The Death of specific SaaS Tools Due to Copycat Products

The SaaS industry is soon going to transform massively. A shift that will change the whole landscape and people are going to have to adapt to it. The sooner you do it the better it is. But what is going to cause this change? The use of AI + No Code creating new coded copycat versions of EVERY sales & marketing software for 1/10th to 1/10th to pricing to create and service.

Here are the 3 topics this week:

1. The Death of SaaS Tools Due to Copycat Products
2. Sellers Creating a Brand
3. The Window Time - create content at scale.

The Death of SaaS Tools Due to Copycat Products

A fascinating trend is reshaping the landscape of software as a service (SaaS). This shift has been brewing in the tech world, and it’s something that every sales professional should be acutely aware of, especially if you're in the SaaS domain.

Twenty years ago, launching a software company was an expensive venture, typically requiring millions of dollars just to get off the ground. However, thanks to advancements in technology, spearheaded by Moore's Law, the costs have significantly decreased over time. Just a few years ago, a minimal viable product for a SaaS company could be developed for a few hundred thousand dollars, often funded through instruments like SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).

Fast forward to the last 18 months, and we're witnessing a groundbreaking shift, largely fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). AI technologies have now evolved to the point where they can analyze existing codebases—not to plagiarize, but to reimagine and recreate software products efficiently and ethically. This brings us to a concept introduced by Chamath Palihapitiya on the All-In Podcast and his venture called 8090, which you can find at 8090ish.com.

The core idea here is simple yet profound: AI can drive the creation of new software tools at a fraction of the traditional cost—think one-tenth or even less. This is shaking up the industry, as the cost of engineering teams, sales, and marketing continues to climb, putting enormous pressure on the existing SaaS pricing models. Last year alone, 73% of SaaS vendors raised their prices.

This evolving scenario hints at a major market disruption. Your company, which might be selling software tools for thousands or even tens of thousands per month, could suddenly face competitors who leverage AI and offshore development to offer similar tools at drastically lower prices. This model, often referred to as Product-Led Growth (PLG), is gaining traction and could redefine market strategies and distribution models.

As a sales professional, you're facing a unique mix of challenges and opportunities. The market is getting more competitive as new players use pricing strategies to their advantage. Your skill in dealing with this situation, selling complex narratives, and highlighting best practices becomes more crucial than ever.

Stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly, be prepared to adapt. This is not just about keeping up; it's about staying ahead.

Sellers Creating a Brand?

How did Adam Robinson boost his sales from a consistent $3 million cap to an impressive $22 million? It's all down to a game-changing strategy in the sales world, combining the power of personal branding with smart networking.

Here’s the scoop: the old school method of sales—cold calling and pushing for a sale—is fading away. It’s not about artificial intelligence taking over our jobs; it’s about us evolving with the tools we have. Adam's experience has shown that becoming a standout personal brand in your field is not just beneficial; it's essential.

Think about sales as less of a chase and more of you drawing people in. Successful sales folks today are more than just team members at a company; they're their own brand. They're the go-to people who others look to for advice and insights. They don’t just work their connections—they attract attention and build genuine relationships.

What does this mean for you? Well, the typical sales team might get smaller, but each person’s role will pack a bigger punch. Companies are aiming to have a small team of top-tier sales pros who are supported by cost-effective tech like AI. These pros aren’t just selling; they're also major influencers within their industries.

These star salespeople use their personal brand to become magnets. They share valuable content, engage with their network on platforms like LinkedIn, and position themselves as leaders whom others want to follow and buy from. It's less about making countless calls and more about creating connections that count.

This new way of selling means getting smart about who you reach out to and when. For instance, focusing on potential clients who just got a new CEO or are gearing up for a big merger might be more receptive to what you have to offer. This strategy is about quality over quantity, making sure you're engaging with the right people at the right time.

As you move forward, think about how you can shine as a go-to expert in your field. Building your brand isn't just good for business; it’s essential for thriving in today’s sales environment.

The Window Time - content creation at scale

Today, let's explore a concept that’s close to my heart and crucial for anyone looking to amplify their voice in their industry without getting bogged down by the time-consuming task of content creation. I call it the "Window Time" – a method that leverages the power of storytelling and efficient idea sharing to maximize your impact as a thought leader.

"Window Time" is about making the most of those moments when you're sharing ideas verbally. It’s about capturing the spoken ideas and transforming them into compelling content without ever needing to sit down and type the whole thing by yourself.

Here’s how it works: As a thought leader, you continuously brainstorm innovative ideas, just like I do when I’m on the road or between meetings. Instead of investing time in documenting and typing these thoughts, I share them in a virtual meeting with offshore writers. Who then record your thoughts by recording the meeting and document your ideas on paper.?

These ideas also get polished and refined if needed. And this process ensures that your expertise is shared widely and efficiently, allowing you to maintain your focus on what you do best—innovating and leading—while still contributing valuable content to your field.

While you're investing time in growing your business and refining your operations, your team is diligently transforming these spoken words into written articles and newsletters. These can then be shared with your audience, spreading your knowledge and establishing you firmly as a leader in your field.?

Let's start thinking about how you can incorporate "Window Time" into your routine. It’s about more than just efficiency—it’s about expanding your influence without stretching your schedule.

FREE RESOURCE – Activity & Pipeline Gap Calculator

Does each of your sellers know the exact number of conversations they will need to have next month to highly influence Pipeline Creation???

Have they accounted for the headwinds and tailwinds?

• Leads from Marketing
• Leads from BDR team
• Leads from Channel Partners

What is their ‘Self-Sourcing’ GAP?

Download it here

How many opportunities do they need to self-source?

How many conversations will be required to create enough opportunities to win?