ve set into actual work in the field. If I believe based on the data that it will ta ...Read More

I think any KPI that is not integrated into the quota and comp structure for any AE by and large is misguided. If you want AEs to focus on specific behaviors then build it into their comp plan and prioritize quota relief over increased commission payments if you have to choose. There are only two exceptions to this in my mind: any KPIs (pipe coverage, onsite meetings, etc.) where you can establish a direct connection to the health of those metrics and their ability to close more revenue OR behav ...Read More

As important as any KPI is why the metric is being measured, how you intend to reliably collect and review the data and the frequency you will get together to review the trend good or bad. In entering new markets, however difficult and unpredictable, you need to establish what you do believe to be true: size of the TAM, ICP definition and owners of each stage and target conversion of part of the funnel. Once you commit to the process - and give enough time for the work to show meaningful results ...Read More

Welcome to the C-Suite. The people in this position have gotten there because they have really valuable perspectives to share and are often right. The best thing you can do being stuck in the middle is to be really clear about the decision(s) being debated as part of the proposed strategy, what the most salient points are that bolster or refute each argument and bring clarity on the decision(s) that need to be made and by when. Putting this into a document and asking folks to weigh in ahead of a ...Read More

A clear perspective backed by data and customer examples Brevity while still ensuring substance Creativity in finding solutions that may not align perfectly to only the thing you had in mind. I screwed up both these things on two separate occasions in highly visible roles where the cost to me (and my sanity on the days that followed) wasn't small. I didn't let the work nor my commitment to finding a suitable resolution fade into the background. Instead I doubled down my commitment to find creati ...Read More

Over-indexing on trying to look good by manipulating the narrative or masking challenges or flaws. Better to be honest and proactive where there are challenges, especially if it is you that has not done well enough to deliver against what is needed. Radical candor is/was talked about a lot but no matter how much practice you get the reality is it is hardest to deliver the truth when it is often most important to do so. My very first forecast call with a new CRO I was nearly certain would cost me ...Read More

Demonstrate an absolute commitment to solving problems for your customers and do it even when it feels like no one is watching. People are always talking and sharing examples of great. When you've done your research and put in the work, shine a light on it by asking execs to weigh in or get involved. Too many try to run and hide from this but there is no faster path forward than to have your work critiqued, making clear your commitment to solve problems especially when you didn't have it right t ...Read More