Insight certainty 4/5 debate potential 4/5

Abel: Selling services is the fastest way for software startups to enter enterprises

Jen Abel · $1M to $10M: The enterprise sales playbook with Jen Abel · Nov 9, 2025 · at 40:42

Sales strategist Jen Abel argues why software startups should use service delivery as a trojan horse to secure enterprise customers.

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“Selling them as service, even though the technology is powering it on the back end, is the fastest way to get your foot in the door. It's what they know how to buy.”

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