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#118 Navigating the World of Startups with Assaf Frances

“The main value of having both marketing and sales under one person is that there’s no break in the funnel.” – Assaf Frances
Assaf Frances is a dedicated and passionate marketing professional who excels in creating growth engines, orchestrating brand management initiatives, and facilitating operational excellence. His strength lies in crafting compelling narratives and fostering impactful communication strategies within the dynamic SaaS landscape for government and beyond. Assaf has contributed significantly to enhancing brand visibility and facilitating expansion initiatives in alignment with company aspirations through both exceptional field marketing presences and unique digital marketing assets. In this interview, Assaf shares his journey and the strategic approach Gelt employs to integrate marketing and sales in order to streamline their growth.

About the Episode

In today’s dynamic business world, the strategies for growth and marketing are ever-evolving, especially in startups. This blog outlines a fascinating conversation I had with Assaf, the new Head of Growth at Gelt, a tech-based tax startup. This engaging dialogue dives deep into the innovative approaches, challenges, and strategies Assaf is spearheading to take Gelt to new heights.

A New Beginning at Gelt

Assaf has recently taken on an intriguing role at Gelt where he not only leads marketing but also integrates it with sales. This combination might seem overwhelming, but it is a strategic approach by Gelt to harmonize their efforts and ensure there’s a seamless transition from marketing to sales. Here, Assaf shares his initial experiences:

“I joined about a month and a half ago, and it’s exciting to take on this dual-role position. The integration of marketing and sales particularly appeals to me because it creates a more cohesive process for early-stage startups.”

Gelt is a cutting-edge tech startup that focuses on helping high-net-worth individuals and businesses optimize US taxes. Their current team consists of 27 members, putting them in the nascent stages of growth, right before their ambitious Series A funding.

Bridging Marketing and Sales—A Unified Funnel Approach

The innovative approach that Assaf is implementing at Gelt involves merging marketing and sales processes into one unified funnel. This is particularly crucial for startups looking to maximize efficiency and streamline operations. “By combining both funnels under one umbrella,” Assaf explains, “there’s no break in the funnel, leading to more seamless operations and greater synchrony between our efforts.”

The team at Gelt is small, which allows for easy communication and quick pivots when needed. Assaf elaborates:

“Having a smaller team means that synchronizing between marketing and sales is much easier, and as we grow, we aim to maintain this level of harmony.”

Shifting the Marketing Landscape

For Gelt, the traditional in-person marketing strategies have transitioned to a predominantly digital landscape. While face-to-face interactions might still have value, digital marketing has proven to be highly effective so far. Strategies such as online campaigns on LinkedIn and Instagram, combined with partner newsletters, are currently in the pipeline at Gelt.

“Digital marketing is working quite well for us,” Assaf mentions. “Our inbounds are picking up, and we’re collaborating with podcast influencers to expand our reach.”

Podcasts have been a cornerstone for Gelt’s marketing strategy, as people tend to trust recommendations from those they follow and admire. They have seen success with influencers like Chris Hutchens, whose podcast ‘All the Hacks’ has driven numerous leads.

Building Trust in a Tech-Driven World

Although Gelt utilizes AI to support tax strategies, the human element remains critical. Assaf stresses that the AI does not replace tax professionals; instead, it acts to automate tasks, streamline processes, and maximize the strategy-planning phase. “The AI supports our tax professionals, allowing them to focus on what they do best—developing strategies and ensuring all tasks are compliant.”

The use of AI in such a complex field begs the question of how to build trust with new clients, especially those cautious about replacing traditional methods with technology:

“What sets us apart is our proactive and strategic approach. We don’t just file taxes; we help optimize them throughout the year. This personalized approach builds trust and positions us uniquely in the market.”

Defining the Ideal Client Profile (ICP)

Gelt’s target market consists predominantly of high-net-worth individuals whose complex financial scenarios require an intricate approach to tax optimization. This aligns with their strategy to differentiate from down-market competitors like TurboTax, which cater to more straightforward tax needs.

Assaf explains: “When your financial situation becomes more complex, that’s where we step in. Our AI-driven strategies combined with expert CPA insights can significantly minimize liabilities.”

Aligning Marketing and Sales Goals

Creating synergy between marketing and sales is crucial for Gelt’s growth. With a lean team primarily comprising Assaf and Spencer, the company’s talented CPA and salesperson, maintaining open communication is essential. Assaf describes their collaboration as “a lean, mean, fighting machine” where each spearheads different tasks but constantly checks back to ensure alignment.

“Ensuring that both departments march toward the same goals involves consistent communication and understanding. Spencer’s frontline insights and my strategic support create a powerful dynamic.”

KPIs: Measuring Success and Growth

To measure the success of their initiatives, Assaf focuses on several key performance indicators (KPIs) including lead generation, deal closure rates, and client renewals. They leverage tools like HubSpot to manage these processes efficiently. As Gelt grows, ensuring continued high renewal rates remains a vital objective.

“It’s critical, especially in a market driven largely by word-of-mouth, to maintain high standards and keep our clients satisfied.”

Crafting a Compelling Story

Marketing a tax optimization company could be deemed challenging due to the inherently dry nature of the subject. However, Gelt is turning this on its head by focusing on engaging content around tax strategies, current events like the US elections impacting taxes, and common mistakes to avoid.

“We’re on a mission to make taxes interesting and relatable. Sharing insights and stories that impact our everyday lives intrigues audiences, helping them realize the value we offer. It’s all about tackling our narratives from a fresh angle.”

Planning Ahead for a Busy Tax Season

Assaf is cognizant that Gelt’s clientele might tend to rush during tax season; however, the goal is to alter this pattern. By educating clients about tax optimization opportunities throughout the year, they aim for a steady influx rather than a last-minute rush.

“Breaking the myth that tax season is the only time to focus on taxes can help avoid the last-minute rush, and provide better outcomes for our clients,” Assaf suggests.

Advice for New Entrants

For newcomers like Assaf stepping into a senior role, his advice imparts wisdom on having a balanced approach:

“Don’t come in with the intent to upheaval everything. Take your time understanding the organization, collaborate across departments, and learn what’s been effective. Building relationships from the start promotes a unified company culture.”

In conclusion, Assaf’s journey at Gelt illustrates how merging marketing and sales efforts can harness a startup’s potential. By delving deeply into each facet of the organization and fostering open communication, Assaf exemplifies how strategic collaboration can drive growth even in early-stage companies.

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