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let's talk about budget flushes đźš˝

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TL;DR

  • Are budget flushes your answer for hitting quota? Here’s what Jamin Ball predicts.

  • Marc Benioff of Salesforce calls out Microsoft for creating unrealistic expectations.

  • Wait, you’re telling me something from Telsa was overhyped?!

Let's talk shop 🔧

Should we expect A Great Flush in Q4 2024?

Today we’re doing something a little different. Instead of bringing you hot & fresh news, we want to talk about a recent prediction from SaaS venture capitalist Jamin Ball about budget flushes.

Budget Flush 101 = use it or lose it

A budget flush occurs when companies rush to spend leftover funds before the year ends so they won’t lose that budget for the next year. This is a huge boon for tech companies, who often see a surge in sales, faster deal cycles, and a boost in revenue thanks to these end-of-year spending sprees.

Ball points out that the budget flush in Q4 2023 prompted many people to say that SaaS was “bouncing back” — but it was just a fakeout.

Here’s why Ball speculates Q4 2024 will be a big year for budget flushes:

  • Buying & selling were difficult during the earlier quarters, which means more budget remained untouched.

  • But now the economy appears stronger, plus the Fed has started cutting rates.

  • Software stocks are performing well in the past few weeks.

Why should you care? Keep budget flushes in mind as you broach sales discussions and talks about renewals/upgrades. Companies likely have the budget to spend before the year closes out!

🖥️ What else is happening in tech?

  • The CEO of Salesforce thinks AI is an exciting development for businesses, but way overhyped. Who’s to blame? Microsoft.

  • Canceling subscriptions just got way easier thanks to the FTC’s new click-to-cancel rule!

If you’re triggered every time someone says “Quit overreacting…”

Let’s dish 🤭

We, Scambot

You’ve heard about Tesla’s We, Robot event last week. I know you have because the news was inescapable.

(If you didn’t, can I lease the rock you’ve been living under? It sounds like heaven.)

ICYMI, the event included a reveal of Tesla’s Optimus robots who could seemingly autonomously mingle with the crowd and even serve beers. People were impressed and skeptical in almost equal measure.

Well, hate to burst your bubble…but reports are saying that the robots were largely controlled by humans.

🤖 The walking & movement = AI-powered

🧍 The conversations, games of charades, and pouring of beers = remotely controlled by human operators

Still kinda cool that robots can walk among us, but no need to worry about a robot takeover yet.

đź«– What's the tea?

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