Mark Evans

"I'm a big believer in the value of a great product to drive sales. As someone who helps startups with marketing, it's always easier when there is a good product foundation to build upon. On the other hand, it's more difficult to drive growth of a "meh" product even with good marketing and sales efforts. It's the old adage of trying to put lipstick on a pig." - Mark Evans

"Couldn't agree with you more. It is always surprising to see contact pages that are, frankly, bad. In particular, pages that have no contact info other than an option to send them an email via an email client. Thanks for the comment." - Mark Evans

"I agree that they do a lot for credibility. I'm always cautious about companies that aren't transparent on who they are and how to contact them. Thanks for the comment." - Mark Evans

"It doesn't look good for Ricky at this point. Thanks for the comment!" - Mark Evans

"Another tool playing the same sandbox as ToutApp is ContactMonkey (www.contactmonkey.com) that features an always-on sidebar and real-time notifications about email opens." - Mark Evans

"Wayne: Great point about the importance of execution, which often gets overshadowed by the product or the marketing that surrounds it. Thanks for the insight!" - Mark Evans

"In the two years I have been focused on providing marketing consulting to startups, I have not been offering many option opportunities. It hasn't been for a lack of interest. That said, my prices are "startup friendly" so perhaps clients don't feel it's easier to pay cash rather than going through the paperwork of option granting. Even without the options, I always feel like I'm part of the team in some way given how engaged you need to get to the job. Thanks for the comment!" - Mark Evans

"Great points, Joe. I particularly like #1 because I think brands thrive when they deliver value-added content that meets the needs and interests of potential and existing customers. It's the reason that I tell my clients to focus on providing thought leadership and commentary about interesting industry issues rather than writing about their own products. See you at mesh13 in Toronto later this week! Mark" - Mark Evans

"Thanks for the insight, Mark. I think you're right about the experimentation description." - Mark Evans

"You're preaching to the choir! Far too often, startups see marketing as something to be bolted on later as opposed to part of its DNA. Not sure why other than startups see marketing as an expense while developers fall into product and sales into revenue buckets." - Mark Evans

"Thanks for the insight. I think the advantage that many startups have is a 100% focus on meeting the needs of customers, and the ability to be flexible, agile and a determination to succeed." - Mark Evans

"Brian: I think a growing number of US VCs are looking at Canadian startups because there are more good ideas and a great talent pool. It's interesting to get your insight into the risk appetite of Canadian enterprise customers - thanks for that and the comment." - Mark Evans

"All good points. I see too many startups embracing free as their key marketing and sales tool when, in fact, they could get people to pay because the product has value. Thanks for the insight." - Mark Evans

"I think it makes sense for startup salespeople to have some experience as opposed to learning on the job. You make a great point about startup salespeople not having the support and structure, which can be disconcerting for experienced people. To me, one of the biggest assets someone can bring to a startup sales position is the ability to be creative, be fast on their feet and willing to figure out what the customer needs opposed to what they're trying to sell them. I'll work on the job description!" - Mark Evans

"Totally agreed on being abundantly clear about what your product does and the problems it solves. At the same time, startups need to be stubborn enough to stick to their vision, while flexible enough to embrace something that may make the product better. In other words, it's a fine balancing act. Thanks for the comment." - Mark Evans