In 2015, my previous employer purchased five LinkedIn Sales Navigator seats in Singapore. As an SDR, the platform was handy for setting meetings across APAC as I had no network with C-Suites in the APAC banking world. Through the platform, I set outbound meetings and traveled with the client partners in each country where those meetings were set. I was so excited that I shared it with our APAC CMO, who then shared it with the global CMO. What happened next? 1. I built multiple internal business cases for the WHY of Sales Navigator. Here is one to influence people in the decision process (sales leaders across the globe): https://lnkd.in/eKzee5Di 2. The CMO evaluated the cost of lead acquisition for Sales Navigator (SQLs from the platform) vs. other spending (e.g., Good Ad campaigns). It was way cheaper and tapped into the CMO's specific priorities. 3. The LinkedIn EMEA team did a great job of building local demand. I then traveled to London to present my business case to local leaders. I remember Paul Giles, who joined as a new LinkedIn CSM, also being there! 4. The company sign over 100 licenses to support all sellers in APAC & EMEA Conclusion: 1. Most of the selling happens without the seller in the room. In this case, the economic buyer (CMO) looks for stories and ROI in their language. The seller's job is to co-author it with people who will present it internally. 2. To scale a SaaS product, you need to create the demand for it, especially in this macro. 3. Invest in your customers, whatever their title. I was just an SDR, but Mac Witmer and Edwin Brouwer took the time to meet with me face-to-face and explain the value and benefits. What was in it for me? Sales Navigator enabled me to travel to different countries (Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, etc.) and got me recognition (a global Sales & Marketing award).
Fahad Nawaz I vividly remember attending this session in person in London. I was blown away by your passion, knowledge and leadership during your presentation and even joked with you afterwards if you wanted to come and work with us at LinkedIn which thankfully not too long after, you did 🙌
Can I join the reunion?! :D Edwin Brouwer , Mac Witmer Fahad Nawaz this is a great reminder to win with our customers!!! What a wonderful story!
A great story on how it’s not about the title but if you can make sense or not to the buyer.
Sales Navigator is an incredible tool and the magic in this story is the talent of Fahad Nawaz.
Beth Regan Suzanne Krakover Jessica Zicca Stacey Aronstein Michael Lobosco Sam Knighton- real-life scenario to share with your teams following our roadshow content. Objectives and challenges come to life!
Fahad, it’s been so amazing watching your ascent. So happy for you!
Co-owner at Bovenkamer Utrecht
3moTime for a reunion meeting!