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Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a go-to-market team

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Updated on:
August 23, 2024
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Think of a go-to-market team as the engine that drives a successful product launch. This isn’t just any team—it’s a cross-functional powerhouse that includes key players like the GTM manager, product marketer, and product marketing manager, along with the product, sales, and marketing teams. 

Each of these roles is vital, working together to create a strategy that aligns sales tactics, chooses the right marketing channels, and streamlines workflows to ensure everything runs like clockwork.

Every member of the go-to-market team has a unique role to play. The product marketer, for example, hones in on the product’s messaging and positioning, ensuring it resonates with the target audience. Meanwhile, the product team is busy developing the actual product, while the GTM manager oversees the entire process, making sure the strategy is executed flawlessly.

Introduction to go-to-market teams

At the heart of any successful product launch is a well-oiled go-to-market (GTM) team. This group isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about getting things done right. Usually composed of a GTM manager, sales team, and marketing team, this cross-functional group is the backbone of your product’s journey to market.

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The product marketing manager leads the charge, shaping the go-to-market strategy with precision, while the product team ensures the product is ready for prime time. Together, they define roles, craft winning sales strategies, and optimize marketing channels. It’s not just about launching a product—it’s about launching it successfully, and that’s where a dedicated GTM team makes all the difference.

Defining a go-to-market team

A Go-To-Market (GTM) team is like the Swiss army knife of product launches—versatile, multi-functional, and absolutely essential. This team is responsible for taking a product from development to market, executing a strategy that ensures a successful launch. Typically, the team includes GTM managers, product marketers, and various other roles that bring the go-to-market strategy to life.

Within this team, you’ll find several departments at work. The product team designs and develops the product, the marketing team creates buzz and awareness, and the sales team closes the deals. The Product Marketing Manager, meanwhile, is the glue that holds it all together, coordinating between these units and ensuring the go-to-market workforce is firing on all cylinders.

The importance of a GTM team in an organization

A GTM (go-to-market) team is more than just a group of people—it’s the bridge between your product and its end-users. This team, which often includes roles like a GTM manager, product marketer, and product marketing manager, is crucial in crafting a strategy that ensures your product doesn’t just launch—it thrives.

The GTM team uses a mix of marketing channels to nail down product positioning and works closely with the sales and marketing teams to streamline workflows. By bringing together diverse expertise and aligning it under a unified strategy, the go-to-market workforce creates a seamless connection between your product and the market.

Using Bonsai for GTM-Team management

Using Bonsai for managing a Go-To-Market (GTM) team can significantly enhance efficiency and collaboration, ensuring successful product launches and market strategies.

Here's how you can use Bonsai to enhance GTM team management:

Setting up your project in Bonsai

Setting up a project in Bonsai is simple and efficient. Begin by creating a new project and filling in all the necessary details, such as the project name, description, and deadlines. After that, you can break the project down into smaller tasks and assign them to team members.

Bonsai's task management features, like Kanban boards and Gantt charts, allow you to visualize the project timeline and ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities and deadlines. You can also set task priorities and dependencies to streamline the workflow and prevent bottlenecks.

  • Assign tasks to team members.
  • Easily track task progress with Kanban and list views.
  • Use integrated timers to manage time effectively.
  • Invite collaborators to your projects to assign tasks.
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Collaborating with your team

Collaboration is essential for project success, and Bonsai shines in this area. The platform consolidates all communication, enabling team members to share files, leave comments, and receive notifications in one integrated, easy-to-use platform. This keeps everyone aligned and minimizes the chances of misunderstandings.

Bonsai also facilitates real-time collaboration, allowing team members to work together effortlessly, no matter where they are. By promoting a collaborative atmosphere, Bonsai enhances team productivity and unity.

Tracking progress and monitoring results

Monitoring progress and results is important for keeping your project on track. Bonsai provides powerful tracking and reporting tools that offer real-time insights into project status. You can quickly identify which tasks are on schedule and which are slow, enabling you to make timely adjustments.

Link to Utilization Report

Additionally, Bonsai's reporting features allow you to create detailed reports on various project aspects, such as task completion rates, resource usage, and financial performance. These insights empower you to make informed decisions and pinpoint areas for improvement, ensuring your project is completed successfully and efficiently.

By using Bonsai's comprehensive project management tools, you can effectively set up your project, collaborate smoothly with your team, and track progress to achieve success.

Key roles in a go-to-market team

In the world of go-to-market, key roles include the GTM manager, product marketer, and product marketing manager. The GTM manager is the captain of the ship, guiding the go-to-market workforce towards a successful launch. The product marketer, on the other hand, collaborates with the product team to define sales strategies and select the right marketing channels. 

Meanwhile, the product marketing manager ensures that the marketing and sales teams are working in harmony, streamlining workflows and driving the go-to-market strategy forward.

Role of the product manager

The Product Manager is the linchpin of the product team, acting as the central hub between various cross-functional units like the marketing team, sales team, and go-to-market workforce. They play a pivotal role in crafting the go-to-market strategy, overseeing the product launch, and guiding the product marketer on the best marketing channels and sales strategies to use.

Their responsibilities don’t stop there. The Product Manager also coordinates with the GTM manager and the broader go-to-market department, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from development to launch. Their goal? To make sure the product not only hits the market but hits it running.

Role of the sales manager

The Sales Manager is the strategist in the go-to-market workforce, orchestrating efforts between the marketing and sales teams to execute the go-to-market strategy effectively. Their primary job is to design and implement sales strategies that align with the broader goals of the marketing and product teams, ensuring a successful product launch.

They work closely with the product marketing manager to choose the most effective marketing channels and streamline workflows, enhancing the overall functionality of the go-to-market roles. As a GTM manager, they ensure that all cross-functional teams are on the same page, driving the marketing and sales departments towards a common goal.

Role of the marketing manager

The Marketing Manager, often doubling as the Product Marketing Manager, is the mastermind behind the go-to-market strategy. This role connects the dots between the product team, sales team, and marketing team, ensuring everyone is aligned and moving towards the same objective.

Their responsibilities are broad, encompassing everything from planning and executing the product launch to developing sales strategies and selecting marketing channels. They’re also instrumental in streamlining workflows, making sure that every aspect of the go-to-market process is running smoothly. In essence, they define the roles within the organization and ensure that cross-functional collaboration leads to a successful launch.

Role of the customer success manager

The Customer Success Manager (CSM) is the customer’s advocate within the go-to-market strategy. Working closely with the product, sales, and marketing teams, the CSM ensures that customers are not only satisfied but are also achieving their desired outcomes with the product. Their role extends beyond just customer service—they’re integral to enhancing the customer experience, driving retention, and fostering growth.

In the go-to-market team, the CSM collaborates with the product marketer and GTM manager, contributing valuable insights that shape the sales strategies and refine the marketing channels. Their feedback is crucial for adjusting the product and strategy to better meet customer needs, making them a vital link in the go-to-market workforce.

Understanding the GTM strategy

A go-to-market strategy is like the blueprint for your product’s journey from concept to customer. The GTM manager is the architect, overseeing this plan and working closely with the go-to-market workforce, including the marketing and sales teams, to ensure every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly. This strategy isn’t just about launching a product—it’s about launching it successfully, using the right marketing channels, and designing effective sales strategies.

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The product marketer and the GTM department collaborate to streamline workflows and optimize resources, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. And at the heart of it all is the product marketing manager, who ensures that cross-functional communication is seamless, leading to a smooth and successful product launch.

What is a GTM strategy?

A GTM strategy, or go-to-market strategy, is essentially your game plan for how you’ll sell your product to customers. It outlines every step, from the product launch to the collaboration between various teams like marketing, sales, and the product team. The GTM manager typically leads this cross-functional effort, defining the roles and responsibilities within the go-to-market workforce.

This strategy includes identifying the right marketing channels and crafting effective sales strategies, all while ensuring that workflows are streamlined for maximum efficiency. It’s about making sure that every part of your organization is working together to bring your product to market successfully.

Why is a GTM strategy important?

A GTM strategy is crucial for the successful launch of any new product or service. It defines the roles within the go-to-market workforce, ensuring that the product team, marketing team, and sales team are all working in sync. Without a solid GTM strategy, you’re essentially flying blind, hoping that all the pieces will fall into place.

The GTM manager plays a key role in coordinating this process, leveraging various marketing channels and your preferred strategic marketin plan to ensure that the launch is a success. When done right, a strong GTM strategy not only enhances cross-functional collaboration but also significantly increases the chances of your product making a big splash in the market.

Building a successful go-to-market team

Building a successful go-to-market team is like assembling an elite task force—you need the right people in the right roles, guided by a well-defined strategy. The GTM manager should lead this team, optimizing marketing channels and sales strategies while ensuring that workflows are streamlined for a smooth product launch.

Key roles within this team include the product marketer, who drives market understanding, and the product marketing manager, who works closely with the product team. Collaboration between the marketing and sales teams is crucial, as it provides the cross-functional support needed to turn a product launch into a business success.

Identifying the right team members

The success of a product launch hinges on having the right people in the right roles within your go-to-market team. Key contributors typically include the GTM manager, product marketer, and product marketing manager. These roles are focused on strategic planning and execution, each bringing a unique skill set to the table.

The product team perfects the offering, the marketing team crafts the messaging and channels, and the sales team closes the deals. Together, they streamline workflows across cross-functional departments, driving the go-to-market strategy to success. Identifying team members who understand their roles and work well together is essential for a successful product launch.

Establishing clear roles and responsibilities

Clarity in roles and responsibilities is the bedrock of a successful go-to-market strategy. Each member of the go-to-market workforce—from the GTM manager to the product, sales, and marketing teams—needs to know exactly what they’re responsible for.

The product marketing manager typically leads the go-to-market strategy, while the sales team focuses on executing sales strategies across various marketing channels. Meanwhile, the marketing and product teams work cross-functionally to streamline workflows and ensure everything runs smoothly. A go-to-market department with well-defined roles not only operates more efficiently but also drives better results in the market.

Importance of team collaboration

Team collaboration is the secret sauce that makes a go-to-market strategy work. Mobilizing all go-to-market roles, including the product, sales, and marketing teams, ensures that product launches are not only faster but also more aligned with the company’s objectives.

The GTM manager plays a pivotal role here, leading cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, define sharp sales strategies, and select effective marketing channels. When everyone works together, led by a proactive product marketing manager, the result is a product that not only reaches the market but thrives once it’s there.

Tools for a successful GTM team

Think of launching a product like prepping for a big game. You wouldn’t send your team out there without a game plan, right? That’s where your go-to-market (GTM) crew comes in. To nail that launch, you need a rock-solid GTM team. The GTM manager, your team captain, needs to be sharp, pulling together all the key players—marketing, sales, and product teams. Communication? It’s got to be on point. Strategy? Even sharper.

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So, what’s in your toolkit?

You’ll want planning and agency management software to keep everyone on the same page, marketing automation tools to hit all your channels efficiently, and CRM software to keep your sales strategy tight. And don’t forget about the product marketing manager—they’re the glue holding everything together, making sure the strategy isn’t just a plan on paper but something that gets everyone moving in the same direction.

Benefits of using Bonsai for team management

Using Bonsai for team management brings a variety of advantages that can greatly improve the efficiency and success of a Go-To-Market (GTM) team. With Bonsai's task management features, you can easily assign and monitor tasks, making sure everyone is aware of their roles and deadlines.

This level of clarity helps keep the team aligned and focused on their objectives. Bonsai also offers collaboration tools like file sharing and centralized communication, which create a unified work environment where team members can collaborate effortlessly and stay informed about project developments.

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Moreover, the platform's automation features help eliminate repetitive tasks, saving time and minimizing the chance of mistakes. For a GTM team to thrive, Bonsai's reporting and analytics tools deliver essential insights into team performance and project progress.

These insights facilitate data-driven decision-making and highlight areas that need improvement. In summary, Bonsai's all-encompassing set of tools promotes effective team management, boosting productivity and ensuring successful project results.

Using Salesforce for sales management

Ever tried herding cats? Managing a GTM strategy can feel like that sometimes. But with Salesforce, it’s like you’ve got a magic wand for sales management. Whether you’re running with marketing, sales, or product teams, Salesforce is your go-to for getting everyone in sync.

Picture this: your product marketing manager is leveraging Salesforce to pick out the best marketing channels and sales strategies. They’re not just guessing—they’re connecting with your GTM workforce in a way that makes sense. It’s all about collaboration here. When the product marketer and their team are aligned, you see productivity soar, and suddenly, that product launch doesn’t seem so daunting anymore.

Utilizing HubSpot for marketing automation

HubSpot isn’t just another tool in the box—it’s the Swiss Army knife for your GTM strategy. Imagine your GTM manager using it to pull together your marketing, sales, and product teams. It’s like a well-oiled machine where everything’s streamlined, and nothing’s left to chance.

Think about it this way: HubSpot helps your product marketing manager smooth out the kinks in your marketing channels, ensuring that every move the sales team makes is in perfect harmony with the product team’s efforts. It’s a one-stop-shop, keeping the GTM workforce focused and efficient. When everything clicks, your product launch not only goes off without a hitch but feels almost effortless.

Adopting Gainsight for customer success management

Now, let’s talk about Gainsight. If HubSpot is the Swiss Army knife, then Gainsight is your GPS, guiding your GTM strategy to its destination. It’s not just about making sure everyone’s on the same page—it’s about making sure they’re on the right page.

With Gainsight, your product, sales, and marketing teams can work together like a finely-tuned orchestra. The product marketing manager can take a step back, knowing Gainsight is there to keep everything running smoothly. It’s a game-changer, really. 

When your GTM manager taps into Gainsight’s potential, overseeing marketing channels and coordinating cross-functional efforts becomes second nature. The result? A product launch that’s not just successful but impactful.

Challenges faced by GTM teams and how to overcome them

Here’s the thing—navigating the GTM landscape can be tricky. Aligning cross-functional roles? It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube. You’ve got marketing channels pulling in one direction, sales strategies in another, and the product launch date looming over you. And if your GTM strategy isn’t laser-focused, well, things can get messy fast.

But here’s the kicker: a strong GTM manager can cut through that chaos. They’ve got to be the ones to streamline workflows, pulling together the product marketing manager and their teams, making sure everyone’s moving towards the same goal.

Common challenges in GTM teams

Let’s get real—some challenges just keep popping up, like a game of whack-a-mole. Clarifying roles within the GTM department is a big one. Who’s doing what? Who’s leading the charge? If your GTM manager, marketing team, and sales team aren’t on the same page, confusion reigns. Then there’s the issue of creating a go-to-market strategy that aligns everything—sales, marketing channels, and the product team’s goals. It’s a lot to juggle.

And don’t even get me started on the actual product launch. It’s like a marathon where everyone needs to cross the finish line together, but without clear coordination, you risk tripping over each other’s feet.

Strategies to overcome these challenges

First off, you’ve got to define those GTM roles. The GTM manager should collaborate closely with product, sales, and marketing teams, ensuring everyone knows their part in the big picture. Next, build a robust go-to-market strategy. This isn’t just a roadmap—it’s your playbook, guiding everything from marketing channels to sales strategies. And lastly, foster a cross-functional culture. When your teams are connected, workflows smooth out, productivity spikes, and those pesky challenges start to fade.

Conclusion: The impact of a well-structured GTM team

A well-oiled GTM team can turn chaos into order. When your GTM manager and product marketing manager work hand in hand, bringing together the product, marketing, and sales teams, everything just clicks. The workflows? Streamlined. The marketing channels? On point. The sales strategies? Effective. This synergy isn’t just about launching a product—it’s about setting the stage for business success, time and time again.

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