Lifting your close rate by 20% in 90 days by replacing standard playbooks with signal-driven sales | Co-Founder & CEO at bont | Business Angel

As a serial entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in strategy consulting, I am committed to driving 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁2𝐁 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 in the digital age. 🚀

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐨𝐟 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 (2012-2023):
•	Grew the HR Tech SaaS company from zero to several hundred clients. 	
•	Achieved annual recurring revenues in the mid-seven-figure range. 	
•	Successfully executed an exit to a strategic buyer in 2022 and transitioned out as CEO shortly thereafter. 	
•	Learned the critical importance of data-driven decision-making in sales.

𝐂𝐨-𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐭 (2024 - 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭):
•    Our mission at bont is to transform sales processes for B2B companies by leveraging data-driven insights and AI technology.     
•    We aim to move beyond traditional sales methods and create more effective strategies that empower sales teams to make informed decisions quickly.     
•    We focus on integrating 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞, including: 
– 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Identifying high-potential leads and optimizing outreach strategies, as well as implementing targeted campaigns to maximize engagement and conversion. 
– 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Using AI tools to provide insights that help close deals faster and improve retention, and personalizing customer interactions to identify upsell opportunities.     
•    By using AI-powered deal intelligence, we help sales teams prioritize their efforts and make better decisions, ultimately driving higher conversions and more predictable revenue. 

𝐓𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬:
•    Managing Partner advising scale-ups and startups on growth strategies and investor decisions. •    Passionate about supporting emerging B2B tech startups in optimizing their sales and operational processes.     
•    Co-founder of Investor Rating, a platform designed to streamline investor evaluations and enhance decision-making for startups and investors alike.

Outside of work, I’m a dedicated father of two, living near Bern. I love staying active and embracing new adventures. My roots in East Frisia give me a diverse outlook that enriches my professional life.

Let’s connect—whether to exchange ideas, explore collaboration, or discuss innovative sales growth strategies. 🌟

Dennis Teichmann

"We rely on gut feeling. We know our clients better than any data."

This was the challenge from a CEO, super skeptical of our data-driven approach.

His team had always done sales a certain way. They trusted their instincts. They were close to the client. In his mind, data was a distraction from the real work of selling.

Instead of arguing, I made a simple proposal:
Let's give it a try.

We took a small group of his sales reps. We used data to highlight only the deals that were statistically more likely to close, ignoring the ones that just "felt" strong.

The outcome surprised him.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁
The reps weren't threatened. They were energized. They saw that data understood the entire pipeline better than any single person's gut feeling could. It gave them confidence.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲
The numbers followed. The data-prioritized deals started converting at a higher rate. The test group began outperforming the control group who stuck to gut-feel.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
This was the most powerful part. Their clients felt better understood. Why? Because they were being served at the right time, with the right measure. The outreach was relevant, not just relentless.

The CEO who told me data couldn't work is now one of its biggest advocates.

🚀 Boosting B2B Revenue & Retention with AI | Co-Founder & CEO at bont | Investor & Advisor

The worst advice in B2B sales?
“Just keep chasing.”

I hear it constantly. It's the go-to advice from managers who mistake activity for progress.
And our data shows it's detrimental to revenue.

We analyzed thousands of sales sequences inside bont.
The pattern was brutal: Chasing a customer who isn't ready doesn't create urgency.
It creates annoyance. And kills potential deals.

This is what gut-driven chasing looks like in the data:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗽

→ Follow-up #7 to a prospect who hasn't opened an email in 6 weeks.
→ The "just checking in" call after 30 days of total silence.
→ Pitching features when their only signal was a single whitepaper download.

It's wasted effort, based on a playbook from 2015.

Chasing only works at one specific moment:
When the buyer is already moving.

Top performers don't chase blindly. They track buyer movement.
They see the signals—the pricing page visit, the case study download, the renewed email engagement—and they act on 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.

Stop chasing every lead.
Start chasing the right signals.

Your pipeline review isn’t a review. It’s a weekly ritual of optimism.

Everyone shows up with “updates.”

Stages move.

Next steps get typed.

And the forecast still misses.

Because most pipeline reviews track seller activity:

Logged call ✅
Sent follow-up ✅
Did the demo ✅
Updated stage ✅

None of that proves the buyer moved.

So you end up with motion that looks like progress.

And a pipeline that feels “full”...

While the deal is quietly dying.

If you want a pipeline review that predicts revenue, stop asking:

“What did we do this week?”

Start asking:

“What did the buyer do that proves this deal is alive?”

Here are 3 buyer movement signals that matter more than any CRM stage:

Stakeholders expand
A new person shows up without you begging for it.

Buyer effort increases
Security review. Implementation questions. Document requests. Timeline details.

Buyers don’t do work for deals they don’t plan to close.

Time compresses
Meetings get scheduled faster. Next steps get tighter.
Urgency shows up in calendars before it shows up in words.

Quick rule for your next pipeline review:

If none of these 3 buyer movements happened in the last 14 days...

It’s not pipeline.

It’s hope.

What’s the clearest buyer movement signal you trust more than stages?

We're training B2B sales leaders for a job that won't exist in 5 years.

Most sales leaders today are professional data archeologists.
They dig through reports.
They try to spot patterns in messy CRM data.
They spend their week chasing reps to translate "this feels strong" into a real forecast.

This is not leadership. It's manual analytics. And its days are numbered.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁

In the near future, the sales leader will not 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 insights.
They will be delivered by AI.

- The most realistic forecast.
- The next best actions for a stalled deal.
- The hidden risks across the entire customer portfolio.

AI will handle the "what" and "why." The leader's job is to act on it.

Their role will no longer be running reports and trying to understand the dynamics behind them.
AI will deliver those dynamics.

The sales leader of tomorrow isn't a better report-runner.
They're a commander who receives perfect intelligence and focuses only on making the right strategic moves.

Forecast accuracy isn’t a sales problem. It’s a data model problem.

Most CEOs think bad forecasts come from bad reps.

They don’t.

They come from a broken model.

Because the model most companies use is this:

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
“Commit”

That’s not forecasting.

That’s storytelling.

Here’s why stage-based forecasting keeps failing:

Stages are opinions
“This is a Stage 3.”
Translation: I feel good about it.

Stages are lagging indicators
By the time you move a deal to “late stage”, the buyer already decided.

You’re just updating the CRM after reality happened.

Stages are easy to game
When pressure goes up, stages magically go up too.
Not because deals are healthier.
Because humans don’t like bad news.

The fix is boring, but it works:

Stop forecasting with stages. Start forecasting with signals.

The signals that actually predict outcomes are not “how confident your rep feels.”

They’re observable buyer behavior:

Signal #1: Momentum
Time between touchpoints is shrinking (alive) or expanding (dying).

Signal #2: Stakeholder health
More real stakeholders showing up (alive).
Fewer showing up (dying).

Signal #3: Buyer effort
Docs requested. Security reviews. Implementation questions.

Buyers don’t do work for deals they don’t plan to close.

Signal #4: Champion risk
Silence. Delegation. “Let me loop in...”
Or the classic: job change during the cycle.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

If your inputs are wrong, your forecast will be wrong.

Not sometimes.
Every time.

Quick deal-health rule for sales leaders:

If 2 of these 4 signals are missing by day 30, stop calling it “real pipeline”:

Momentum is not increasing
Stakeholders are not expanding
Buyer effort is not showing up
Champion risk is rising
Downgrade it.

Or kill it.

A fast “no” saves you a quarter.
A slow “maybe” destroys it.

What’s one signal you trust more than a CRM stage? 🎯

Most inbound doesn’t go cold.
It gets mishandled.

The usual pattern:
Reply comes in → rep sends calendar link → silence → “just checking in” → dead.

One KPI changed everything for us: time to demo.

Before we optimized, it took ~20 days on average to get from inbound to demo.
Afterwards, we cut it to ~10 days.

We booked fewer demos, but they had real interest:
Conversion went from 15% to 33%.

Here’s what worked: a simple 72-hour protocol that forces clarity fast.

Hour 0–12: Confirm the problem
One question:
“What made this urgent this week?”

Hour 12–36: Send a value drop
One short, relevant insight that helps a Head of Sales make a decision.

Hour 36–72: Send the breakup
“Looks like timing isn’t right. I’ll close this out. If it becomes a priority, reply with ‘restart’ and I’ll make it easy.”

That last message works because it removes pressure.
Serious buyers hate being chased. They like choosing.

Do you track “time to demo” today? If yes, what’s your current average? If not, why not?

Most B2B SaaS teams are drowning in sales data.

Everyone talks "data-driven," but almost no one knows what to do with the numbers.
So they collect everything, act on nothing, and confuse activity with progress.

Here's the real problem:
Too much data, not enough focus.

You want to fix this in one week? Here's how:

Step 1: Pick three questions that actually matter.
- Where are deals stalling?
- What activities move deals forward?
- What signals show a buyer is serious?

Step 2: Cut every metric that doesn't answer those questions.
No exceptions.

Step 3: Make these your north star.
- Every meeting revolves around them
- Every dashboard spotlights them
- Every conversation starts with them

Suddenly the fog lifts.
You see patterns, not just numbers.
Your team acts with purpose, not just reports for the sake of reporting.

Most teams drown in data.
The best interrogate it and demand answers.

Your sales playbook is probably useless.

I was asked about the most counter-intuitive insight I've found in our data at bont.
It’s not some obscure metric.
It's this: Standard playbooks don't work.

In fact, the more rigid the playbook, the worse the performance.
It's a brutal pattern. Sales leaders invest months building the "perfect" process, only for it to gather dust.

Here's the core problem.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗽

Your playbook tells a rep what to do on Day 7.
But it has no idea what the buyer did on Day 6.

It’s a map drawn last year for a landscape that changes every hour.

Playbook Thinking:
"My sequence says to send the case study now."
"The champion fits Persona A, so I'll use Pitch A."
"It's been 5 days, time for the 'gentle nudge' email."

This isn't selling. It's paint-by-numbers.

The most effective teams have stopped trying to follow a static script.
They think on data, signals, and information.

Signal-Based Thinking:
"The champion just re-watched our integration demo. I'm calling their Head of IT."
"They downloaded a competitor comparison guide. My next email will focus on our key differentiator."
"Their engagement dropped 2 days after the proposal. The deal is stalled. I need to find out why."

Stop forcing your team to follow a rigid process.
Start teaching them how to read the signals.

Most pipeline reviews are just wishful thinking.

Reps cling to deals they "feel good" about.
Managers trust gut instincts and happy talk.

But deals don't die overnight. They leave clues.

AI doesn't care about hope or stories. It watches the signals:
No recent activity
Weak buyer engagement
Skipped steps in the process
Slipping deadlines

Here's what AI sees in real client pipelines:
35 percent of deals are magically set to close on the last day of the current or next month.
Even in November, you'll spot deals marked for a heroic close on December 31.
Apparently, Santa delivers contracts too.

Pattern: end of month fantasy land.
Reality: most of those deals are already dead.

AI catches these games in real time, while everyone else keeps chasing ghosts.

You want a cleaner, more predictable pipeline?
Let AI show you what's dead weight.
Then act on it.

Jai kumar Rastogi 🚀

Papaya Palette

Papaya Palette isn't just a service provider; we're your comprehensive digital growth partner. Specializing in custom software solutions (CRM, LMS, ERP) and web development, we empower businesses to expand their online presence and maximize success. Our approach combines tailored digital strategies, innovative software development, and cutting-edge SEO and social media techniques to deliver exceptional results. With a track record of scaling over 100 ventures, we focus on creating lasting partnerships that drive sustainable growth and digital transformation for our clients.

Founder & CEO

LNBIRD TECHNOLOGY

Business Partner

Team Flexbox

I was the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Team Flexbox, where I spearheaded a diverse array of services tailored to propel businesses towards their goals. We meticulously crafted memorable logos and comprehensive branding solutions that resonated with each client's unique identity and target audience. Our visually compelling presentations effectively conveyed our clients' messages, whether for investor pitches, employee training, or conferences.  

We devised and executed customized social media strategies to amplify brand visibility, foster audience engagement, and drive tangible results across various platforms. Additionally, we optimized LinkedIn profiles, curated captivating content, and established thought leadership through strategic personal branding initiatives. Leveraging advanced techniques such as PPC, social media advertising, and conversion tracking, we orchestrated performance-driven marketing campaigns to drive targeted traffic and maximize return on investment.

Our range of design services, encompassing static and motion graphics, elevated brand aesthetics and enhanced visual communication. Furthermore, we implemented comprehensive SEO strategies to improve online visibility, drive organic traffic, and boost search engine rankings. Our professional copywriting and content creation services were tailored specifically for Amazon product listings, ensuring maximum impact and sales performance.

At Team Flexbox, we were relentless in our pursuit of helping clients thrive in the digital landscape, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service. Our commitment to excellence and passion for driving business growth underpinned every project we undertook.

Co-founder & CMO

Munshe

During my time working with Munshe, I played a pivotal role in driving marketing initiatives and generating leads. As a firm dedicated to guiding businesses through tax and compliance complexities, my focus was on attracting potential clients and showcasing our expertise in digital solutions.

Through strategic marketing campaigns and targeted lead generation efforts, I raised awareness about Munshe's comprehensive services, including bookkeeping, accounting, GST, Income Tax, Corporate Tax, Company Registration, India Entry & Exit, and establishing businesses abroad. 

Complementing our tax and compliance offerings, I worked closely with clients to understand and address their digital needs. This involved revamping online presence, implementing digital marketing strategies, and leveraging digital tools to streamline operations, ensuring clients remained ahead of the digital curve.

With a keen understanding of the importance of digital solutions in today's business landscape, I positioned Munshe as a one-stop-shop for not only tax and compliance but also for addressing the digital requirements of our clients. My marketing and lead generation efforts played a crucial role in attracting businesses seeking expert guidance in navigating regulatory complexities while staying ahead in the digital realm.

Managing Partner

Pitchkrafts

As the Head of Marketing, I drove the creation and rollout of a strategic marketing plan to promote our agency's pitch deck creation services to potential new clients. In this role, I was responsible for effectively communicating the key benefits and value our agency provided while also generating sales leads through digital marketing efforts, networking events, and other outreach activities. I worked hand-in-hand with the CEO and sales team to ensure all marketing initiatives aligned with and supported the overarching business goals. 

My core responsibilities included developing the comprehensive marketing strategy, overseeing all marketing content like the website, social media, email campaigns, and marketing materials. I identified target customer segments to focus on for driving new business growth and revenue. Building relationships with industry influencers and partners was also important. Collaborating with sales, I helped shape effective sales strategies and tactics. A major part of my role involved executing lead generation campaigns through digital marketing channels and networking. Analyzing results and market trends to uncover new opportunities rounded out my responsibilities as I continuously optimized our marketing performance.

Head of Marketing

Flexsin

As a Senior Digital Marketing Executive, I spearheaded the development and execution of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy aimed at elevating brand awareness, generating quality leads, and driving sales for the company. Overseeing the planning, implementation, and optimization of digital campaigns across various channels, including social media, email, paid search, and display advertising, fell under my purview.

My core responsibilities revolved around crafting and executing a cutting-edge digital marketing strategy to achieve ambitious business objectives. I meticulously managed and optimized digital campaigns to amplify brand recognition, cultivate a robust pipeline of leads, and propel sales growth. Leveraging advanced analytics and reporting tools, I continuously tracked and measured campaign performance, making data-driven decisions to enhance effectiveness.

Collaboration was pivotal to my role, as I worked in close tandem with cross-functional teams, including product marketing, sales, and creative departments, to conceptualize and execute impactful campaigns. Staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing was paramount, enabling me to consistently introduce innovative ideas and strategies to the team.

Through strategic planning, innovative execution, and a data-driven approach, I propelled the company's digital marketing efforts to new heights, capturing the attention of target audiences, nurturing quality leads, and driving tangible business growth.

Senior Digital Marketing Executive 

Self employed

As a freelance digital marketer, I collaborated with startups and small businesses to drive their online visibility and engagement. My services encompassed executing tailored SEO strategies to boost organic search rankings, creating and optimizing business listings across multiple platforms, and developing captivating social media campaigns for organic audience growth.

Through meticulous keyword research and on-page optimization, I implemented SEO best practices to enhance website visibility and attract highly qualified traffic. Additionally, I curated and managed business listings on popular directories and review sites, ensuring accurate and consistent information to improve local search visibility.

For social media, I crafted and executed engaging content strategies, leveraging the power of organic outreach to cultivate a loyal following and foster meaningful connections with target audiences. From ideation to execution, I managed the entire content creation and scheduling process, consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing posts that resonated with the brand's voice and values.

By combining technical SEO expertise with creative social media strategies, I played a pivotal role in elevating online presence, driving targeted traffic, and nurturing customer relationships for my clients, ultimately contributing to their growth and success in the digital landscape.

Digital Marketing Executive

Birlasoft

As a software trainee at Birlasoft, I had the opportunity to work with a talented and dynamic team on various software development projects. During my time there, I gained hands-on experience in software development, testing and implementation.

I was responsible for assisting the development team in coding and testing, as well as troubleshooting and fixing bugs. I also worked on projects aimed at improving software performance, usability, and functionality. Through this experience, I was able to develop a strong understanding of the software development process and the importance of attention to detail.

In addition, I was able to collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in team meetings and code reviews, which helped me improve my communication skills and understanding of project requirements.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Birlasoft and for the valuable experience and skills I gained during my time there.

Software Trainee

Sovereign Mercantile Private Limited

At Sovereign Mercantile Private Limited, I had the opportunity to work as an IT Consultant & Admin, where I was responsible for providing technical support and consulting services to the company. My role involved managing the day-to-day operations of the IT infrastructure, including hardware, software and networking systems.

I was responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the company's IT systems, and for providing technical support to employees as required. I also worked on implementing new technologies and systems to improve the efficiency of the IT infrastructure.

In addition, I was involved in project management, working closely with the management team to develop and implement IT projects that aligned with the company's strategic goals. Through my work, I was able to demonstrate my technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Sovereign Mercantile Private Limited and for the valuable experience and skills I gained during my time there.

IT Consultant

Expert in Presentations, Deck, Webflow websites, Branding & Logos | Driving Digital Growth | UK, UAE, US, European & Asian Clientele

With 10+ years of experience in the digital realm, Jai is a proven expert in accelerating business growth through strategic online presence. His mission is clear and impactful: to help companies significantly boost their revenue by harnessing the full potential of digital marketing.

Key Services:
------------------
- Website Development: Crafting high-converting, user-friendly sites
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Dramatically improving visibility and organic traffic
- Social Media Marketing: Building powerful brand presence across platforms
- Digital Marketing Strategies: Customized approaches for maximum ROI
- Content Creation: Compelling copy that captivates target audiences

Jai's track record speaks volumes: he has successfully scaled 100+ businesses online, ranging from nimble startups to established enterprises. His unique approach blends data-driven insights with innovative solutions, guaranteeing each client a tailor-made strategy aligned perfectly with their goals and target market.

What truly distinguishes Jai is his unwavering commitment to delivering quantifiable results. He doesn't merely build websites or execute campaigns; he architects comprehensive digital ecosystems that consistently drive substantial business growth. Whether a company aims to double brand awareness, generate 3x more quality leads, or achieve a 50% boost in online sales, Jai collaborates closely to not just meet, but exceed these ambitious objectives.

Papaya Palette isn't just a service provider; we're your growth partner. Specializing in online business expansion, we offer customized solutions to boost your digital presence and maximize success. Our approach combines tailored strategies, creative innovation, and unwavering customer focus to deliver exceptional results and build lasting relationships.

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