OpenView Labs http://labs.openviewpartners.com Helping companies grow Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:00:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Interviews with industry leading experts & advice for software managers to help you build a great company. Topics include: Building sales teams, agile development with SCRUM, product and customer developer, online marketing and social media. Kevin Cain no Kevin Cain kcain@openviewlabs.com kcain@openviewlabs.com (Kevin Cain) OpenView Venture Partners Advice & interviews to help you develop amazing product's that customers love software, management, product development, online marketing, leadership, sales, agile, SCRUM, social media, manager OpenView Labs http://partners.kevinlearynet.netdna-cdn.com/docs/labcast-idea.png http://labs.openviewpartners.com Boston, MA Monthly 3 Ways to Grow Without Losing Your Innovative Edge http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-grow-without-losing-innovative-edge/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-grow-without-losing-innovative-edge/#comments Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:00:17 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47545 Does the fear of losing your company’s innovative spirit keep you up at night? Board of Innovation co-founder Philippe De Ridder shares the secrets to reversing your transition into a sluggish corporate giant.

3 Ways to Grow Without Losing Your Innovative Edge" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-grow-without-losing-innovative-edge/feed/ 0 Agile Marketing Tactics: 3 Success Stories http://labs.openviewpartners.com/agile-marketing-tactics-3-success-stories/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/agile-marketing-tactics-3-success-stories/#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:05:59 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46864 These startups show you how to quickly adapt to shifts in user behaviors and desires by adopting agile marketing tactics.

Agile Marketing Tactics: 3 Success Stories" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/agile-marketing-tactics-3-success-stories/feed/ 0 5 Steps for Turning Smart Personal Branding into Corporate Success http://labs.openviewpartners.com/turn-smart-personal-branding-to-corporate-success/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/turn-smart-personal-branding-to-corporate-success/#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:00:51 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46713 Branding consultant Dorie Clark explains how standing out and becoming a thought leader can benefit both you and your company — and how doing so is easier than you think.

5 Steps for Turning Smart Personal Branding into Corporate Success" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/turn-smart-personal-branding-to-corporate-success/feed/ 0 Take Your Sales Qualifying Questions To the Next Level http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-layer-sales-qualifying-questions/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-layer-sales-qualifying-questions/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:00:21 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47689 Inside sales training expert Mike Brooks explains how layering your sales qualifying questions can multiply the effectiveness of your qualifying calls.

Take Your Sales Qualifying Questions To the Next Level" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-layer-sales-qualifying-questions/feed/ 0 Investor Communication Is the Key to Keeping Your Company Afloat http://labs.openviewpartners.com/investor-communication-is-the-key-to-keeping-your-company-afloat/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/investor-communication-is-the-key-to-keeping-your-company-afloat/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:45:06 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47122 Learn why establishing a regular investor communication pattern is priority number one plus what to include once you’ve made it a habit.

Investor Communication Is the Key to Keeping Your Company Afloat" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/investor-communication-is-the-key-to-keeping-your-company-afloat/feed/ 0 Startups: Get Focused and Stop Adding Franken-Features! http://labs.openviewpartners.com/product-development-strategy-adding-new-features/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/product-development-strategy-adding-new-features/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:30:56 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47762 After launching a product, startups often ask themselves, "What next?" — and before they know it they've created a monster. Andrew Chen explains why you should stop overwhelming your product with shallow features and start highlighting its core value.

Startups: Get Focused and Stop Adding Franken-Features!" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/product-development-strategy-adding-new-features/feed/ 2 Most Powerful Women in Tech: Meet these Pioneers http://labs.openviewpartners.com/most-powerful-women-in-tech-meet-these-pioneers/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/most-powerful-women-in-tech-meet-these-pioneers/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:15:02 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46869 Even if tech still feels like a boys club at times, the most powerful women in tech prove things are progressing with their amazing accomplishments.

Most Powerful Women in Tech: Meet these Pioneers" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/most-powerful-women-in-tech-meet-these-pioneers/feed/ 0 Top 25 Sales Influencers for 2013 http://labs.openviewpartners.com/top-sales-influencers-for-2013/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/top-sales-influencers-for-2013/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:00:34 +0000 OpenView Staff http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47634 It's our 2nd annual list highlighting the most active and influential sales thought leaders online.

Top 25 Sales Influencers for 2013" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/top-sales-influencers-for-2013/feed/ 12 How To Be a Better Manager: Become a Career Agent for Your Employees http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-be-a-better-manager-become-a-career-agent-for-your-employees/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-be-a-better-manager-become-a-career-agent-for-your-employees/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:10:49 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47102 If you’re wondering how to be a better manager, help your employees build a portfolio they can show internally and externally.

How To Be a Better Manager: Become a Career Agent for Your Employees" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-to-be-a-better-manager-become-a-career-agent-for-your-employees/feed/ 0 How Much Content Should You Be Creating? http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-much-content-should-you-be-creating/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-much-content-should-you-be-creating/#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:46:16 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47543 Producing content may be easier than ever, but does that mean every company should be turning on the hose? Online marketing expert Lee Odden reveals the key to determining the best publishing schedule for you.

How Much Content Should You Be Creating?" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-much-content-should-you-be-creating/feed/ 22 Content Creation Ideas: Simple Ways to Open the Floodgates http://labs.openviewpartners.com/content-creation-ideas-simple-ways-to-open-the-floodgates/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/content-creation-ideas-simple-ways-to-open-the-floodgates/#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:10:00 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47116 Having a tough time coming up with content creation ideas? You can reveal countless topics with websites you already using daily.

Content Creation Ideas: Simple Ways to Open the Floodgates" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/content-creation-ideas-simple-ways-to-open-the-floodgates/feed/ 0 Go to Market Strategy: Why Entrepreneurs Should “Go Small to Go Big” http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/go-to-market-strategy-why-entrepreneurs-should-go-small-to-go-big/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/go-to-market-strategy-why-entrepreneurs-should-go-small-to-go-big/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:00:16 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?post_type=videos&p=46382 Don’t bother trying to be all things to all people. Instead, nail your niche for your go to market strategy.

Go to Market Strategy: Why Entrepreneurs Should “Go Small to Go Big”" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/go-to-market-strategy-why-entrepreneurs-should-go-small-to-go-big/feed/ 0 Tips for Coming Onboard as a New CEO http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/tips-for-coming-onboard-as-a-new-ceo/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/tips-for-coming-onboard-as-a-new-ceo/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:10:55 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?post_type=videos&p=46067 Navigating the transition into a company as a new CEO is never easy, but CEO of Spreadfast Rod Favaron has some ideas on how to make it as smooth as possible.

Tips for Coming Onboard as a New CEO" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/tips-for-coming-onboard-as-a-new-ceo/feed/ 0 How One Company Is Making It Easier than Ever for Entrepreneurs to Find a Mentor http://labs.openviewpartners.com/entrepreneurs-find-a-mentor/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/entrepreneurs-find-a-mentor/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:00:20 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47568 While successful tech startups are springing up in all sorts of places not named Silicon Valley, those companies and their founders still face a networking and community-building disadvantage, right? Not anymore. Discover how one entrepreneur is working to bridge the gap by opening up access to one of tech's most valuable commodities — battle-tested advice.

How One Company Is Making It Easier than Ever for Entrepreneurs to Find a Mentor" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/entrepreneurs-find-a-mentor/feed/ 0 Sales Manager Responsibilities: Provide a Framework for Success http://labs.openviewpartners.com/sales-manager-responsibilities-provide-a-framework-for-success/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/sales-manager-responsibilities-provide-a-framework-for-success/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:05:57 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47119 Success starts at the top, so your sales manager responsibilities include laying out a plan and providing the proper tool kit.

Sales Manager Responsibilities: Provide a Framework for Success" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/sales-manager-responsibilities-provide-a-framework-for-success/feed/ 0 What Are Key Performance Indicators for SaaS? 6 Metrics that Really Matter http://labs.openviewpartners.com/what-are-key-performance-indicators-6-saas-metrics-that-really-matter/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/what-are-key-performance-indicators-6-saas-metrics-that-really-matter/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:00:40 +0000 OpenView Staff http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47270 In this quick guide you'll discover the six key performance indicators (KPIs) you need to monitor to analyze your SaaS company’s performance and track your growth — without drowning the business in useless data.

What Are Key Performance Indicators for SaaS? 6 Metrics that Really Matter" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/what-are-key-performance-indicators-6-saas-metrics-that-really-matter/feed/ 0 Growth Leaders: Find Out If You’ve Got What It Takes to Go Big in 2 Minutes http://labs.openviewpartners.com/growth-leaders-find-out-if-youve-got-what-it-takes-to-go-big-in-2-minutes/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/growth-leaders-find-out-if-youve-got-what-it-takes-to-go-big-in-2-minutes/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:00:15 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46853 Daniel Isenberg, author and professor, says true growth leaders recognize and embrace the importance of sales.

Growth Leaders: Find Out If You’ve Got What It Takes to Go Big in 2 Minutes" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/growth-leaders-find-out-if-youve-got-what-it-takes-to-go-big-in-2-minutes/feed/ 0 “Should I Join A Startup Accelerator?”: What You Need to Know http://labs.openviewpartners.com/should-i-join-a-startup-accelerator-what-you-need-to-know/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/should-i-join-a-startup-accelerator-what-you-need-to-know/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:51:40 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46846 As you launch your business, weighing the advantages and trepidations is an important step when asking “should I join a startup accelerator?”

“Should I Join A Startup Accelerator?”: What You Need to Know" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/should-i-join-a-startup-accelerator-what-you-need-to-know/feed/ 0 Labcast: How to Build an Internal Recruiting Team http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-how-to-build-an-internal-recruiting-team/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-how-to-build-an-internal-recruiting-team/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:00:34 +0000 Lindsey Gurian http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47327 An internal recruiting team can help save you time and money, but is your company ready to develop its own "talent factory?"

Labcast: How to Build an Internal Recruiting Team" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-how-to-build-an-internal-recruiting-team/feed/ 0 Your Company’s Competitive Advantage Is About to Expire: So What’s Next? http://labs.openviewpartners.com/end-of-sustainable-competitive-advantage/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/end-of-sustainable-competitive-advantage/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:00:39 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47303 Say goodbye to the days of sustainable competitive advantage. Strategy expert Rita Gunther McGrath explains why competitive advantages have fallen victim to shorter and shorter shelf lives, and why you need to embrace a transient competitive strategy instead.

Your Company’s Competitive Advantage Is About to Expire: So What’s Next?" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/end-of-sustainable-competitive-advantage/feed/ 2 Newsjacking Your Competitors: Capitalizing on Rival PR http://labs.openviewpartners.com/example-of-newsjacking-capitalizing-on-competitor-pr/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/example-of-newsjacking-capitalizing-on-competitor-pr/#comments Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:39:53 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47306 Marketing strategist David Meerman Scott shares his favorite example of newsjacking in action, revealing how you can turn breaking news about your competitors into new possibilities for your business.

Newsjacking Your Competitors: Capitalizing on Rival PR" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/example-of-newsjacking-capitalizing-on-competitor-pr/feed/ 1 Beyond the Handshake: Relationship vs. Transactional Marketing http://labs.openviewpartners.com/benefits-of-relationship-marketing/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/benefits-of-relationship-marketing/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:30:37 +0000 Luis Fernandes http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=45887 A handshake is just the beginning. The conversation shouldn't end once a new customer comes on board — unless you want to see that same customer sign with a competitor down the line. Learn the benefits of relationship marketing by looking beyond the transaction to focus on customer retention and satisfaction.

Beyond the Handshake: Relationship vs. Transactional Marketing" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/benefits-of-relationship-marketing/feed/ 1 Ensure Qualified Marketing Leads with a Perfected Lead Scoring Sheet http://labs.openviewpartners.com/ensure-qualified-marketing-leads-with-a-perfected-lead-scoring-sheet/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/ensure-qualified-marketing-leads-with-a-perfected-lead-scoring-sheet/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:00:46 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46859 Take a quick look at your process to increase qualified marketing leads and provide your sales force with what they need.

Ensure Qualified Marketing Leads with a Perfected Lead Scoring Sheet" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/ensure-qualified-marketing-leads-with-a-perfected-lead-scoring-sheet/feed/ 0 Google Penguin Doesn’t Mean It’s Time to Put Link Building Out to Pasture http://labs.openviewpartners.com/google-penguin-doesnt-mean-its-time-to-put-link-building-out-to-pasture/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/google-penguin-doesnt-mean-its-time-to-put-link-building-out-to-pasture/#comments Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:44:39 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47105 Don’t be swayed by those who think link building and SEO are a thing of the past due to the recent updates to Google Penguin.

Google Penguin Doesn’t Mean It’s Time to Put Link Building Out to Pasture" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/google-penguin-doesnt-mean-its-time-to-put-link-building-out-to-pasture/feed/ 0 Which Social Media Channels Should You Prioritize? http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/how-to-prioritize-social-media-channels/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/how-to-prioritize-social-media-channels/#comments Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:30:33 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?post_type=videos&p=47237 Twitter. Pinterest. Facebook. Blogging. LinkedIn. Which of those social media channels should you be most active on if you want the best branding results?

Which Social Media Channels Should You Prioritize?" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/how-to-prioritize-social-media-channels/feed/ 0 8 Deal Breakers that Send Venture Capitalists Running http://labs.openviewpartners.com/8-venture-capital-deal-breakers/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/8-venture-capital-deal-breakers/#comments Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:00:01 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47189 Entrepreneur, startup advisor, and VC John Greathouse shares eight red flags inexperienced entrepreneurs routinely raise when pursuing venture capital investment.

8 Deal Breakers that Send Venture Capitalists Running" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/8-venture-capital-deal-breakers/feed/ 6 Dropping Freemium: How One Company Killed Its Free Plan and Grew 40% — And You Can, Too http://labs.openviewpartners.com/should-you-drop-your-freemium-model/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/should-you-drop-your-freemium-model/#comments Fri, 31 May 2013 19:00:22 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47048 For most SaaS companies, offering free trials and a freemium model is a no-brainer. But according to one SaaS entrepreneur, going in the opposite direction might actually do more for your bottom line.

Dropping Freemium: How One Company Killed Its Free Plan and Grew 40% — And You Can, Too" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/should-you-drop-your-freemium-model/feed/ 14 Labcast: S. Anthony Iannarino on How to Create a Successful Business Blog http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-starting-a-business-blog/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-starting-a-business-blog/#comments Thu, 30 May 2013 21:00:32 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=47067 S. Anthony Iannarino tells the story behind starting The Sales Blog, and shares the secrets behind its growth and success as one of the most popular sales blogs online.

Labcast: S. Anthony Iannarino on How to Create a Successful Business Blog" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-starting-a-business-blog/feed/ 0 Podcast S. Anthony Iannarino tells the story behind starting The Sales Blog, and shares the secrets behind its growth and success as one of the most popular sales blogs online. Starting a business blog is easy, but how do you gain a following and help move your business forward? (http://labs.openviewpartners.com/files/2013/05/752__ghosts_in_the_night_life_on_pause-e1369929828567.jpg) With millions of blogs on the Web, starting your own blog may seem daunting, let alone building an devoted audience, and developing it into a healthy source of inbound leads for your business. However, that doesn't mean it is impossible. In this week's Labcast, S. Anthony Iannarino shares his hurdles and triumphs in creating his widely acclaimed site, The Sales Blog (http://thesalesblog.com/), and offers advice for businesses looking to start their own blog. Iannarino shows that with patience and an interesting point of view, generating thousands of subscribers is attainable. Key Takeaways * You've got to build a community. Follow your competitors, share other bloggers' content, and engage yourself in the web community. [7:00] * Write, write, write. You've got ideas — write them down. [4:14] * Don't limit yourself to one platform. Want more subscribers? Reach others through multiple social media platforms. [6:27] * Put in the time. Your blog can help your company grow. Treat it like it's part of your business. Because it is. [9:53] * Have an idea. Your content is the star of your blog. [12:10]   (http://labs.openviewpartners.com/files/2013/05/headshot-anthony-iannarino-copy-300x226.jpg) "Traffic has grown tremendously and it's allowed me to build a community and to share these ideas with that community. It's an outstanding ROI." Listen Here: Labcast 110_ How to Create a Successful Business Blog with Anthony Iannarino (http://labs.openviewpartners.com/files/2013/04/Labcast-110_-How-to-Create-a-Successful-Business-Blog-with-Anthony-Iannarino.mp3) Transcript Kevin Cain: Hi everyone and welcome to this edition of LabCast. I'm Kevin Cain and today I'm joined by Anthony Iannarino. If you don't know Anthony, he's a sales expert and the President and Chief Sales Officer for SOLUTIONS Staffing, which is a staffing company based in Columbus, Ohio. Anthony's been a guest with us in the past, but today actually we're not going to be talking about sales. We're going to be talking about blogging and the success that Anthony's had with his blog, which is called The Sales Blog. (http://thesalesblog.com/) Hey, Anthony, thanks so much for joining me on LabCast today. How's it going? Anthony Iannarino: It's great. Good to talk to you again, Kevin. How are you? Kevin: I'm doing well. Thank you. I mentioned in the introduction that you're a sales expert, someone we've talked to in the past, but today's LabCast actually we're not going to be focusing on sales, per se, but rather talking about "The Sales Blog" (http://thesalesblog.com) which is the blog that you created and how you created it, how you're using content to drive your business. I wonder if to kind of start that off you could just give people a quick overview of The Sales Blog and tell us what it is. Anthony: It's an interesting story how I got here because I bought the domain, TheSalesBlog.com in 2007 and I wanted just Sales Blog but somebody in North Carolina had it. They were sitting on a part and they weren't doing anything. It turns out it's Jeffrey Gitomer and he now has a blog up at that address. I knew I had something to say but I really wasn't sure what to do with the social media tools. I wasn't really sure how this works. What are you are supposed to write about, how frequently are you supposed to do it. I kind of dabbled a little bit and in 2009, I read a couple of things. One, I started following Seth Godin very closely. I started following Chris Brogan (http://www.chrisbrogan.com)and a number of other people that had big social media presence and had built some community and I saw the model. I read Chris Brogan's book Trust Agent and I started reaching out to him. In 2009, Kevin Cain no Budgeting for SaaS Companies: Don’t Break the Bank on Sales & Marketing http://labs.openviewpartners.com/saas-sales-budget/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/saas-sales-budget/#comments Thu, 30 May 2013 14:00:26 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46914 SaaS expert Jason Lemkin offers tips for setting a realistic SaaS sales and marketing budget that fuels growth without burning through profits.

Budgeting for SaaS Companies: Don’t Break the Bank on Sales & Marketing" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/saas-sales-budget/feed/ 0 Pitch Deck Problems and How to Solve Them http://labs.openviewpartners.com/pitch-deck-problems-and-how-to-solve-them/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/pitch-deck-problems-and-how-to-solve-them/#comments Thu, 30 May 2013 13:30:34 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46489 Pitch decks can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time raising capital. Fresh off landing his first investment, Leo Wildrich, co-founder of Buffer, shares his secrets to a great deck.

Pitch Deck Problems and How to Solve Them" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/pitch-deck-problems-and-how-to-solve-them/feed/ 1 When to Search for New Target Markets http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/when-to-search-for-new-target-markets/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/when-to-search-for-new-target-markets/#comments Wed, 29 May 2013 18:04:11 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?post_type=videos&p=46064 Don’t even think about seeking out new target markets until you fulfill your promise to your early adopters. While you’ll no doubt eventually be looking to move into new target markets, the key to finding them successfully is pleasing your early adopters. Those customers who initially bought into your idea can become your greatest asset,…

When to Search for New Target Markets" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/when-to-search-for-new-target-markets/feed/ 0 Talent Sourcing: 4 Tips for Maximizing a Rapidly Evolving Landscape http://labs.openviewpartners.com/talent-sourcing-4-tips-for-maximizing-a-rapidly-evolving-landscape/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/talent-sourcing-4-tips-for-maximizing-a-rapidly-evolving-landscape/#comments Wed, 29 May 2013 17:30:50 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46474 If you want top notch employees, you need to come up with a comprehensive talent sourcing strategy.

Talent Sourcing: 4 Tips for Maximizing a Rapidly Evolving Landscape" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/talent-sourcing-4-tips-for-maximizing-a-rapidly-evolving-landscape/feed/ 0 3 Ways You’re Blowing It with Your Buyers http://labs.openviewpartners.com/overcoming-sales-resistance/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/overcoming-sales-resistance/#comments Wed, 29 May 2013 14:00:24 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46874 Buyers often harbor a healthy resistance to salespeople — and for the most part, can you blame them? Sales coach and bestselling author Mike Weinberg offers three changes to your approach that can help you lower natural defenses and get you and your buyers working together.

3 Ways You’re Blowing It with Your Buyers" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/overcoming-sales-resistance/feed/ 4 Beginner’s Guide to Stunning Visual Content Marketing http://labs.openviewpartners.com/visual-content-marketing-guide/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/visual-content-marketing-guide/#comments Tue, 28 May 2013 18:30:20 +0000 Jonathan Crowe http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46840 When it comes to your content marketing strategy, creating striking visual content is no longer a “nice to have”. This guide explores the visual content revolution and offers easy how-to examples and advice for capturing and engaging your audience.

Beginner’s Guide to Stunning Visual Content Marketing" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/visual-content-marketing-guide/feed/ 5 Business Growth Lessons Gained From a 4-Month Writing Project http://labs.openviewpartners.com/business-growth-lessons-gained-from-a-4-month-writing-project/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/business-growth-lessons-gained-from-a-4-month-writing-project/#comments Tue, 28 May 2013 17:30:23 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46479 Upon completing the first chapter of a blogging project, VC Glen Solomon reflects upon the business growth lessons he took away.

Business Growth Lessons Gained From a 4-Month Writing Project" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/business-growth-lessons-gained-from-a-4-month-writing-project/feed/ 0 Facebook Graph Search: What Startups Are Saying http://labs.openviewpartners.com/facebook-graph-search-what-startups-are-saying/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/facebook-graph-search-what-startups-are-saying/#comments Mon, 27 May 2013 17:30:06 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46470 Is Facebook graph search the game changer you're looking for? Startups roll up their sleeves and weigh in on its pros and cons.

Facebook Graph Search: What Startups Are Saying" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/facebook-graph-search-what-startups-are-saying/feed/ 0 Top 10 Books for Entrepreneurs to Read this Summer http://labs.openviewpartners.com/books-for-entrepreneurs-summer-reading/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/books-for-entrepreneurs-summer-reading/#comments Mon, 27 May 2013 13:00:10 +0000 OpenView Staff http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46809 This summer, get away, but stay up-to-date — and be ready to move your business forward when you get back. Discover the latest insights and lessons that will take you one step closer toward turning the vision for your company into reality.

Top 10 Books for Entrepreneurs to Read this Summer" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/books-for-entrepreneurs-summer-reading/feed/ 8 5 Keys to Building a Brand Identity http://labs.openviewpartners.com/building-a-brand-identity-5-keys/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/building-a-brand-identity-5-keys/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:29 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46355 It takes a lot of thought to bring out your company’s personality, but building a brand identity allows you to better connect with customers.

5 Keys to Building a Brand Identity" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/building-a-brand-identity-5-keys/feed/ 0 Labcast: Content Marketing or SEO? Lee Odden on What Drives Top Online Marketing Strategies http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-content-marketing-seo-strategy/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-content-marketing-seo-strategy/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:47 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46720 Online marketing expert Lee Odden discusses how to develop an integrated content marketing SEO strategy that creates awareness and drives conversion.

Labcast: Content Marketing or SEO? Lee Odden on What Drives Top Online Marketing Strategies" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/labcast-content-marketing-seo-strategy/feed/ 0 Elephant Hunting: 3 Fundamentals of Selling to Key Accounts http://labs.openviewpartners.com/key-account-sales/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/key-account-sales/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 11:49:14 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46789 When it comes to B2B sales, the big guys are a different animal all together. Leading sales trainer Dave Kahle shares his insights into navigating complex key account sales.

Elephant Hunting: 3 Fundamentals of Selling to Key Accounts" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/key-account-sales/feed/ 0 9 Sales Benchmarks that Can Help You Build a Scalable Sales Machine http://labs.openviewpartners.com/9-sales-benchmarks-that-can-help-you-build-a-scalable-sales-machine/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/9-sales-benchmarks-that-can-help-you-build-a-scalable-sales-machine/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 20:31:04 +0000 Devon McDonald http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46149 Understand how your organization stacks up against these nine sales benchmarks, and you will see how to get the most out of your lead generation team.

9 Sales Benchmarks that Can Help You Build a Scalable Sales Machine" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/9-sales-benchmarks-that-can-help-you-build-a-scalable-sales-machine/feed/ 0 Sales Success Tips: Avoiding the Traps of Past Achievements http://labs.openviewpartners.com/sales-success-tips-avoiding-the-traps-of-past-achievements/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/sales-success-tips-avoiding-the-traps-of-past-achievements/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 13:30:57 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46368 The solutions you’ve used for past accomplishments may actually be holding you back. Check out these sales success tips to keep things fresh.

Sales Success Tips: Avoiding the Traps of Past Achievements" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/sales-success-tips-avoiding-the-traps-of-past-achievements/feed/ 0 The Key to SaaS Growth: Do You Know Who Your Ideal Customer Is? http://labs.openviewpartners.com/saas-growth-who-is-your-ideal-customer/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/saas-growth-who-is-your-ideal-customer/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 11:50:19 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46715 SaaS customer acquisition and success strategist Lincoln Murphy explains why answering this one simple but powerful question is the key to rapid and sustainable growth.

The Key to SaaS Growth: Do You Know Who Your Ideal Customer Is?" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/saas-growth-who-is-your-ideal-customer/feed/ 4 Entrepreneur Advice: What I Wish I Had Done Differently Heading into an Acquisition http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/entrepreneur-advice-what-i-wish-i-had-done-differently-heading-into-an-acquisition/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/entrepreneur-advice-what-i-wish-i-had-done-differently-heading-into-an-acquisition/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 20:31:18 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?post_type=videos&p=46070 Having lived through an acquisition, CEO of Spredfast Rod Favaron offers some valuable entrepreneur advice on handling the transition.

Entrepreneur Advice: What I Wish I Had Done Differently Heading into an Acquisition" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/entrepreneur-advice-what-i-wish-i-had-done-differently-heading-into-an-acquisition/feed/ 0 Content Marketing KPIs: 5 Metrics that Matter http://labs.openviewpartners.com/content-marketing-kpis/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/content-marketing-kpis/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 15:24:37 +0000 Kevin Cain http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46648 Tracking metrics like unique visitors, bounce rate, and conversion are critical to content marketing success. But choosing the right key performance indicators to measure can be a challenge. Slow down and focus on these five to start.

Content Marketing KPIs: 5 Metrics that Matter" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/content-marketing-kpis/feed/ 7 A Fresh Take on Entrepreneur Networking http://labs.openviewpartners.com/entrepreneur-networking-a-fresh-take/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/entrepreneur-networking-a-fresh-take/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:23 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46371 Struggling to find a co-founder for your startup? CoFounders Lab has the answer to all your entrepreneur networking woes.

A Fresh Take on Entrepreneur Networking" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/entrepreneur-networking-a-fresh-take/feed/ 0 3 Tips for Making Time for Social Media and Personal Branding http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/3-tips-for-making-time-for-social-media-and-personal-branding/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/3-tips-for-making-time-for-social-media-and-personal-branding/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 18:44:25 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?post_type=videos&p=46641 Social media isn’t the black hole that many business leaders seem to think it is. Discover the the secret to making time for social media from personal branding expert Dorie Clark.

3 Tips for Making Time for Social Media and Personal Branding" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/videos/3-tips-for-making-time-for-social-media-and-personal-branding/feed/ 0 3 Secrets to Hiring the Best Inside Sales Reps http://labs.openviewpartners.com/3-secrets-to-hiring-inside-sales-reps/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/3-secrets-to-hiring-inside-sales-reps/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 14:30:54 +0000 OpenView Guest http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46617 Sure, the right training can work wonders, but the best way to build a top sales team is by hiring the best sales reps to begin with. Inside sales expert Mike Brooks shares three tips for sorting the best performers from the bunch.

3 Secrets to Hiring the Best Inside Sales Reps" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/3-secrets-to-hiring-inside-sales-reps/feed/ 2 New Business Organizational Structures: Why It’s Time to Blow Up Convention http://labs.openviewpartners.com/new-business-organizational-structures-why-its-time-to-blow-up-convention/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/new-business-organizational-structures-why-its-time-to-blow-up-convention/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 13:30:38 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46357 It’s time to turn those innovation initiatives towards your org chart and create new business organizational structures.

New Business Organizational Structures: Why It’s Time to Blow Up Convention" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/new-business-organizational-structures-why-its-time-to-blow-up-convention/feed/ 0 How Non-Traditional Marketing Can Put You On The Map http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-non-traditional-marketing-can-put-you-on-the-map/ http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-non-traditional-marketing-can-put-you-on-the-map/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 16:30:59 +0000 jminton http://labs.openviewpartners.com/?p=46361 By selling their app out of a VW Bus, the Divvy team proves that non-traditional marketing can give you an edge in a crowded market place.

How Non-Traditional Marketing Can Put You On The Map" target="_blank" style="font-family:sans-serif;text-decoration:none;" >ᔥ via OpenView Labs

]]> http://labs.openviewpartners.com/how-non-traditional-marketing-can-put-you-on-the-map/feed/ 5