I'll expand - every sales cycle now includes a discussion on how we can work with their GPT/Claude. Buyers have way more ability to research and evaluate competitive solutions with AI. There's overall more competition (on paper) in a lot of markets due to a new platform popping up daily making hefty claims. Lastly, SaaS spending got out of control for years (everyone buying the shiny new ‘thing’) so more conversations are based around consolidation and offloading tech debt.
I hear that sales cycles are longer and that may be independent of ai. people qualifying impact harder in addition to what Mike said. I think the more options out there too is effecting things (build vs buy etc)
Just as it is in professional sports, the bench players are pros as well-waiting there turn to get in the game. So, developing stronger relationships will be important with the bench of SaaS competition growing.
Thanks a lot for the replies guys. I heard from someone it made sales cycles lesser for them as enterprises are looking forward to integrate AI in their systems lately. Maybe he could be selling something related to this. How long are the sales cycles these days on an average?
I am seeing a hit and miss. Early adopters (especially well funded fast growing AI startups) are signing large deals faster. Outside, it is getting more relationships driven because of "too many people reaching out"
