Starting SaaS: Recent Episodes
Micaela Richmond
Are you just getting into SaaS? Want to learn about the industry? The goal of "Starting SaaS" is to talk with SaaS professionals, get an insight into the industry, and create a solid foundation to build off of. Let's jump in!
Shanif Dhanani is a ChatGPT consultant with a background in software development and data science. He helps businesses understand and build systems that connect their internal and proprietary systems to ChatGPT, enabling internal employees, customers, and other stakeholders to reap the benefits of using large language models on their own data.
Shanif has built machine learning, analytics, and software systems at large companies like Twitter and Booz Allen, smaller startups like Apteo, where he was the founder, and TapCommerce, which was one of the world's first mobile advertising platforms.
Jason Shen is a resilience expert and executive coach, renowned for guiding entrepreneurs through crucial transitions. Through his experience as a 3x
founder and product leader, Jason intimately understands the challenges that creative and tech leaders face around fear, burnout, identity, and sense of purpose.
Find his website: https://www.jasonshen.com/
Bohdan Paladiychuk is a creative brand strategist from Kyiv, Ukraine.
Coming from a background in music and art, he always had a deep appreciation for creative vision. His branding approach combines tried and true practices in user interface and user experience design with a mastery in sound production, videography, copywriting, marketing, and human behavior.
Find more: https://theqream.com/
On today's episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kate Dileo about brand, storytelling, the state of marketing, and more.
Kate DiLeo is a brand architect, #1 international bestselling author, and the founder of The Brand Trifecta, the top branding SaaS product that has helped thousands of organizations craft brands that bring more prospects to the table, more users who click, and more customers who buy.
Check Kate out: www.katedileo.com.
In today's episode, Daniel Elizalde, a seasoned Product Executive and Advisor, comes onto the podcast to talk about innovation and building products.
Daniel is the bestselling author of The B2B Innovator’s Map and a startup mentor at Greentown Labs and Third Derivative, two of the US’s most prominent Climate Tech accelerators.
Daniel has over 20 years of Technology experience, including former roles as VP, Head of IoT at Ericsson, Head of Products at Stem (AI-powered, high-growth energy storage startup in Silicon Valley), and Instructor at Stanford University Continuing Studies.
Find out how you can upgrade your team’s innovation skill set at https://danielelizalde.com
Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielelizalde/
Download a free chapter of his book: https://daniel-elizalde.ck.page/e56876ea10
Mickie is the founder and president of eRelease, a leading small business in press release distribution.
Mickie Kennedy is an expert at helping small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility through PR. He’s a press release ninja.
Mickie has created a free video Master Class on how to create a winning PR strategy, based on the PR campaigns of his most successful clients: https://www.ereleases.com/plan/
On today's episode I had on Irwin Hau.
Irwin is the Founder of web design agency Chromatix and Neon Bright, two Australian agencies focused on web conversion, one on web design and the other in copywriting.
He also runs Irwin Hau Business Consultancy and a MarTech Founder starting ConversionCow, a dedicated conversion SaaS tool that helps businesses fast forward their sales process and see better results with leads and conversions.
On today's episode Phil Alves, Founder of DevSquad, shares what the best product-builders know about bringing a founder's vision to life.
Phil has helped 100+ SaaS founders go from idea to reality. In today's episode, he shares how.
Find Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philalves/
Dan Balcauski, CEO & Founder of Product Tranquility. He's an expert in helping high-volume B2B SaaS CEOs define pricing and packaging for new products.
With over 15 years of experience managing multiple products throughout their life cycles, from start-ups to publicly traded multinationals, he's the perfect person to explain this elusive topic!
On today's episode, I'm joined by Ademola Adelakun, Head of Video Production at PartnerHacker.
He has tons of experience in SaaS and explored a few different roles before finally carving his own role around his passion - video.
We talk about how he got into SaaS, Customer Success, Partnerships, Video Production, and more.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
If you're interested in learning more about Adem or helping him on his journey to getting Nearbound into the dictionary, find him on his LinkedIn.
On today's episode, I'm joined by Daniel Dawson.
He has 7+ years of Marketing experience that spans across roles.
He gives some advice, shares how he got to where he is, shares his thoughts on AI and marketing and reflects on the type of person that might enjoy marketing and partner marketing.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
If you're interested in learning more about Daniel, find him on his LinkedIn.
On today's episode I'm joined by CEO of Salesorg.io, Troy Barter.
Troy Barter has 16+ years of sales experience that span across industries and roles. He's put in his 10,000 hours, and today he shares what he's learned.
He gives some advice, shares hot-takes, reflects on the state of the market today, and gets personal.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
If you're interested in learning more about Troy, find him
- On LinkedIn
- Look into his training program - Salesorg.io
On today's episode Sheridan Lintz joined me on the podcast to discuss recruiting, interview processes, and all things personal growth.
This was a candid conversation about business, but it also touched into the realness of the journey.
I hope you enjoy!
Find Sheridan on LinkedIn
On today's episode, I have on Julie Raeder.
Julie started her career as a teacher and transitioned into SaaS.
We talk about her transition into the tech world, how her past helped her succeed in customer success, and what her day-to-day looks like.
Resources:
Success Hacker Course
Client Success
CS Insider
Find Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieraeder/
On today's episode, we have on a GURU of marketing: Keith Perhac.
Keith was an agency owner who decided to start his own SaaS tool - Segmetrics - a software that integrated with every marketing touchpoint.
He's helped hundreds of agencies, and has seen the industry become what it is today.
We talk about marketing, how not to act scam-y while marketing, why community is so important, and the reasons marketing works.
Find Keith on Twitter @harisenbon79
https://twitter.com/harisenbon79
On today's episode, we had on Keith Dawson. He's the CEO of Phone Ready Leads and today we talk about Sales and agencies.
Agencies are usually service-based providers that allow SaaS companies (and other companies) to outsource some function. Whether that be marketing, sales, design, etc., agencies help SaaS companies do more than they'd otherwise be capable of doing alone.
Not to mention, agencies often have an area of expertise, which means they nail down their offering.
We talk about:
- skill stacking
- the purpose of sales
- how sales helps him in other areas of his life
- his best sales stories
- tips he'd give beginners
- mentors
- mindset
Find Keith on:
https://www.phonereadyleads.com/
LinkedIn
Follow me:
Instagram: @micaela_inbloom
Twitter: @micaela_inbloom
On today's episode, we welcome onto the podcast Alyssa Marshall, the founder of Owwlish.com.
She began her entrepreneurial journey with a dental course and then pivoted into SaaS when she saw a problem that wasn't being solved.
We talk about pivoting, PLG models, courses, what she wishes she knew when she started, and more.
Enjoy!
To get 2 FREE months of Owwlish: https://owwlish.com/startingsaas
On today's episode, we have on Jake Radic, the Director of BDR at Siono.
Mindset is 60% of the battle. Once you have that, it makes everything else easier.
We talk about his journey from D1 football to tech sales, the sales mindset, what it takes to build confidence, and how to challenge yourself in a sales role.
Follow him:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Follow me on
Instagram: @micaela_inbloom
Twitter: @micaela_inbloom
On today's episode of the Starting SaaS Podcast we had on Dennis Kelly, the CEO of Postalytics, a direct mail marketing automation tool.
Through his decades in the SaaS industry, Dennis has learned a lot.
Today, he shares:
- How his direct mail marketing automation tool works
- PLG
- The pivot from Boingnet to Postalytics
- What he thinks about as a SaaS CEO
- Making difficult decisions in a position of leadership
Find Dennis on his LinkedIn.
Find his company Postalytics here.
On today's episode I'm joined by Nick Arl.
Nick is the Manager of Sales Development Strategy at PandaDoc, and throughout his career has worn many hats.
Today he explains how new ideas are implemented in startups, how he would create roles for himself, how he approaches strategy, and what he looks for when hiring.
This is a great episode, and I really enjoyed welcoming him onto the podcast.
I hope you enjoy!
Follow Nick on his LinkedIn.
On today’s episode I talked to Stefan Conic, the host of a podcast coming soon — SDR Hire — for new SDRs.
He’s had an extensive career in SaaS and was gracious enough to share a lot of what he’s learned.
He explains hiring, SaaS partnerships, being an SDR, the bridge between marketing and sales, and so much more.
This is both a great conversation for beginners and non-beginners alike. Stefan’s deep understanding of the industry allows him to explain complex topics, simply.
Tune in and let us know what you think by following us on LinkedIn, or leaving a rating on the podcast.
Resources:
- Ramit Sethi’s Briefcase Method for Getting a Job
- Stefan's LinkedIn
Lucas is a content manager and strategist at Evernest.
Throughout his career in SaaS, his curiosity has propelled him to dive into his role which has given him a breadth of knowledge that's apparent throughout the conversation.
We talked about the state of marketing today, how effective communication is done, and the difference between content management and strategy.
Lucas cares about using marketing to make tech more human.
If you want to learn how to be a great content marketer, want to understand how a marketer thinks, or want to see how marketing can help you do better in your role, this is a great episode.
He mentions:
- Dave Gerhardt
- Chris Walker
If you want to find him, or follow him, go to his LinkedIn.
Lolita Allgyer is a seasoned copywriter and friend.
After spending years in copywriting, she's become a master in her craft. Throughout the interview she explains why understanding copywriting can help anyone level-up their writing.
She touches on some basic principles, outlines why it’s important, and gives some examples to get you started.
If you've ever wanted to improve your writing or communication, copywriting might be the topic to look into.
If you want more from Lolita you can find her:
- on LinkedIn
- on her website
Lolita Allgyer is a seasoned copywriter and friend.
She has made her name in the copywriting space, and knows her stuff. Throughout the interview she explains why understanding copywriting can help anyone level-up their writing.
She touches on some basic principles, outlines why it’s important, and gives some examples to get you started.
If you've ever wanted to improve your writing or communication, copywriting might be the topic to look into.
If you want more from Lolita you can find her:
- on LinkedIn
- on her website
Alex Nelson is an outbound SDR for PandaDoc.
Today he comes on the podcast to talk about being an SDR, secrets to success, dealing with rejection and more.
On this podcast, we’re all about digging deeper. The past SDR conversation with Jed Mahrle helped us scratch the surface, and set the stage for today's conversation where we dive even deeper into the sales process. Alex Nelson is an energetic human being, and having him on brought all of the right vibes.
I hope you enjoy the conversation, and if you want to find more from him, follow his LinkedIn.
You can find more at https://startingsaaspodcast.com
My guest today, Darlene Dang, is a product manager at a company called Edvo.
Today she explains what product management is, what her role looks like, and how she got started.
As has been stated in other episodes, the same role in different SaaS companies can look different, but hearing about all of the different ways something can work is important for understanding how different SaaS companies come together.
There is no one right way to do things, but there are a lot of places to draw from.
Darlene has a wealth of knowledge and an extremely welcoming personality that allows her to share product management in its fullest.
Follow Darlene on her LinkedIn
If you want more, go to https://startingsaaspodcast.com.
Jed Mahrle is a Global Manager of Outbound Sales Development at PandaDoc.
Today we talked about sales. In truth, this is like a masterclass with someone who's been refining his sales skills for years.
A few topics discussed include: what different sales roles look like, what he learned from his sales positions, getting promotions, etc.
Starting as a 17 year old is no joke. He had to prove himself, and continues to do so as he ascends the sales ladder. Given that extreme focus and intentionality, he's gained a ton of knowledge in a short amount of time.
Follow Jed on LinkedIn.
Read Jed's Newsletter: Practical Prospecting
Join Jed's Mastermind
Christina Le is a social media and community manager for OpenPhone, a startup attempting to make a new type of business phone.
Throughout the episode we talked about her journey to the position, tips and tricks for being a better community manager, how community management helps a team/company, and more.
Christina has a ton of energy and is so fun to talk to. If you're wanting new TikTok content, some aesthetic Instagram travel content, or some awesome work tips, go and check her out.
You can find Christina on...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesechapters/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesechapters
Instagram: instagram.com/thesechapters
If you want more information on the episode, you can find everything at https://startingsaaspodcast.com.
Andrea Bowers is an AE (Account Executive) for AirDeck.
Today, we dive into her journey to SaaS, which was not traditional.
She began in B2C, and unexpectedly ended up in B2B. Like many people, she didn't know that SaaS was an option.
Listening to her story, there were things I could relate to.
Today we dive into definitions, explain the difference between B2B and B2C, and attempt to draw a mental map for you.
Before I began this conversation, I didn't fully understand the difference in the functionality of B2B and B2C. I also wasn't completely aware of how AE's fit into the full business structure. Now I do.
I hope you enjoy the episode and her thorough explanations!
Andrea's amazing!
Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bowersandrea/
Follow her on TikTok: @saasytwinmom
Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/andreanbow/
You can find more information and resources talked about in the show on the website: startingsaaspodcast.com
Welcome to the Starting SaaS podcast!
This podcast is all about learning the basics of the SaaS industry.
Today’s episode is all about the fundamentals. In truth, it’s the episode I wish I had when I was beginning.
After listening, you’ll have a firm foundation for building your understanding of SaaS.
Isaac Morehouse, our guest today, takes the concept of SaaS and breaks it down into different segments. He begins by explaining what it is, why it exists, and why the business model is superior to others. Then, we define some terms and paint a picture of how a SaaS business works (all of its roles and processes).
If you’ve ever been interested or curious about SaaS, this is the podcast for you.
Here are some articles I found helpful when I was beginning:
https://www.kalungi.com/blog/saas-sales-marketing-acronyms-abbreviations
https://thinkgrowth.org/the-saas-founders-playbook-for-customer-success-f9c77f916e52
https://bruceharpham.com/saas-acronyms/
Welcome to the Starting SaaS podcast!
I am a beginning. No shame in admitting it.
I'm going to sit have conversations with SaaS people to learn about the industry, understand its moving parts, and create a solid foundation.
Let's begin the journey!