SaaS has become an incredibly recruitment competitive landscape, international economic downturns have led to re-orgs and layoffs in the US in particular, which can make early stage SaaS businesses hesitant in hiring in the big guns, or lay the expectations at the door of the sales teams alone.
Whether you're a sales or marketing-led model, the importance of having the right CMO on board can't be underestimated. Blurred lines between lower funnel and lead generation affect both sales and marketing metrics - so you'll need the right person at the top.
Anthony Witherspoon at the Future of SaaS has written a great article on useful questions to use when assessing the suitability of candidates for a CMO role and some of the below may help you ascertain how your new CMO could "pivot" in uncertain times.
- Could you please provide insights into your notable learnings from the past year?
- Can you reflect on a past role you had and tell us what you’d do differently if you could do it over again?
- What are the biggest challenges that CMOs face right now and heading into the future?
- What marketing KPIs do you prioritize?
Full list of questions in the article here & I'm always happy to help with a few more suggestions...
As the digital realm becomes increasingly crowded and customer expectations continue to evolve, the role of a CMO extends far beyond traditional marketing functions. A proficient CMO possesses a strategic vision, a deep understanding of the industry, and a relentless commitment to customer-centricity. Their ability to harness data, employ innovative tactics, and inspire cross-functional collaboration can propel a SaaS company to new heights, capturing market share, fostering brand loyalty, and driving revenue.
Read the original article here