In this episode, Mike talks about B2B, B2C, and B2B2C business models with Benjy Meyer, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Commonplace. Benjy shares his knwoledge on the complexities of different business models, the challenges of transitioning between them, and the unique role of a CPTO. With a mix of personal experiences and industry observations, Mike and Benjy share knowledge for anyone navigating the tech growth landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• B2B and B2C models require different skillsets and approaches, with B2B focusing more on stakeholder management and B2C on data-driven decision-making.
• Transitioning from B2C to B2B can be a strategic move to increase revenue and customer loyalty, as seen in examples like Naked Wine and Design My Night.
• B2B2C models face unique challenges in balancing opposing forces from different sides of the marketplace and aligning motivations.
• Feature flags and customisation in B2B products require careful management to avoid technical debt and maintain scalability.
• The role of a CPTO combines strategic product vision with technical execution, requiring trust from the CEO and board, and the ability to think critically across both domains.
• Organic search and social media, particularly Facebook/Meta, can be powerful channels for building and engaging audiences in B2B2C platforms.
• When starting a tech venture, prioritising an entrepreneurial mindset in early engineers over perfect infrastructure can accelerate growth and learning.
• Building anticipation through waitlists and leveraging personal networks can help gather valuable early feedback and create a foundation for product development.

BEST MOMENTS

"I would rather fail in a B2C where I've got a lot more data that teaches me, gives me learnings about why I failed, um, so that I can apply those to the next iteration, if that makes sense." 27:22  Discussing the difference between B2B and B2C

"We want built environment professionals, real estate developers, local government to come and use the platform to talk to communities so that they can get their planning applications through faster, build better places that are better designed, but they don't really want to talk to communities. We're kind of their enemy." 43:37 Explaining the challenges of B2B2C platforms

"You really have to understand in detail the user problems And motivations on both sides of that marketplace to come up with the right OKRs So that you don't like build this spurious motivation for your teams that imbalances"  45:05 Explaining the importance of understanding user problems in B2B2C

"What matters most at that level is the structure that's underneath. Those leaders and like in theory, let's say I'm working in a company of 300 people or something. I don't need to be that deep, right? I've got a team of 20, 30, 50 people working in products and technology. I need them to be amazing." 54:43 Discussing the role of a CPTO

"When you're kicking off entrepreneurial doesn't really care about the infrastructure doesn't know much about the infrastructure is just hungry for more data to help them make decisions and help you have good conversations together about what to build next" 01:00:48 Describing the importance of the first engineer in a tech venture

ABOUT THE GUEST

Benjy Meyer

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncovering the secrets behind successful growth trajectories. Each episode brings you candid conversations with founders and industry experts, sharing invaluable insights, proven tactics, and real-life stories. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, discover the roadmap to navigating the complexities of scaling in the ever-evolving tech landscape.