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The Proof Point
UserEvidence
34 episodes
2 months ago
Proof is what GTM leaders need to make fast and furious decisions that keep their businesses alive and thriving. The Proof Point hosts conversations anchored in the reality of day-to-day life as a revenue leader. No algorithm-hacking, talk-track headlining buzz statements around here. We’re hosting conversations between GTM leaders so we can gather the facts and provide you with the tactics and tools you need to bulletproof your strategy. Join host Mark Huber every other week as he invites the best GTM leaders into the conversation.
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All content for The Proof Point is the property of UserEvidence and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Proof is what GTM leaders need to make fast and furious decisions that keep their businesses alive and thriving. The Proof Point hosts conversations anchored in the reality of day-to-day life as a revenue leader. No algorithm-hacking, talk-track headlining buzz statements around here. We’re hosting conversations between GTM leaders so we can gather the facts and provide you with the tactics and tools you need to bulletproof your strategy. Join host Mark Huber every other week as he invites the best GTM leaders into the conversation.
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Marketing
Business
Episodes (20/34)
The Proof Point
The 2-part formula that most marketers miss

Product data + customer quotes. It's the foolproof formula that's helped Transcend change the customer storytelling game. 


In this episode, guest host Alex Eaton (Director of Product Marketing at UserEvidence) chats with Phyllis Fang, Head of Marketing at Transcend, about how her team turns complex, compliance-heavy work into creative, campaign-worthy stories. Think: Spotify Wrapped, but for data privacy.


Phyllis breaks down how they built and scaled “Data Rights Unwrapped”—a personalized, metrics-driven campaign that combines product usage data and customer feedback to tell stories that actually stick. We dig into how they’re using original research to reshape category perception, and how the sales team leans on proof points to close big enterprise deals.


What You’ll Learn:

  • How Transcend scaled a Spotify Wrapped–style customer campaign (without losing the personal touch)
  • The right way to blend product data + customer quotes into shareable stories
  • Why original research is core to their narrative shift—and how to do it right
  • What happens when sales, marketing, and product rally around customer insights


Listen for:

  • (00:00) Mark passes the mic to Alex Eaton
  • (00:38) What Transcend actually does (and why it matters for growth)
  • (02:11) How “Data Rights Unwrapped” became a campaign that people actually wanted to talk about
  • (04:58) Product data meets customer voice = a new kind of proof
  • (06:02) Why letting customers define success metrics hits harder
  • (09:03) Automating customer evidence (without making it feel robotic)
  • (10:59) How sales reps use tailored stories to win deals
  • (13:08) “Evidence is an answer, not just an asset”
  • (14:00) How original research reframes the conversation
  • (17:03) What works better: data reports, manifestos, or faceless stats?
  • (19:29) Phyllis on automation + the “in-between” moments of storytelling
  • (21:34) How customer insight is changing the way everyone works


Subscribe to Evidently, Mark’s newsletter for customer-obsessed marketers: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe

See how teams at Gong, Sendoso, and HackerOne use UserEvidence: userevidence.com

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2 months ago
22 minutes

The Proof Point
The key to getting the best customer stories

The right customer stories have the power to build trust and even accelerate deals. But we all know that chasing massive logos and begging for a case study isn't always the most efficient way to get those stories told. 


In this episode of The Proof Point, Mark passes the mic to guest host Alex Eaton, Director of Product Marketing at UserEvidence, who sits down with Yadin Porter de León, Director of Customer Advocacy and Thought Leadership at Heroku. Yadin pulls back the curtain on how he’s building scalable, trust-driven customer evidence programs that fuel content, campaigns, and in-person advocacy.


They dig into the power of trust in customer marketing, why storytelling is more about listening than talking, and how to ask better questions to get better answers. Yadin shares his approach to turning surveys into an engine for both qualitative insight and high-value advocacy opportunities, plus how Heroku has built a self-service portal that makes customer quotes and stories instantly accessible to GTM teams.


What You’ll Get:

  • A practical framework for building trust that fuels stronger customer evidence
  • How to turn surveys into a storytelling and advocacy discovery tool
  • The three essential ingredients for impactful customer content (and why story is last, not first)
  • Real-world tips for crafting questions that elicit opinion-rich, quotable responses
  • A behind-the-scenes look at Heroku’s scalable, self-service approach to customer storytelling
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2 months ago
17 minutes

The Proof Point
The 3 ways your marketing team needs to be using AI

Hot off the heels of Shopify’s leaked AI manifesto, most every marketing leader should be wondering the same thing this week: are we using AI well enough?

In this episode of The Proof Point, Dave Boyce, EVP of Product at Winning By Design, examines how AI is redefining the leadership landscape in the go-to-market space. And, he’s sharing the top 3 things every marketing team should be using AI for (and if you’re not...now’s the time to get started).

Dave discusses adapting leadership in the AI age, highlighting curiosity and process design over charisma. Listeners will learn how AI is shaping go-to-market strategies, with examples from Adobe, Uber Eats, and Calendly. This episode explores integrating AI with human efforts to drive exponential growth, stressing the importance of a clear process framework.Discover how to nurture a culture of curiosity and adaptability, and ensure AI implementation doesn't simply multiply inefficiencies. Dave discusses his hands-on experiences and shares practical approaches to managing AI alongside human talent in go-to-market teams.

What You’ll Get:

  • The evolution of leadership skills crucial in an AI-first market 
  • Insights into fostering a curious and innovative team culture 
  • Strategies for scalable AI implementation that avoids chaos 
  • Examples of AI transforming go-to-market operations at top companies


Things to listen for:
(00:00) Mark’s introduction and Dave’s time as an Eagle Scout
(03:14) Leadership shifts needed for an AI-driven go-to-market landscape
(09:01) The importance of systematic go-to-market instructions for AI
(14:24) AI agents and the significance of performance reviews
(17:59) Essential skills for leaders in a human and AI collaborative world
(20:05) Winning By Design’s innovative Revenue Architecture
(22:14) Success stories: Canva's customer-centric go-to-market approach
(38:40) Dave’s Boyce’s insights on freemium models and his book "Freemium"

Pre-order Freemium now!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Target
Waterstone’s

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about the customer evidence platform trusted by B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more: userevidence.com.

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6 months ago
46 minutes

The Proof Point
Is AI a trust-killer or trust-accelerator?

In this episode of The Proof Point, host Mark Huber sits down with Navneet Singh, VP of Marketing for Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, to explore how trust is built in one of the most challenging industries—cybersecurity.

Navneet shares his perspective on overcoming skepticism in cybersecurity buyers through precision AI, customer evidence, and transparent marketing strategies. He breaks down the innovative ways Palo Alto Networks is leveraging AI to fight adversaries, close the cybersecurity skills gap, and deliver real value to customers. This episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking ideas for B2B marketers.

We explore how Palo Alto Networks measures success, builds trust through transparency, and innovates with experimentation. Navneet shares practical insights on using precision AI and creating impactful product experiences for high-stakes industries.

What You’ll Get:

  • How generative AI is transforming cybersecurity and solving the skills gap
  • The role of transparency and customer evidence in building trust with skeptical buyers
  • Why experimentation is essential for driving marketing innovation
  • Real-world examples of precision AI in action at Palo Alto Networks

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Mark’s introduction and Navneet’s keynote reflections
(03:00) The importance of in-person connections in cybersecurity marketing
(07:20) How Palo Alto Networks is using precision AI to fight adversaries
(11:30) Building trust through holistic customer visibility
(15:00) Campaign success metrics and the impact of product test drives
(18:45) The role of explainable AI in fostering buyer confidenceSubscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about the customer evidence platform trusted by B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more: userevidence.com.

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7 months ago
27 minutes

The Proof Point
How to build signal-based marketing plays

In this engaging episode of The Proof Point, host Mark Huber sits down with Tom Wentworth, former CMO of Recorded Future and current CMO at Incident.io, to explore what it takes to build trust and execute bold marketing strategies in the competitive B2B landscape.

Tom shares how he launched The Record, a trusted cybersecurity news brand at Recorded Future, by aligning leadership on bold ideas and hiring top talent like NPR’s Dina Temple-Raston.He also breaks down how to sell big ideas to the C-suite, scale media initiatives, and adapt to hands-on marketing in a Series A startup. Plus, Tom highlights tools shaping 2025, including signal-based selling and platforms like Clay and Common Room.

What You’ll Get:

  • The blueprint for building a media brand that drives trust and engagement
  • How to align executive leadership and secure buy-in for bold initiatives
  • The power of hiring experienced journalists for B2B marketing success
  • Lessons learned from scaling marketing teams and operations
  • The role of signals and tools like Clay in modern demand generation


Things to listen for:
(00:00) Mark’s intro and why trust is the cornerstone of B2B marketing in 2025
(01:06) Tom’s unforgettable Austin mosh pit story
(03:05) The genesis of The Record and building a media empire
(05:15) How Tom sold the vision of The Record to Recorded Future’s leadership
(07:45) Behind-the-scenes of creating a top-ranked tech podcast
(14:03) Why every company isn’t cut out to be a media company
(18:42) Transitioning to a Series A startup and the challenges of hands-on marketing
(22:09) Tools like Notion, Clay, and Common Room that are shaping Tom’s strategy
(27:10) Why automation and great data are critical for scaling go-to-market efforts

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about the customer evidence platform trusted by leading B2B brands at userevidence.com.

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7 months ago
28 minutes

The Proof Point
Is gating your content hurting buyer trust?

To gate or not to gate…that is the question on every marketer’s hot takes list. For Chris Singlemann, Senior Manager of Demand Generation at Prelude, the answer is simple: ungated. Why? Transparency builds trust.

Chris shares how his team prioritizes transparency and authenticity by focusing on clear, use case-based product demos, interactive videos, and ungated content that removes friction and earns buyer trust. From his early days in the agency world to leading demand generation at a Series A startup, Chris offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities of marketing in one of the toughest industries: cybersecurity.We explore actionable strategies for marketers navigating early-stage companies, including the value of sprint methodologies, leveraging thought leadership ads, and creating interactive demos that inform and engage buyers. Plus, Chris breaks down how to simplify attribution while still collecting the insights that matter most.

What You’ll Get:

  • How ungated content can drive more informed sales conversations
  • Why authenticity is the key to winning over skeptical cybersecurity buyers
  • The role of sprint methodologies in agile marketing teams
  • The impact of thought leadership ads in building trust and retargeting audiences


Things to listen for:

(00:00) Mark’s intro and what makes this episode a must-listen
(01:42) Chris’s transition from agency life to cybersecurity marketing
(03:14) The highs and lows of finding product-market fit as a team of one
(05:05) Why ungated content works in cybersecurity and how to execute it
(07:48) Building trust with product videos and guided demos
(10:42) Simplifying attribution: What every marketer needs to focus on
(12:32) Chris’s lessons learned from thought leadership ads
(18:20) What excites Chris most about marketing in 2025

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about the customer evidence platform trusted by B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more at userevidence.com.

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8 months ago
21 minutes

The Proof Point
Which channels should I prioritize this year?

This episode of The Proof Point, Host Mark Huber sits down with John Short, CEO of Compound Growth Marketing, to discuss how telling the right customer stories (in the right places) can help you break through buyer skepticism.

John shares his experience turning proof points and testimonials into tools that build confidence, foster trust, and move deals forward in competitive markets. He also shares how he aligns sales and marketing to create narratives that resonate with buyers and inspire action.No fluff here—John brings real examples of how Compound Growth Marketing uses authentic customer stories to craft impactful sales strategies. If you’re looking for actionable insights on leveraging trust to fuel growth, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Get:

  • How authentic customer stories help overcome buyer skepticism
  • The secret to crafting proof points that actually resonate
  • How alignment between sales and marketing leads to better storytelling

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Mark’s intro to John and his revenue marketing expertise
(03:45) Why trust is the ultimate currency in today’s market
(07:15) The buyer fears that hold back deals—and how to address them
(11:30) Turning customer success stories into actionable sales tools
(17:00) Aligning marketing and sales for seamless storytelling
(21:15) John’s go-to example of trust-building done right

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about the customer evidence platform that B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more trust at userevidence.com.

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8 months ago
21 minutes

The Proof Point
We’re forgetting this crucial piece of building buyer trust

This episode gets real about the challenges and opportunities of marketing in the cybersecurity space.

Host Mark Huber sits down with Mary Yang, CMO of Syxsense, to uncover what it takes to build trust with skeptical buyers and navigate the highs and lows of being a marketing leader in a high-stakes industry.

Mary shares candid lessons from her career, including the tough realities of managing people, the chaos of acquisition transitions, and the critical importance of advocating for yourself and your team. She also highlights the power of useful content, creative negotiation tactics, and why execution matters just as much as strategy.Mary offers practical insights and real-world examples of how she’s broken through the noise and created meaningful connections in one of the toughest industries to market in. If you’re looking for a behind-the-scenes look at cybersecurity marketing and leadership, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Get:

  • How to build trust and confidence with skeptical buyers
  • Lessons from career highs, lows, and the art of negotiation
  • Why execution is just as important as strategy

Things to Listen For:
(00:00) Mark introduces Mary and her unique perspective on cyber marketing
(03:34) The chaos of acquisition transitions and leadership lessons
(05:57) Understanding skeptical cyber buyers and how to connect with them
(12:05) Mary’s approach to keeping teams motivated during tough times
(16:32) The power of self-advocacy in career growth
(23:12) Why strategy without execution is meaningless

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Learn more about the customer evidence platform trusted by B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more at userevidence.com.

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9 months ago
28 minutes

The Proof Point
The best way to beat out buyer skepticism

Trust is what’s winning deals in today’s insanely saturated tech market. And what better way to figure out how marketers are building trust with skeptical buyers than going to the most skeptical industry of all to get all of their tips and tricks–cybersecurity.

Mark Huber sits down with Sam Langrock, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Recorded Future, to dive into why knowing their fears is the greatest way to win over their trust. And don’t worry, this isn’t just a theory session. Sam gives real examples of how Recorded Future uses customer evidence to win over skeptical buyers and level up their sales pitches. We’re also talking about the underrated power of short, punchy testimonials—and why they often beat out those long, traditional case studies.If you’re in sales or marketing, especially in industries where trust is everything, this episode is loaded with tips you can start using today.

What You’ll Get:

  • How to use customer evidence to tackle buyer fear and skepticism
  • Why cybersecurity buyers need more reassurance than other industries
  • The key to creating impactful proof points and testimonials

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Mark’s first impression of Sam and his hockey instincts

(03:00) Why skepticism is the default mindset for cybersecurity buyers
(07:20) The opportunity cost of cybersecurity purchases and how to address it
(12:00) How customer evidence transforms sales conversations
(17:45) The future of customer evidence at Recorded Future
(20:50) Sam’s favorite Tom Wentworth story (it involves a mosh pit!)

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about the customer evidence platform that B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more trust at userevidence.com.

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9 months ago
24 minutes

The Proof Point
BONUS: The Long Game feat. Dave Gerhardt

Mark asked Dave Gerhardt to play 9 holes of golf with him with the promise that he wouldn't ask him any questions he'd ever been asked before.

One catch: he’d be bringing a film crew.

Dave said game on.

This is The Long Game.

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9 months ago
54 minutes

The Proof Point
What's the real impact of original research?

When we launched our original research report, The Evidence Gap, we thought we’d get 150 downloads in the first 30 days. The actual results? Blew that goal out of the water.

Original research is the secret weapon for cutting through the noise in B2B marketing. In this episode of The Proof Point, we dive into UserEvidence’s Evidence Gap Report with UserEvidence co-founder and CEO Evan Huck, exploring the growing need for credible proof in today’s high-stakes buying environment. The big takeaway? Marketers often think their content is crushing it, but sales teams and buyers see major gaps—especially in relevance and competitive differentiation. With budgets tighter than ever, buyers are looking for more than opinions—they want statistically backed proof that shows a solution works for their unique needs.

Listen to the full episode, and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes process of creating the report, including why testing your survey hypothesis is a lifesaver and how to frame questions for actionable insights. They make the case for going beyond generic case studies and testimonials to deliver content that’s specific, credible, and trust-building.

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:28) Why credible proof outshines opinions in B2B content
(01:12) What is the "evidence gap" and why it matters?
(02:04) The role of original research in modern go-to-market strategies
(05:24) Case studies vs. customer evidence
(08:43) Why marketers overestimate the impact of their content
(13:20) Designing surveys to uncover actionable customer insights
(17:05) How statistical evidence builds trust with skeptical buyers
(23:29) Why specific, relevant evidence is critical for closing deals
(39:37) Rethinking customer marketing: Beyond case studies and testimonials

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about the customer evidence platform that B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more trust at userevidence.com.

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10 months ago
41 minutes

The Proof Point
Our downloads plateaued...what's next?

In this raw, brutally honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on The Proof Point’s first season with host Mark Huber, VP of Marketing, and newly minted Jillian Hoefer, Senior Content Marketing Manager at UserEvidence.

We’re sharing exactly how our metrics went (spoiler alert: our downloads plateaued), the tactics that worked (and the ones that definitely didn’t), and everything we’ve learned along the way. Think of this as an episode on content evidence, not customer evidence.
 
And yes, we’re telling you exactly what we wish we’d done differently, including a breakdown of our actual results. Plus, we’re giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 2: new tactics, better strategies, and—yes—real listener questions!

What You’ll Get: 

  • The proof of Season 1: What worked, what didn’t, and why
  • Why distribution, not creation, is the key to scaling podcast content
  • Our top takeaways for improving Season 2 with some sneak peeks 


Things to listen for:
(00:00) Why proof beat opinions every time
(01:50) Jillian’s evolution from podcast partner to UserEvidence marketer
(06:30) Breaking down The Proof Point’s season one wins
(12:10) Lessons learned: Distribution pitfalls and the magic of relationships
(20:00) How to think about “killing your marketing darlings”
(24:30) How UserEvidence leverages podcast content beyond downloads
(31:00) Tackling the challenge of LinkedIn’s algorithm
(36:40) What the shift of strategy means for Season 2
(42:00) The power of in-person interviews for engaging podcast content
(50:10) Listener Q&A

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about UserEvidence: userevidence.com

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10 months ago
44 minutes

The Proof Point
When does AI hurt your SDRs?

Kyle Coleman, CMO of Copy.ai, joins The Proof Point to share his refreshing take on the future of the SDR role and the impact of AI on go-to-market teams. Kyle, who began his career as an SDR, shares why so many companies get the SDR model wrong and how AI can be integrated without compromising the authenticity of customer evidence.


From "SDR AI sandwiches" to avoiding “spam cannons,” this episode shows how AI can enhance—not replace—the SDR role by providing actionable insights and trustworthy customer evidence that supports meaningful sales conversations.

Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently

Learn more about the customer evidence platform that B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more trust at userevidence.com.

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:28) Why proof, not opinions, drives go-to-market success

(02:20) Kyle’s role at Copy.ai – redefining sales tools

(04:33) Copy.ai’s workflow magic: podcasts to blog posts

(05:33) Tackling “go-to-market bloat” with streamlined solutions

(07:17) Bridging SDR skill gaps with AI efficiency

(09:39) Kyle’s wildest SDR fail – lessons learned

(10:05) AI SDRs? Why buyers want human connections

(11:27) The future SDR: more strategy, less spamming

(13:08) How Copy.ai helps execs meet strategic goals

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11 months ago
25 minutes

The Proof Point
Is a major product pivot death for a brand?

Bitly’s CMO, Tara Robertson, shares her customer-centric playbook for transforming Bitly from a link shortener to a full connections platform. From leveraging QR codes to merging physical and digital experiences to using customer evidence, Tara explains how Bitly’s retention-focused marketing impacts every user touchpoint. This episode shares insights on building authentic customer connections while highlighting the metrics that matter in the B2B landscape.

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:15) Tara’s journey from Sprout Social to Bitly

(03:02) Building a customer marketing playbook at Sprout

(04:27) Measuring retention and adoption with sub-KPIs

(06:37) Bitly’s new direction

(07:54) QR codes to 2D barcodes

(09:39) Expanding Bitly’s target market - SMBs to enterprise

(11:29) Showcasing use cases to support varied customers

(13:24) Using customer stories to build trust

(17:02) Overcoming challenges in gathering authentic evidence


Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter, Evidently: https://evidently.beehiiv.com/subscribe 

Learn more about the customer evidence platform that B2B teams at Gong, HackerOne, Sendoso, and more trust at userevidence.com 

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11 months ago
20 minutes

The Proof Point
The brand crisis that’s lengthening your sales cycle

The TL;DR

Are you struggling to build trust with your buyers? Allyson Havener (TrustRadius) and Mark Huber (UserEvidence) break down the B2B buying disconnect between buyers and marketing and sales efforts—including some helpful tips to apply to your own marketing strategy to help close that gap.

What’s working in B2B marketing:
DATA-BACKED PROOF

Original research and transparent data are key to building credibility and trust with skeptical buyers who are demanding upfront pricing and product claims before purchasing.

What’s not working in B2B marketing:
SUGAR-COATED "PROOF"

Focusing too much on traditional bottom-funnel tactics without addressing what buyers genuinely want reduces trust and transparency. Pushing overly optimistic marketing narratives without real proof causes buyer mistrust. (And can ultimately lead to decision-making paralysis.)

Grab TrustRadius’ original research report
Grab UserEvidence’s original research report The Evidence Gap

Key Takeaways:

  • Address the disconnect between B2B buyers and sellers: There’s a significant gap between what buyers want and how sellers and marketers approach them. Buyers prioritize upfront pricing, peer reviews, and minimal sales pressure, while vendors often overlook these preferences.
  • Trust is critical in the sales process: B2B buyers are skeptical, especially with the influx of tech options. Transparent communication, real customer evidence, and accurate ROI data is crucial to overcoming buyer hesitation.
  • Original research fuels effective marketing strategies: Both TrustRadius and UserEvidence used their research reports as the cornerstone for content creation, social proof, and marketing messaging—illustrating how data-driven insights can shape a year’s worth of marketing materials.
  • Brand trust is key in narrowing choices: Buyers typically start their search with 2-3 potential vendors and often stick with their original choice, underscoring the importance of establishing brand trust early in the buyer’s journey.
  • Align marketing and sales for deal acceleration: In complex B2B sales, particularly with large enterprises, aligning sales and marketing strategies is essential to shorten the sales cycle and ensure consistent messaging across all touchpoints.

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Welcome to the show
(01:20) How data fuels marketing strategies
(06:22) The B2B brand trust crisis
(07:57) Disconnect between buyer expectations and vendors
(10:33) Buyers, sellers, marketers are not on same page
(12:20) Buyers’ demand for upfront pricing, not secrecy
(13:29) Buyer preference: Peer reviews over pushy sales
(23:13) Why do buyers stick with original vendor choice?

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1 year ago
49 minutes

The Proof Point
Don’t play it safe with your content POV

The TL;DR

Struggling with "checkbox marketing" and creating content that actually connects with your audience?

Mark Huber (UserEvidence), Brendan Hufford (Growth Sprints),  Jess Cook (Island), and Brooklin Nash (Beam Content) break down building a content POV that resonates.

What’s working in B2B marketing:
PURPOSE-DRIVEN CONTENT

Creating a POV that focuses on solving real customer problems, not just pushing your product, builds lasting trust and engagement. Don’t create content that just pushes your product. 

What’s not working in B2B marketing:
STICKING TO A CONTENT CHECKLIST
Relying on the same old content formats and routines without a clear, compelling POV is causing teams to miss out on real engagement. It’s time to move past "checkbox marketing" and create content that truly matters.

Key takeaways:

  • Go beyond checkbox marketing: It's not about doing everything on the list. Instead, focus on creating purposeful content that solves real problems. Checking boxes won’t position your brand as a trusted partner, but creating content with intention will.
  • Strong POVs drive engagement: When your POV is clear and speaks to your audience's challenges, it drives engagement and builds trust. Those long-term relationships then create more lasting value.
  • Solve problems, not just pitch products: Your content shouldn’t always be about your product. When you lead with the problem your audience is facing, you open up more opportunities to build genuine connections.
  • Leadership buy-in is critical: Getting leadership aligned with a content strategy that goes beyond metrics is crucial. When leadership trusts in the long-term vision, it’s easier to step away from safe, metrics-driven content.
  • Listen to your audience first: The best content starts with understanding your audience. Whether through direct feedback or collaboration with internal teams, insights from your audience guide the way to more relevant and impactful content.

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:10) Why B2B marketing teams play it safe
(03:06) The problem with checkbox marketing
(05:48) Developing a POV with clear imperatives
(11:34) How a focused message attracts the right audience
(13:24) Balancing high-level concepts and tactical insights
(17:49) Top-down vs. bottom-up approaches to content strategy
(34:16) Building your POV around customer insights
(37:22) Driving cross-team content with a unified strategy
(40:01) Breaking content into key themes and pillars
(46:37) Standing out in a crowded market with distinct messaging
(48:37) Final thoughts on crafting impactful content

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1 year ago
50 minutes

The Proof Point
Proving marketing's impact is more than justifying spend

The TL;DR
Struggling to prove marketing’s impact?

Mark Huber (UserEvidence), Pranav Piyush (Paramark), Megan Boone (Redis), and Jason Widup (Fractional CMO) share their approaches for setting goals, measuring success, and getting leadership buy-in for strategies that aren’t always quantifiable. Find out how they strike the right balance between short-term wins and long-term growth.

What’s working in B2B marketing:
TRUST YOUR JUDGMENT, NOT JUST THE NUMBERS
Not every successful tactic can be neatly measured. Combining data with sound judgment builds the confidence needed for leadership buy-in.

What’s not working in B2B marketing:
OVER-RELIANCE ON METRICS
Focusing too much on data can miss the bigger picture. Not every effective strategy shows immediate returns, but building trust with leadership allows room for tactics that take longer to pay off.

The key takeaways:
1. Internal communication goes beyond sharing wins:
It’s not just about delivering visible results. Consistent updates ensure leadership understands the marketing team’s ongoing efforts, even when the impact isn’t immediately obvious.
2. Growth isn’t just about the numbers: A successful strategy balances measurable goals with flexible initiatives. Both are needed to drive short-term gains and long-term progress.
3. Trust starts with early wins: Securing quick, measurable outcomes helps build the trust needed to pursue larger, more ambitious strategies that take longer to pay off.
4. Go beyond attribution with modeling: Attribution is important, but it’s not the only way to measure success. Modeling helps capture broader trends and gives a clearer picture of performance.
5. Set expectations early: This is more than hitting targets. Establishing realistic, achievable goals allows you to exceed targets and foster stronger relationships with leadership.

The things to listen for
(00:00) Intro
(01:17) The challenge of proving marketing’s impact
(02:25) Setting measurable goals vs. trusting your instincts
(05:49) Why internal marketing builds leadership trust
(09:33) Can everything be measured? 
(13:27) Using event marketing to drive pipeline
(17:28) Balancing data-driven decisions with intuition
(22:58) How small wins build momentum for your team
(29:03) Modeling success versus focusing on measurement
(36:24) Biggest mistakes and advice for new marketing leaders

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1 year ago
48 minutes

The Proof Point
Building and scaling customer evidence programs

The TL;DR


Struggling to show the real value of customer marketing?


Mark Huber
(UserEvidence) is joined by Jane Menyo (Gong), Cache Walker (Trellix), and Leslie Barrett (Tipalti) to reveal how top B2B SaaS companies are finding proof points that matter.

What’s working in customer marketing:
THINK LIKE A CONSULTANT
Treat customer marketing as more than just a department. Act like a consultant—balance short-term wins with long-term impact by building solid relationships, both inside and outside your organization.

What’s not working in customer marketing:
LACK OF PROOF
Too many teams are operating without clear metrics. To show the real business value of customer marketing, you need data-driven results. This helps break the myth that it’s just a "feel-good" function.


Key takeaways: 

  • Customer marketing goes beyond quick wins: It’s not about just driving immediate results or running feel-good advocacy programs. Think of it as a long-term, consultative approach—you're providing strategic guidance rather than just being another team member.
  • Proof is everything: Real customer evidence is at the heart of credibility. In B2B, marketers are seeing the shift to data-backed customer feedback, much like how consumer reviews drive decisions in companies like Uber and Airbnb.
  • Tracking engagement isn’t straightforward: It can be tricky for customer marketers to demonstrate the value they bring. Traditional metrics don’t always capture the relationship-building efforts. However, creating solid frameworks and using the right tools to track engagement helps bridge that gap.
  • Scaling with creativity and AI: AI tools, like bots that learn from customer feedback and thoughtful multichannel campaigns, can streamline customer marketing. This not only saves manual effort but also leads to genuine, meaningful engagement.
  • Getting executives on board: Engaging with top-level executives is one of the toughest aspects of customer marketing, but it’s vital. Identifying the right stakeholders and crafting specific initiatives for them can make all the difference.

The things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro 

(01:17) Why proof points are crucial for go-to-market teams

(02:07) Common mistakes in customer marketing

(03:01) Initial missteps in the field of marketing

(04:02) Why customer marketing is misunderstood 

(07:13) Why customer feedback is important

(09:55) Influences in customer marketing

(14:16) The challenges and pitfalls of customer marketing

(25:28) Leveraging technology and automation

(36:17) Measuring the impact and ROI of customer marketing efforts


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1 year ago
48 minutes

The Proof Point
Don’t confuse demand creation with brand awareness

The TL;DR

Overwhelmed by the endless debate between brand awareness and demand creation?

Mark Huber (UserEvidence), Liam Moroney (Storybook Marketing), Sydney Sloan (G2), and Sam Kuehnle (Loxo) break down the real differences and why getting it right matters more than ever.

What’s working in B2B marketing:

FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE CUSTOMER
Understanding your audience isn’t enough. The best brands are fixated on solving customer problems, which drives authentic connection and loyalty.

What’s not working in B2B marketing:

CONFUSING BRAND AWARENESS WITH DEMAND CREATION
Lumping brand awareness and demand creation together is a mistake. Knowing when and how to leverage each is crucial for driving both immediate results and long-term growth.

The key takeaways

  • Customer-first focus: Fall in love with solving customer problems, not just promoting your product. This approach builds trust and positions your brand as a true partner in success.
  • Clear, direct messaging: Clarity beats cleverness every time. Make sure your brand message isn’t lost in jargon—be straightforward about what you offer and why it matters.
  • Evidence over opinions: In a market full of noise, hard proof stands out. Use data and real-world results to back up your claims, reinforcing trust with your audience.
  • Targeted demand creation: Move beyond broad brand awareness. Create targeted, meaningful demand by showing why your solution is the best choice for specific problems.
  • Long-term success: Don’t get lost chasing quick wins. Focus on building lasting relationships and sustainable growth by prioritizing high-quality engagement over vanity metrics.


The things to listen for
(00:00) Intro
(01:17) Why brand awareness and demand creation aren’t the same
(04:35) Love the problem more than the product
(07:22) How customer fixation drives successful marketing strategies
(11:08) The dangers of blurring brand and demand
(14:43) Why simplicity beats cleverness in messaging
(19:12) How data-driven marketing builds trust
(22:57) Targeting your ideal customer profile with demand creation
(27:36) Long-term growth strategies vs. chasing quick wins
(31:48) The role of evidence in building a trustworthy brand
(36:54) Key insights and final thoughts from the guests

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1 year ago
53 minutes

The Proof Point
Customer obsession has gone too far

The TL;DR

Overwhelmed by the constant push to be customer-obsessed?

Mark Organ (Influitive), Jill Rowley (Salesforce), and Evan Huck (UserEvidence) dive deep into what it means to truly focus on the customer without losing sight of what’s best for your business. This episode explores the delicate balance between meeting customer demands and maintaining a healthy company culture.

What’s working in B2B SaaS:

UNDERSTANDING CUSTOMER NEEDS

Instead of simply following customer requests, deeply understand and anticipate their needs to deliver truly valuable solutions. Aligning product and service offerings with genuine customer problems can lead to innovative breakthroughs and stronger customer loyalty.


What’s not working in B2B SaaS:

BLINDLY FOLLOWING CUSTOMER DEMANDS

Prioritizing every customer request without consideration can lead to unsustainable practices and burnout. A balanced approach that also considers employee well-being and strategic business goals is essential for long-term success.

The key takeaways

  • Customer Obsession with Balance: While being customer-centric is vital, it’s equally important to know when to set boundaries. Effective go-to-market strategies involve understanding and anticipating customer needs rather than blindly following every request. This balanced approach fosters a sustainable relationship with customers and ensures business health.
  • Innovative Pricing Strategies: Companies that innovate in pricing and packaging often see significant growth. By aligning pricing models with customer value and needs, businesses can remove barriers to adoption and drive scale. This approach also involves transferring some cost and risk from the customer to the company, ensuring a win-win situation.
  • Real Customer Stories: Integrating real customer stories and evidence into the sales process is crucial. Prospects trust peer experiences more than sales pitches, making customer evidence a powerful tool for building credibility and trust. This method enhances the buying experience and increases conversion rates.
  • Employee-Centric Culture: Ensuring a healthy work environment for employees can lead to better customer experiences. By investing in employee well-being and empowerment, companies create a positive feedback loop that benefits both employees and customers.
  • Strategic Customer Relationships: Not all customer feedback should be implemented. Knowing when to say no and maintaining strategic focus helps companies avoid unnecessary complexity and ensures that they deliver the most value. This approach highlights the importance of strategic decision-making in maintaining a customer-centric yet sustainable business model.

The things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:28) Understanding customer needs instead of following requests blindly

(05:49) Balancing customer demands with strategic business goals

(08:06) The impact of employee well-being on customer experience

(11:16) Innovative pricing strategies for better customer alignment

(14:56) The power of real customer stories in building trust

(19:33) Knowing when to say no to customer feedback

(23:48) Aligning product development with genuine customer problems

(33:52) The importance of strategic decision-making in B2B SaaS

(39:20) How employee-centric cultures lead to better customer outcomes

(44:25) Creating a sustainable relationship with customers through balanced approaches


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1 year ago
48 minutes

The Proof Point
Proof is what GTM leaders need to make fast and furious decisions that keep their businesses alive and thriving. The Proof Point hosts conversations anchored in the reality of day-to-day life as a revenue leader. No algorithm-hacking, talk-track headlining buzz statements around here. We’re hosting conversations between GTM leaders so we can gather the facts and provide you with the tactics and tools you need to bulletproof your strategy. Join host Mark Huber every other week as he invites the best GTM leaders into the conversation.