Growth without funding

OperatingSystem is a newsletter that curates news for SaaS/digital product CEOs who want to grow with or without VC funding. If you enjoy this newsletter, send it to an industry friend. If you received this from a friend, you know what to do: Subscribe

GTM 🚀

5 Core GTM Principles for Product Managers

5 GTM Principles for Product Managers covers Product-Market Fit Cycle, Beachhead Strategy, and Growth Loop Archetypes.

Unbundling PLG and Analytics

Vijay Iyengar on Product-Led Growth misconceptions. Head of Product at Mixpanel discusses the role of analytics in driving business growth and the limitations of BI tools.

Rows' Growth Journey

Rows' path from 0 to 1 million users offers insights into channel experiments and the impact of AI on user acquisition. Their story proves that "overnight success" often takes years of persistence.

Development 💻

Sustainable Software Support

It's time to support sustainable software argues for backing small software companies. These firms prioritize transparency, community engagement, and quality over the "free" model pushed by big tech.

Customer Feedback Collection

Collecting customer opinions is crucial for product improvement. Learn strategies for gathering feedback, creating personas, and adjusting your product plan based on customer data.

B2B SaaS UX Design

UX/UI design in B2B SaaS is no longer optional. Discover strategies for effective design, including simplicity, consistency, and customization to stand out in a competitive market.

Distribution 🚛

Killing the Classical Homepage

More companies are replacing traditional homepages with ungated freemiums and interactive demos. This trend improves customer experience and increases conversions across all SaaS segments.

Lean Revenue Factory

GTM efficiency affects IPO readiness. Introducing the Lean Revenue Factory concept, applying lean manufacturing principles to SaaS revenue production for efficient, sustainable growth.

Balancing Sales Tactics and Product Expansion

Brutish Sales Playbook: Discusses unsustainable sales tactics some SaaS companies use for quick revenue growth and Multi-Product Strategy has 11 tactics for expanding your product line, featuring insights from experienced founders and product leaders.

Leadership 🐘

30-60-90 Day Plan for VP of Sales

Key components for a new VP of Sales plan: Focus on increasing sales and hiring the right team. Watch for red flags like overemphasis on process or lack of customer meetings.

Venture Capital: Golden Key or Gilded Cage

Consider alternatives to VC funding. VC isn't just cash; it's a commitment to relentless growth. Weigh the pressure to raise funds, ownership dilution, and overspending risks against potential benefits.

Scaling a New Business

McKinsey debunks myths of scaling startups. Overinvest in talent, adapt for product-market fit, set clear growth plans, organize for scale, and establish multiple growth engines. (Also: McKinsey bears some blame for Nike's recent selloff, so take with a grain of salt. :) ) Here's a way less famous source with way better actual advice: 16 Principles for Tech-led Startups

AI Enablement 🤖

AI Tools Reshaping Business

200 best AI tools of 2024 showcases innovative solutions for businesses, creators, and individuals. From competition analysis to video editing, these tools are revolutionizing workflows.

AI in Web Browsers

AI features coming to every web browser. Expect AI-powered chatbots, writing assistants, and page summarization in major browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

The Future of Work: AI's Impact

9-to-5 Jobs Extinction Prediction: LinkedIn co-founder predicts traditional jobs will vanish by 2034, replaced by a gig economy.

Chatter 💬

Summify Success Story

Entrepreneur sells first startup for $30,000. A fun speedrun of a small-scale SaaS acquisition.

Overcoming Perfectionism

Engineering productivity killer: Personal stories and tips on focusing on progress over perfection in software development and engineering leadership.

Software Estimates Challenge

Why estimates often fail and what to do. Explore alternative approaches like theme-based roadmaps and rolling wave planning to handle project uncertainties.

That’s a wrap–

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Have a fantastic rest of the week! 🙂