GTM
4 min read

3 Common Challenges Implementing the Data Model

An image of the author
RevAmp
This is a graphic visual representing the theme of the blog post

Aligning sales, marketing, and customer success teams under a unified vision is more crucial than ever.

Enter the Data Model – a new way to think about B2B go-to-market for recurring revenue companies who want functional unison across their revenue teams. Yet, as promising as the Data Model is, its implementation is not without hurdles.

Let’s take a look at the top 3.

1. The Reality of Change Management

One of the primary obstacles encountered is change management. Change can be hard. As noted by industry experts, the shift towards a Data Model requires not just a possible change in tools but a fundamental shift in mindset across the organization. Aligning everyone’s goals, expectations, and data standards is essential for a successful implementation. Yet, this alignment is often easier said than done. 

Successful organizations often navigate the delicate balance of advocating for change while ensuring buy-in across teams by working with experts with experience making the Data Model transition.

2. The Maze of Conflicting Definitions and KPIs

Another significant challenge is the misalignment of goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) across different functions. For instance, while marketing might focus on generating marketing qualified leads (MQLs), sales are laser-focused on revenue. This disconnect can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. 

The Data Model seeks to bridge this gap by providing a unified framework and offers a template of integrated KPIs that help coordinate how teams define success.

If not everyone understands the goals from above then the data can be interpreted in different ways – that don’t align with the mission. 
- Nia Barnabie, VP of Revenue Strategy and Operations

3. The Puzzle of Data Misalignment

Perhaps the most technical challenge is data misalignment. Typically, different teams using different systems and data become siloed. This leads to inaccuracies and misinterpretations, which in turn leads to more difficult decision-making. 

This fragmentation hampers the effectiveness of the Data Model, which relies on a seamless flow of information across the customer journey. Ensuring data integrity and consistency across platforms is a big task, yet it's vital for the Data Model to deliver its promised benefits. This is where a dedicated platform designed to bring unity across siloed departmental platforms really helps.

A Call to Arms!

The journey towards a unified GTM strategy, inspired the Data Model template, is how B2B companies can establish a strategic differentiator in today's competitive landscape.

As we navigate these challenges, it can help to approach them not as roadblocks but as opportunities to refine and strengthen our strategies. Working with professionals who have already helped others make these changes can save time, reduce frustration, and cut costs. And with a culture of continuous improvement, clear communication, and shared goals, we can turn these challenges into our greatest victories.

The Data Model isn’t about being a “cooler” way to do things. It’s about removing risk from your go-to-market motions, from lead generation through to customer expansion.

FAQs

1. How can RevAmp help our organization overcome the challenge of aligning sales, marketing, and customer success around a unified GTM strategy?

RevAmp is a platform designed to provide end-to-end visibility and seamless integration across your GTM teams by automating the monitoring and observability of your entire revenue operation. 

It enables your teams to not only align around a common language and set of objectives but also to easily identify, prioritize, and act on data-driven insights. This leads to a more cohesive GTM strategy that aligns sales, marketing, and customer success efforts, ensuring that your organization can navigate change management more effectively and leverage a unified framework for your GTM.

2. Given the misalignment of goals and KPIs across departments, how does RevAmp ensure that each team's efforts contribute effectively to the overall revenue goals?

RevAmp addresses this challenge by providing a platform that integrates with your existing tech stack, allowing for the consolidation of data across departments into a single source of truth. This enables your organization to define and monitor shared KPIs that reflect the collective success of your GTM strategy. 

By leveraging RevAmp's insights and benchmarks, your teams can ensure that their individual goals align with and directly contribute to achieving the company's revenue objectives.

3. How can we align our GTM teams around a unified strategy without adding another layer of complexity to our operations?

To align your GTM teams effectively, focus on establishing a central framework that promotes transparency and shared goals. This involves adopting a customer-centric approach that aligns sales, marketing, and customer success around the entire customer journey. 

Having integrated KPIs that reflect the collective success of these teams is crucial. Encouraging continuous communication and collaboration will also help ensure that your teams are moving in the same direction, leveraging data-driven insights to make strategic decisions that benefit the overall revenue goals.

4. With our teams using different systems, how can we ensure data integrity and avoid siloed information impacting our decision-making?

Ensuring data integrity across different systems requires a robust data governance strategy that standardizes data collection, processing, and analysis methods. Consider adopting technologies that facilitate data integration and provide a unified view of the customer journey across all touchpoints. 

Establishing clear guidelines for data usage and ensuring regular audits will also help maintain data accuracy and consistency, enabling more effective cross-functional decision-making.

Read next