Proof of Value

Stories

Real-world presales moments — the demos that derailed, the calls that clicked, and everything between.

Article image for Why Most PoV Debriefs Are Useless (and What to Ask Instead)
Story

Why Most PoV Debriefs Are Useless

Marcus had been running PoV debriefs for twelve years, what did the new SE do that changed his perspective?

16 Apr 2026 7 min read
Why Jordan Never Demos on Day One
Story

Why Jordan Never Demos on Day One

Why doesn’t Max demo on Day One? Because they’ve learned (the hard way, mind you) that knowing who calls the shots - yes, stakeholder mapping - is crucial. Without it, you might end up like that time Max did a stellar demo, only to realize the key decision-maker was on a flight to Fiji.

2 Jun 2025 6 min read
The Demo That Derailed: When Technical Brilliance Misses the Brief
Story

The Demo That Derailed

Ever seen a tech demo implode? I sure have. Key survival tips: own up to the glitch, tune into your crowd's vibe, and prep like your career depends on it - because sometimes, it does.

29 May 2025 6 min read
The Cost of a Free PoV
Story

The Cost of a Free PoV

The 'free' in free services often comes with unexpected strings attached. Take it from Max, who found themselves knee-deep in project creep that spiraled out of control during what was meant to be a straightforward presale phase.

28 May 2025 6 min read
Selling to Stakeholders You Never Meet: The Silent Killers of PoV Deals
Story

Selling to Stakeholders You Never Meet

In the world of PoV deals, true champions are like friendly ghosts in a haunted house - they're there for you, even when the lights go out during critical procurement meetings. Dive into Max's journey to uncover the art of recognizing this ethereal support.

27 May 2025 7 min read
Max and the One-Week Proof: How Less Became More
Story

Max and the One-Week Proof

In the narrative 'Max and the One-Week Proof', Max is thrown into the deep end with a task to develop a fictional feature spec in just a week. The story underscores the necessity of transparency and credibility while juggling the expectations tied to storytelling.

26 May 2025 6 min read
Why Should You Use a Proof of Value?
Story

Why should you use a Proof of Value?

Dive into the engaging story of Max, as they discover the game-changing benefits of implementing a Proof of Value (PoV) in sales. This fictional blog post not only entertains but educates on the critical role a PoV can play in securing customer commitment and trust. Perfect for sales professionals, this tale marries humor with business acumen in a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their sales strategy.

10 Nov 2024 6 min read
What is a PoV?
Story

What is a PoV?

Join me, Max, as I recount the rollercoaster of a botched technical demo. Grab insights on how to dodge disasters and turn your next presentation mishap into a humble win.

10 Sept 2024 6 min read