3 ms·

I feel like the first bit is an argument over semantics. Does conversion mean I sold something? Does it mean I got someone to perform a desired action? You're

by rgraham 15y ago

I feel like the first bit is an argument over semantics. Does conversion mean I sold something? Does it mean I got someone to perform a desired action? You're right on the next part. It is a significant time and effort investment. The theory is that I'm saving myself money and time spent developing software no one will use. And the Zen Master said, "We'll See." Thanks for the encouragement.

iuguy 15y ago
I see your point but I'd say it's more than just semantics. Semantics would be a market research versus direct marketing issue. This is a distinction between Sales and Marketing, and an important one. Market research is not necessarily lead generation and won't pay the bills. Conversion in a Sales sense means that you've sold something. In a marketing sense it means that your goal has been reached (which may also be selling something, but could be an action). For getting an MVP out I think this approach could work really well. I just wouldn't advocate it as a sales strategy not because it doesn't directly involve selling but because it takes time away from selling. Bear in mind that you don't need the product to be ready to close your first sale, as long as the lead times are reasonable.
tripzilch 15y ago
> Does conversion mean I sold something? Yes, in the context of cold-calling, that's exactly what it means. Generally, it means achieving your goal. And while in 100% of your phonecalls you are well on your way of getting to that goal, your goal is getting them to pay for your services, not allowing you to give them another sales-pitch (which is what you achieved).
- rgraham 15y ago
  My goal was learning through interviews. I don't have anything to sell. Perhaps in an abstract sense I hope to sell them at some point in the future. I used 'conversion' because I converted them from cold prospects for interviews to interviews.

by rgraham 15y ago

iuguy 15y ago

I see your point but I'd say it's more than just semantics. Semantics would be a market research versus direct marketing issue. This is a distinction between Sales and Marketing, and an important one. Market research is not necessarily lead generation and won't pay the bills. Conversion in a Sales sense means that you've sold something. In a marketing sense it means that your goal has been reached (which may also be selling something, but could be an action). For getting an MVP out I think this approach could work really well. I just wouldn't advocate it as a sales strategy not because it doesn't directly involve selling but because it takes time away from selling. Bear in mind that you don't need the product to be ready to close your first sale, as long as the lead times are reasonable.

tripzilch 15y ago

> Does conversion mean I sold something? Yes, in the context of cold-calling, that's exactly what it means. Generally, it means achieving your goal. And while in 100% of your phonecalls you are well on your way of getting to that goal, your goal is getting them to pay for your services, not allowing you to give them another sales-pitch (which is what you achieved).

rgraham 15y ago
My goal was learning through interviews. I don't have anything to sell. Perhaps in an abstract sense I hope to sell them at some point in the future. I used 'conversion' because I converted them from cold prospects for interviews to interviews.