In episode 15, Mike Ditson joins us today to talk product management, sales, and innovation! Currently, Mike is the VP of Product Strategy at Envato Group and a lecturer in product management. He shares valuable insights on the importance of sales for product leaders, how to approach building a competent sales team, especially for founders without a sales background (identifying well that we’re all in sales) and provides advice for early-stage companies and product market fit. Moreover, Mike discusses the evolution of top-of-the-funnel strategies in B2B SaaS, his perspective on learning and adapting to changes in the tech landscape, and highlights the potential impact of Gen AI on product management. Wondering how to set pricing, how to get customers, and the ends and outs of product management? Then this is the episode for you!

Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

(01:50) Welcome to Funds and Founders: Meet Mike Ditson

(02:41) How Can a Founder Get Good at Sales? (Or Find Someone Who Is.)

(05:24) Building a Competent Sales Team for Startups

(10:46) Transitioning from Product Management to Leadership

(19:53) The Art of Pricing in B2B SaaS

(24:02) Understanding Product Market Fit in B2B SaaS

(31:27) Navigating the Complexities of Selling to Universities and Enterprises

(32:33) Evolving Strategies in B2B SaaS Marketing

(35:36) The Importance of Building Reference Customers Early On

(39:00) Adapting to the Changing Landscape of Product Management

(39:32) Leveraging AI and Tools in Product Management

(45:08) Recommendations for Early Product Managers and Founders

(50:01) Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Content Creation

Mentions:

Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeditson/

• Dollarizations Discipline
• Crossing the Chasm
• The Acquired Podcast
• Disciplined Entrepreneurship
• Orbit from MIT

Check out the Funds & Founders Community:

Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.com

Website: fundsandfounderspodcast.com