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Outsider Insights | From Hustle to System: Why More CEOs Are Rebuilding Their Sales Function
Outsider Insights
Across Chief Outsiders, we talk to hundreds of CEOs every month. In this new series, we explore the trends and challenges we’re hearing from these discussions – and what you can do if you’re facing the same issues in your business.
What is AI-Enabled Selling and Why is it Important?
Tue, Sep 24, 2024 — Salesforce’s “State of Sales” report surveyed 5,500 sales professionals earlier this year. Two findings caught my attention. First, sales reps spend only 30% of their time selling during an average week. Second, 81% of sales teams said they are investing in AI. Of those using AI, 41% believe that they have “fully implemented AI.” The remaining 59% range from having no strategy at all, to tinkering with tools.
Harnessing AI and Digital Marketing: A Competitive Edge for Healthcare and Life Sciences – Part Two
Thu, Sep 19, 2024 — Our last blog discussed how artificial intelligence can be a competitive difference-maker for companies in the healthcare and life sciences industries. As we continue the conversation, we will highlight the importance of AI in the social media marketing landscape, especially how AI is re-imagining traditional content creation and audience targeting strategies.
Why Hiring a Fractional CMO or CSO Isn’t Always the Right Solution
Wed, Sep 18, 2024 — Over the past several years there’s been an explosion of companies turning to fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Chief Sales Officers (CSOs). Why? For their expertise and flexibility. They offer high-impact strategic guidance and operational support without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. But while fractional executives are incredibly valuable, they might not always be the best fit for every organization at every point in time. In this article, I’ll dive into why a fractional CMO or CSO might not always be the right solution and how it compares to the value of a permanent executive.
Beyond Leadership: Exploring Business Performance and Culture
Tue, Sep 17, 2024 — In the latest CEO Growth Talks episode, Pete Hayes interviews Kyle Buckett, CSDO and Co-Founder of Stealth Energy Startup, Co-Founder of Culture Force, and author of “Leadership is Overrated.” Kyle advocates for self-led teams and a culture of collaboration, drawing on his Navy SEAL experience. He emphasizes that empowering teams and improving culture are crucial for long-term success and employee satisfaction. See full video here.
Harnessing AI and Digital Marketing: A Competitive Edge for Healthcare and Life Sciences – Part One
Wed, Sep 11, 2024 — In today’s dynamic business landscape, the healthcare, life sciences, and health tech sectors are undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital innovation. Social media and digital marketing have emerged as indispensable tools, enabling organizations to enhance efficiency, drive competitiveness, and engage with stakeholders in unprecedented ways. However, balancing innovation with strict adherence to regulatory compliance is crucial. As an industry expert with deep experience guiding companies through digital evolution, I see tremendous opportunities for leveraging these tools to gain a strategic edge.
Building Business Resilience: Lessons in Leadership, Financial Savvy, and Strategic Growth
Tue, Sep 3, 2024 — In the latest CEO Growth Talks episode, Pete Hayes interviews Cameron Brown, Co-Owner of Einstein Moving Company. Cameron talks about their journey in scaling Einstein Moving Co., highlighting key lessons learned along the way. He discusses starting in different industries and overcoming growth challenges and stresses the importance of clear communication, financial savvy, and constant innovation for maintaining success during fast business growth. See full video here.
Preparing for Tomorrow: How to Thrive Amid 2024’s Economic Uncertainty
Wed, Aug 7, 2024 — It is no secret that the US economy is experiencing more turbulence than most jetliners – and that is saying a lot! If you have been following ITR Economics' monthly Trends Report™, you are probably aware of ITR’s mild recession forecast for the industrial sectors and slower growth forecast for GDP this year. ITR is also predicting a 3.0% rate of inflation in 2024. Now here is the big question: Should you be worried? Regardless of the projected intensity, our economy is nonetheless experiencing a choppy season. Though having a plan is crucial, keeping your eye on the bigger picture is paramount. ITR forecasts that the US economy will shift back into broad-based growth, moving from a downward economy at the end of 2024 to a period of sustained growth during 2025. The transition from sluggishness to accelerating rise over 12 months is noteworthy.
Top 10 Digital Marketing Missteps
Thu, Aug 1, 2024 — Today digital often seems like the easy way to expand a company’s prospect and lead pool. After all, it takes just minutes to set up an ad account on Google or Facebook. Then you’re good to go, right? Not necessarily. In reality, it’s not as easy as many people think. Marketers are often under intense pressure to get campaigns to work without adequate leadership support or understanding as to how to successfully test digital channels. Others hire agencies without clear knowledge of the strategies and tactics required to drive success and therefore have difficulty holding their agencies accountable.
Defining the Future of C-Level Fractional Support
Thu, Aug 1, 2024 — In the latest CEO Growth Talks episode, Pete Hayes interviews Ellen Wood, CEO, founder, and president of VCFO. Ellen reflects on her 28-year journey pioneering the virtual CFO concept. She discusses the company's growth, overcoming initial skepticism about the fractional model and its acceptance as an industry standard. See full video here.