WhatsApp's Text Broadcasts; Public Speaking Insights from Top CEOs; The Triple-Format Phenom; Intercom's CEO Returns; & a Layoff Alert
As Q4 Starts, a Call to Action.
WhatsApp Goes Broadcasting
The Sinch Engage blog recently announced that Meta will introduce a “paid feature” allowing small businesses to text their customers using a broadcast function.
While the WhatsApp Business Messaging platform already supports sending messages to larger lists, what stands out is that this is the first solution tailored specifically for SMBs. However, with a 256-contact list limit, this new feature isn't significantly different from the platform's existing P2P controls. The primary distinction? It's a paid feature aimed at businesses.
There are many tactical advantages for a business to use WhatsApp, from richer messaging and built-in shopping cart experiences, to the salient delivery report. There is also the exemption from TCPA liability.
It is an open secret in the messaging space that one-way communication still rules the roost and marketing is the biggest user of one-way messaging. Meta has already confirmed that North America is its fastest-growing market. This move shows Meta’s relentlessness in becoming the global business messaging platform.
Public-Speaking Insights from Top CEOs
Serving as the content director for four industry events in the past twelve months has allowed me observe what resonates on stage and what falls flat.
In an industry first, at the recently concluded ConnectMobile, we had three leaders from the biggest names in messaging: Khozema Shipchandler (Twilio), Laurinda Pang (Sinch), and Amit Jwahar (Attentive) speak and share their visions for the future. The content is bound by Chatham House-like rules, but it was clear that all of them were good, comfortable public speakers. Two traits stood out:
They spoke slowly: All of them took their time to speak. There was a rhythmic, slow-beat patter to their talk. None of them went over their allotted time, and yet, they spoke like they had all the time in the world—like there was nowhere else they’d rather be. They were relaxed, and that relaxed the audience.
They knew their subject matter cold: While they all used slides for their talks, it was clear that it was more to serve the audience than themselves. They knew the subject matter, which showed in their stage comfort and confidence.
The Triple-Format Phenom
Speaking of public speaking, I’ve been a big fan of Matt Abrahams. Not only did I get his help pre-pandemic for my then-day-job, but I also worked with him post-pandemic as he coached the smart scientists from the Ethereum Foundation prep for DevCon Columbia—the biggest crypto developer conference.
Matt’s latest book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter, is out on Amazon. I liked it so much that I’ve gotten it in all three formats (hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook). The last format is a no-brainer given the subject matter! I highly recommend you read it even if you’re an expert speaker, as it has something for everyone.
Through the years I’ve known him, Matt’s always been generous with his time, including being one of the first My Best Advice experts to give his advice.
Intercom’s CEO Returns
Speaking of focus, Fortune reports on how Eoghan McCabe has returned to his CEO role. There’s usually more to the story than the article reports. The takeaway however is his decision to “pick a lane, and pick a fight with Zendesk.” Reminds me of my favorite quote from Sarah Tavel’s Hierarchy of Marketplaces:
“If you pick the right thimble, you can win the ocean. But you’ll never win by going after the ocean first. Pick wisely.”
Apparently Intercom was going too horizontal in its product direction and was not focused enough. It will be interesting to see if they picked the right thimble.
A Layoff Alert
Last year, my LinkedIn post calling out those laying off people right around the holidays was my most controversial. Publicly, it got many likes, but I did get some private feedback that perhaps I was being too harsh. So this time, I’m giving my call to action sooner.
If you’re a manager contemplating layoffs, please do it now! It is the only fair thing to do by your shareholders, your teams, and the affected employees. And if you’re a manager who doesn’t know if you’ll be asked to implement layoffs, here’s my cheat sheet.
Based on this graphic from Carta, I don’t think workforce reductions are completely behind us.
And if you’re looking for ways to have the layoff conversation, refer to chapter 4 of Matt’s book, which is all about such tough conversations.
Thank you for reading, and have a great week!
TJ