Taming the Egos: Fostering Humility in the SaaS Industry
As I embarked on my SaaS journey back in 2013, I must humbly admit that my partner's expertise in the software industry spans over two decades, surpassing my own experience. But before delving into the world of SaaS, I navigated the challenging realm of sales in various industries. Ah, the memories of my first job as a sales rep for a multinational company—it was tough. Perhaps someday, I'll share that captivating tale.
Through the twists and turns of my professional growth, I learned a valuable lesson in humility. Life doesn't owe us anything, and entitlement has no place in our lives, whether personal or business-related. Before we can expect to receive, we must first offer value and show others what we can bring to the table. It's a principle that holds true in both life and the business world.
Regrettably, it seems that the SaaS industry has fallen victim to a sense of entitlement. The abundance of money flowing into the industry has led some individuals to believe that they deserve everything with minimal effort. We witness young entrepreneurs in the SaaS space who have secured massive funding without prior entrepreneurial experience. While their entry brings fresh perspectives and vibrant energy, it also carries unintended consequences. When faced with challenges like economic downturns, a mismatch between their product and the market, poor timing, or simply a lack of experience, some entrepreneurs persist in charging ahead, even at the risk of destroying their own companies. Confidence is admirable, but stubbornly disregarding market feedback and rejecting outside advice can lead to disaster. At SaaSili, we hold a clear view of the market and strive to support entrepreneurs on their path to genuine success. Sometimes, the road to success lies beyond hypergrowth and the pursuit of unicorn status.
Simultaneously, an increasing number of individuals fail to grasp the value of networking. Now, let me be clear — I firmly believe that working takes precedence over networking. However, building a company requires establishing a network of trusted professionals. To determine who we can rely on, we must first get to know them.
In fact, my motivation for writing this article stems from an encounter with a young professional. I hold the belief that everyone, regardless of their background or level of success, has something to teach me. Meeting new people in our industry allows us to gain insights into their experiences and perspectives. While agreement is not guaranteed, simply listening holds tremendous value. Whenever possible, I make time to engage with new individuals. Interestingly, the more experienced someone is, the more willing they are to connect. Perhaps in six months, when their schedule isn't as hectic. I understand that everyone is busy, but even the busiest people can spare thirty minutes over a reasonable timeframe. I recognize that some theories today advocate for agenda-driven meetings exclusively. However, in my opinion, that idea is nonsense. Some of the most intriguing encounters I've had originated from casual interactions or meetings without a predefined agenda.
Unfortunately, I've noticed a pervasive disregard for networking, particularly among the younger generation in the SaaS industry. When approached, they often ignore or decline invitations to connect. Astonishingly, one individual even demanded payment before learning the purpose of our meeting. Admittedly, there was indeed a reason behind our meeting, though one I preferred to reveal during our conversation: evaluating his suitability for a collaborative project we are developing.
Lastly, this mindset seems connected to a broader aversion to cold outreach. I once spoke with an experienced salesperson who vowed never to accept a job involving direct outreach. Apparently, experience exempts them from such tasks, which they delegate to junior staff or automated marketing efforts. This way of thinking is common in the SaaS industry, but I respectfully disagree. Humility prevails. No matter how successful I become, I'll never abandon the act of reaching out to others. It's an integral part of being an entrepreneur and a salesperson. So what if people respond rudely or ignore us during cold calls? It's an occupational hazard. The rewards of nurturing a humble business and a strong network far outweigh the occasional annoyance of entitled individuals demanding credit card details to book a meeting.
Let's release our sense of entitlement. Let go of the notion that we're too good or important for certain tasks. If left unchecked, our egos can wreak havoc on our careers and companies. Embrace humility, and witness the transformative power it brings.