Our Principles
We want to help turn good ideas into great companies. We’ve built successful companies of our own, and want to help others do the same by helping them create a more reliable and cost-effective way to grow.
Principle 1 :
Strategy over tactics
We believe there are far too many sales "tips and tricks" out there. While these things may win you a deal or two, they are not going to drive sustained growth. We avoid gimmicky tactics. We follow a model inspired by architects, not consultants; throughout working with us, we offer clear communication on deliverables, requirements, and timelines.
Principle 2 :
Data drives decisions
We believe that for far too long sales has been described as "an art." The reality is, it's a science. Sales can be approached with careful planning, measurement, and slight adjustments along the way.
Principle 3 :
Purpose over profits
Sales has become a dirty word in the start-up world because founders have seen so many companies put profits over people. We believe the key to attracting and retaining customers in the 21st century is transparency and education, rather than hard sales techniques.
Principle 4 :
Constant improvement
Growing a successful sales organization is about making small yet constant improvements to every aspect of your system. Companies and systems will need to evolve over time. "Set it and forget it" simply won't do, and we keep this in mind every step of the way so that your sales system can evolve along with your company and the broader ecosystem.
Principle 5 :
Work smarter, not harder
We know you have limited time and money. Sales success these days isn't about the volume of cold calls you make, it's about the results you achieve. To do this effectively we believe in the importance of designing effective systems and processes.
Principle 6 :
Invest in long-term success
We get in, get you set up, and then get out -- we want to let you be you. Upshift wins when you win, and we want to set you up for sustained success over time. We're so dedicated to the success of the start-ups we work with that we typically make a financial investment in them when we finish our work with them.
Who We Work With
We engage in working relationships with businesses engaged in high-potential, fast-growing technology startup business. We primarily focus on B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS), marketplaces, and advertising technology. Is it the right time for your start-up to apply to work with Upshift? If you're a founder and one or more of these issues are on your mind, it might be:
"My seed round went great, but my customer acquisition is going to have to show more traction if any of my investors are going to come back for a Series A."
"I've been avoiding sales because I just don't know how to handle it, and it's starting to hurt the company."
"Our competitors have well-connected advisors who can make partnerships happen for them. They're going to beat us in market share if we don't act fast."
My company's target customers are in Middle America. We don't know how to reach them."
"I know I need to hire a VP of sales, but I'm concerned I'll hire the wrong person and it'll turn out to be an expensive mistake."
"My seed round went great, but my customer acquisition is going to have to show more traction if any of my investors are going to come back for a Series A."
"I've been avoiding sales because I just don't know how to handle it, and it's starting to hurt the company."
"Our competitors have well-connected advisors who can make partnerships happen for them. They're going to beat us in market share if we don't act fast."
My company's target customers are in Middle America. We don't know how to reach them."
"I know I need to hire a VP of sales, but I'm concerned I'll hire the wrong person and it'll turn out to be an expensive mistake."
