5 Ingredients for a 10/10 SaaS Team Tips From Kris Duggan

Every software startup is a work in progress. Hiring talented people, especially in specialized roles, is a constant challenge. Keeping them in place is even harder. Running everything else in the meantime…well, that’s why not everyone is cut out to be a tech entrepreneur.

Some are, of course, hopefully including yourself. Successful tech leaders like Kris Duggan know what it takes to start, scale, and evolve first-rate software saas team in good times, bad times, and in-between times. 

Most, including Duggan, are quick to share what they’ve learned with others following in their footsteps. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats; more successful, dynamic companies in any given industry lead to more synergies, more opportunities, more growth.

So, if you’re stumped as to the must-have ingredients for a successful saas team, you’ve come to the right place. Do these five things and you’ll be well on your way.

Add Employees Who Understand Data

First, hire people who understand data. You can teach many things, including data fluency, but it’s better to start from a high base if you can. Pay less attention to facilities with very specific types of data than on a demonstrated ability to process, manipulate and develop information across a range of scenarios.

Be Willing to Embrace New Tech (With Reservations)

There’s a fine line between embracing helpful, value-add technologies and processes, and chasing every single fad that crosses your radar. 

For example, it is already clear that artificial intelligence will fundamentally change the way we work, perhaps in truly disruptive ways. However, individual AI-enabled products may or may not prove useful; many AI startups are now learning the hard way that you have to add value to gain traction.

Knowing how to spot the difference with a high degree of accuracy is a vital skill not only for you but for every decision-maker on your team.

Hold Everyone Accountable for a Specific Metrics 

High-growth companies work better when everyone knows exactly what they’re accountable for. In many cases, this can be boiled down to one or two specific metrics, like a department’s quarterly sales. In others, a wider set of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) may be needed. Knowing how to identify and assign responsibility for these accountability metrics is almost as important as meeting them.

Have High Expectations and Manage Accordingly

Set your accountability goals high and manage your team accordingly. That means offering above-market compensation for mission-critical positions on the one hand, and engaging in high-frequency employee evaluations and quick, no-regrets terminations on the other. It’s a fine line to walk, but if you pull it off, the results will be clear.

Set Ambitious Company Goals, But Not Outrageous Ones

The tech industry as a whole has come back down to Earth since the heady days of 2020 and 2021 (and before that, the heady days of 2013-2015). Outrageous, unrealistic goals are out the window.

However, there’s still a place for aggressive goal-setting in high-growth organizations. According to Indeed, effective goals are time-bound and measurable, among other attributes. They are also “realistic,” but that’s a vague definition; even aspirational goals can be realistic when everyone rows in the same direction.

What’s Your Secret to SaaS Success?

Every software startup has its own story to tell. That story includes a distinct approach to building and scaling its business.

However, seasoned founders like Kris Duggan know that some software industry growth strategies work better than others. It’s especially important, they know, to build high-quality teams that commit to continuous improvement, ambitious (but not ridiculous) sales targets, and above-and-beyond ownership of shared company goals.

Is that enough to guarantee your startup’s success? No, of course not. But it could tip the odds in your favor. In a competitive industry, that could be the difference between rocket-ship growth and a fatal flatline.

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Source: https://www.epiclaunch.com/saas-team-tips-from-kris-duggan-other-industry-pros/