SaaS Origin Stories: Why This SaaS Founder Doesn’t Use Paid Marketing
Unveiling the Journey of SmartSuite: A Conversation with Jon Darbyshire
Welcome to a captivating episode of SaaS Origin Stories, where host Phil engages in an insightful conversation with Jon Darbyshire, the visionary CEO of SmartSuite. In this episode, we dive deep into the remarkable journey of SmartSuite, a platform designed to revolutionize how businesses manage workflow and foster collaboration across all organizational levels.
Embracing Innovation: The Birth of SmartSuite
Join us as we embark on a journey through Jon Darbyshire's unique and fortunate path in building SmartSuite. With a history of visionary leadership, Jon's journey has been shaped by his previous roles as the Executive Chairman at The Archer Foundation and the Founder and former CEO of Archer Integrated Risk Management. His experience laid the foundation for SmartSuite's innovative approach to work coordination and team empowerment.
Building the Perfect Solution: The SmartSuite Story
Phil and Jon explore the intricacies of creating a SaaS product, delving into the process that SmartSuite underwent to become the revolutionary platform it is today. The journey wasn't swift; Rome wasn't built in a day, and similarly, crafting a groundbreaking solution takes time. Jon opens up about the two-year journey of SmartSuite's development, backed by a dedicated team of a hundred developers. This dedication led to the creation of a robust core platform, ensuring SmartSuite's capabilities were perfected before the grand unveiling.
Beyond Paid Marketing: The Power of Community
Discover why SmartSuite chose an unconventional path by abstaining from paid marketing strategies. Instead, Jon chose a different approach – harnessing the power of community and engagement. A few strategic LinkedIn posts sparked conversations that spread like wildfire. The traction gained from these organic discussions paved the way for SmartSuite's growth and success. Jon's insights provide valuable lessons for SaaS startups looking to make their mark without following conventional marketing norms.
Transparency, Trust, and Collaboration: The SaaS Approach
As the conversation unfolds, the focus shifts to the importance of transparency and trust in building a successful SaaS business. Jon emphasizes the value of maintaining an open and authentic relationship with customers, which has been integral to SmartSuite's journey. In the world of software as a service, community and customer collaboration are key drivers of innovation and growth.
Democratizing Features: A Unique Approach
Jon Darbyshire sheds light on SmartSuite's democratic approach to feature development. The platform's evolution isn't driven by a select few but rather by a collective decision-making process that involves the entire SmartSuite community. This inclusive strategy ensures that SmartSuite remains aligned with the needs and aspirations of its users.
Lessons in Accountability and Innovation
As the episode draws to a close, Jon touches on the importance of accountability and learning from mistakes. SmartSuite's journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and customer-centricity. Jon's insights into embracing accountability and leveraging failures as stepping stones to success offer a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship in the SaaS realm.
Listen to the full podcast episode here.
