Data How-To Guide

Are you using data optimally in your C-suite selling approach? This interactive tool uses real-world executive research to give you the what, who, when, and how of it all.

In Databook's executive engagement survey,  over 87% of all C-suite roles said they find data either 'somewhat' or 'very' likely to influence their purchasing decisions. But the research also showed that different executive roles crave different kinds of data at different points in the sales cycle.

So what kind of data does a CMO like most? And when does a CRO want to see specific, personalized facts?

To help eliminate the confusion, we've put together this handy guide to help you better understand the types of data most C-suite professionals gravitate toward, along with tips on where to find data, how to present it, and when to use it.

Metrics & KPIs

Click on an exec role below to learn who's interested in this data and how best to connect with these hard-hitting facts throughout the sales cycle.

Head to the 10K, DEF14A, and earnings call transcripts. You’re looking for executive role specifics that tie the exec to the KPIs. Some are obvious, some might be far more specific, as in “achieve X% by October.” And some execs have their compensation directly tied to these numbers, which makes them all the more meaningful.

Early Connects

Industry-Specific Metrics: Give CMOs data that highlights performance or trends unique to their sector.

Mid Cycle

Comparative Metrics: Use data that provides a side-by-side comparison with competitors, showcasing strengths.

Engagement Metrics: Offer details on how a product/service can boost engagement rates, customer retention, or other relevant KPIs.

Prepping to Close

ROI Projections: Give detailed predictions showcasing financial or strategic benefits mapped to financial pains and KPIs.

Early Connects

Security and compliance overview: Look for data that ties these areas to specific metrics or KPIs, such as preliminary insights into how a product meets security protocols and/or regulatory requirements.

Mid Cycle

In-depth security assessments: At this point, CIOs and CISOs want detailed examinations of how a product aligns with security and compliance standards and requirements.

Operational impact: Provide insights into how your solution integrates with their existing systems, its impact on workflows, and its potential to drive operational efficiency.

Prepping to Close

Product validation data: Be ready to deliver verified metrics and figures that underscore the product's claims.

Early Connects

Mid Cycle

Detailed product/service features: Now's the time CROs want to delve deeper into what's being offered and how it can specifically help their processes.

Competitive analysis: This is essential for CROs to see how a solution stacks up against other options they may be considering.

Prepping to Close

Implementation and support details: They want to know how the solution will be rolled out and what post-sales support looks like. Ease of use is key to adoption and financial benefit.

Early Connects

Mid Cycle

Prepping to Close

Detailed financial pain points addressed: Now is when CFOs want data that highlights how the solution addresses their specific financial challenges, metrics & KPIs.

Early Connects

Technical Performance Metrics: Before giving a solution their attention, CTOs need an overview of how the product performs in terms of critical metrics & KPIs like speed, uptime, scalability, and other technical aspects.

Mid Cycle

Compliance and security metrics: Keep moving forward by offering information on how your solution aligns with relevant regulations, standards, and security requirements.

Prepping to Close

Customization and integration capabilities: Bring the deal home with information on how your solution can be tailored to fit the organization's specific technical needs and how it integrates with existing systems.

Proven Outcomes from Others

Click on an exec role below to see who's interested in this data and the kinds of social, competitive and peer proof the C-suite wants to know.

Case studies / success stories:  They need to be in relevant industries, of similar company size, or in peer groups.

Product usage and benchmarking reports: Remember usage can correlate to outcomes related to adoption and ROI.

Customer 10Ks and other investor reports: Look for changes in their reported numbers or improvements that can be tied to the implementation of your solution.

Prospect 10Ks and other investor reports: Look for their stated strategic priorities to determine the best use cases for your solution. Remember to tie the proven outcome stories you provide to these priorities, or they’ll fall on deaf ears.

Early Connects

Authentic Testimonials: Provide genuine feedback or endorsements from familiar industry figures or brands.

Brand Awareness Data: Give insights into how a product/service can elevate brand presence in the market, based on real examples.

Mid Cycle

Customer Journey Data: Provide insights on how your solution is proven to optimize and enhance the customer experience.

Prepping to Close

Detailed Case Studies: This is when CMOs want to see comprehensive examples from businesses (preferably in the same industry) illustrating the product's or service's impact and value.

Early Connects

Industry benchmarks: Shown through proven outcomes from others, offer an initial understanding of where your solution or your company as a vendor stands in relation to industry standards or competitors.

High-level ROI proof: Based on proven outcomes from others, provide initial forecasts of the economic benefits the solution can offer.

Mid Cycle

Case studies from peer companies: Now is a good time to bring in concrete examples showcasing the product's efficacy and relevance, particularly if from similar businesses or industries.

Prepping to Close

Product validation data: If you haven't already, be sure to deliver verified metrics and figures that underscore the product's claims.

Vendor credibility and track record: Provide further insights into your company's reliability, historical success, and its customer service reputation.

Early Connects

Customer references and success stories: CROs like to see logos and hear the headlines early to establish your credibility and see that the solution works for others.

Vendor reputation and track record: Provide any other verifiable evidence of your reliability over time.

Mid Cycle

Prepping to Close

Detailed case studies: Now it's time to dive deeper with CROs so they can fully understand how similar businesses have benefited and any potential pitfalls.

Early Connects

Vendor credibility: Trust is paramount; CFOs want to know if you have a proven track record and if your data comes from authoritative sources.

Pertinence to their specific industry: Data should be relevant to their vertical, business use case, or at least be industry-specific.

Mid Cycle

Examples of financial success: Continue progress by sharing real-world instances where similar businesses saw tangible financial gains from the product/service.

Prepping to Close

Validation: Seal the deal by providing evidence of successful business outcomes using the solution.

Early Connects

Vendor credibility and historical performance: Share data that builds trust in your track record and real-world examples of the product's success with similar clients.

Mid Cycle

Detailed case studies: Move the needle by digging deeper into concrete examples of your solution's effectiveness for other similar clients.

Prepping to Close

User adoption and satisfaction rates: At this point, CTOs need evidence that the product is user-friendly and has been successfully integrated into other organizations.

Financial Pain Points

Click on an exec role below to see who's interested in this data and when and how to use a prospect's specific financial pain points during your sales motions.

Take a deep dive into their financial statements, annual reports, and analyst reports.  These documents offer insights into declining revenues, rising costs, and potential challenges. Additionally, keeping an eye on news and press releases can highlight significant financial difficulties or strategic shifts that the company is facing.

Early Connects

Mid Cycle

Prepping to Close

ROI and financial analysis: Now you can take a deeper dive into solving financial pain by outlining the tangible financial benefits and cost implications of adopting the solution.

Early Connects

Market insights: Tied back to their own financial pain points, use this data to help CROs understand where they fit within the broader industry landscape and get a quick grasp on trends.

Mid Cycle

Real-world use cases: Again tied to their specific financial pains, use cases help demonstrate the practical application and effectiveness of the solution.

Prepping to Close

Pricing, costs, and ROI: Now that they're looking to make a decision, use these facts to help foster understanding of the financial implications of a deal.

Early Connects

Positioning against competitors: Hitting on financial pain points, provide initial insights into how your product or solution stands out compared to others in the market.

Mid Cycle

ROI and financial projections: Now's the time for a deeper dive into the expected return on investment, especially in terms of efficiency gains and cost reductions.

Prepping to Close

Total cost analysis: Help CTOs gain an understanding of the overall cost of the solution, considering both the immediate price and long-term maintenance or additional staffing needs.

Projected Time-to-Value

Click on an exec role below to see who's interested in this data and how and when to make use of relevant ROI timeline projections.

Case studies / success stories: Look for specific data outlining speed to ROI or other measurable business outcomes. Make sure you're using companies in relevant industries, of similar company size, or in peer groups.

Monthly usage reports: MAU numbers can create a narrative around how quickly a solution is adopted and therefore related to ROI and other metrics successes. 

Early Connects

Mid Cycle

Prepping to Close

Implementation Details: Now you can show time-to-value by proving how smoothly the solution integrates and what the onboarding process looks like, emphasizing ease and efficiency.

Early Connects

Financial data overview: Start with an initial understanding of potential ROI, cost savings, and revenue impact.

Mid Cycle

Detailed ROI Projections: Going beyond the initial overview, they'll want specifics on expected return on investment along with timing.

In-depth Analysis of Costs: For this kind of data, don't stop with the product's pricing details, but also provide any associated costs like implementation, training, maintenance, etc.

Prepping to Close

Contractual and pricing specifics: CFOs believe time-to-value claims only when they know the full breakdown of costs, including any potential hidden fees or long-term financial implications.

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