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Kirk Bentley
Sales & CX Leadership. Entertainment industry
Professional Background
Kirk Bentley is an accomplished business development leader specializing in Software as a Service (SaaS) growth, with a remarkable track record that spans over 15 years across 13 countries. He demonstrates a deep understanding of business needs and market trends which allows him to connect with the human element behind these business dynamics. Kirk's authentic approach to building valuable relationships, creating strategic opportunities, and selling solutions effectively positions him as a sought-after expert in the SaaS industry. His comprehensive knowledge encompasses various aspects of subscription businesses, including contract negotiation, pricing strategy, product development, and data privacy.
Currently, Kirk is the Business Development Director for SaaS at POP where he oversees sales and customer experience teams while managing a high-touch portfolio of clients. His former roles at POP include Engagement Manager (Business Development & Partnerships) and Senior Account Manager (SaaS Sales & Marketing), which have all further solidified his expertise in SaaS, MarTech, and strategy.
Education and Achievements
Kirk Bentley's academic foundation is built on a diverse set of disciplines, having studied Communications with an emphasis on Advertising, Sociology, and Psychology at Washington State University. His studies provided him with valuable insights into human behavior and effective communication, essential attributes for any top-tier business development professional. Furthering his education, he obtained a Business Development Certificate from the prestigious University of Washington - Michael G. Foster School of Business, equipping him with essential strategies for driving business growth.
In addition to his solid educational background, Kirk is recognized within the industry as a thought leader, frequently featured as a speaker at prominent events such as Newsletter Fest 2021, Litmus Live, and Americans for the Arts. His expertise in email marketing and marketing automation has positioned him as an influencer in helping businesses achieve their marketing, sales, membership, and educational goals through innovative technology solutions.
Uncovering New Revenue Opportunities
Throughout his impressive career, Kirk has consistently excelled at identifying and developing new revenue opportunities. His extensive background in email marketing, marketing automation, messaging, SaaS, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) makes him a vital resource for companies looking to optimize their business strategies. A true specialist in marketing technology, Kirk helps businesses surpass their goals by strategizing and implementing effective solutions tailored to specific business needs.
Approach - Authentic, Inclusive, and Action Oriented
Kirk believes that successful business development stems from a genuine connection with clients and team members alike. With a naturally strong presence and high emotional intelligence, he has created a business storytelling practice that is both impactful and relatable. By emphasizing authentic and caring leadership, he empowers his teams to take ownership of their roles while providing thoughtful guidance and effective sales assets that foster accountability.
Kirk's customer-obsessed approach drives him to not only meet the needs of clients but also to coach his teams towards success. His desire to help both businesses and individuals succeed in their respective goals is evident in everything he does. The combination of his in-depth discovery process, strategic planning, and alignment between sales and marketing initiatives drives profitable results for SaaS companies.
Contributions to Community
Kirk Bentley also generously extends his expertise beyond the commercial realm. He serves on the board of Shunpike, a non-profit arts organization committed to helping artists in Washington state thrive. His contribution to this community reflects his passion for arts and culture, and his belief in the power of creativity to drive success across various industries.
Achievements
- 15 years of experience in business development and SaaS sales
- Successfully negotiated multi-year subscription software deals across 13 countries
- Extensive background in email marketing and marketing technology solutions
- Sought-after speaker at industry events such as Newsletter Fest 2021 and Litmus Live
- Board member of Shunpike, supporting Washington state's artists in their professional development.
