Company Description

Udacity is a leading education-management company in the e-learning industry, leveraging current technology to provide career-focused online courses. The platform offers specialized training in numerous tech fields, including programming, data science, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and robotics, stepping beyond traditional educational boundaries and reaching those interested in enhancing their careers through accessible and affordable e-learning (udacity.com).

As a pioneer in creating digital talent for over a decade, Udacity remains committed to talent transformation on a global scale. The company's estimated 3700 employees work in conjunction with industry leaders to formulate practical, in-depth lessons designed to cultivate critical thinking and workplace relevance. Udacity achieves this by investing heavily in mentorship programs, where experts provide personalized learning support, thereby ensuring students achieve complete mastery of competencies (About Us | Udacity).

Udacity champions convenience when it comes to learning. This allows students to stay updated and in sync with influential figures, experts, and influencers relevant to their fields. The company popularizes the use of Java, a programming language widely adopted by Fortune 500 companies, as well as offering courses in iOS app development, Android development, tech entrepreneurship, among others (Udacity | LinkedIn).

Known for the development of an online learning platform used by diverse professionals in the AI, machine learning, and robotics sectors, Udacity’s online courses deliver industry-specific skillsets that employers require, offering credentials recognized and endorsed by employers. In tandem, the company aims to democratize further education through affordability and accessibility, allowing students to secure the roles they aspire to (Udacity - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding).

In its efforts to promote career advancement, Udacity launched a "Nanodegree" program in 2014. Collaborating with AT&T, this program offers coursework in programming skills needed for entry-level IT positions, which could be completed in less than a year for about US$200/month. In addition, AT&T offers paid internships to certain graduates of the program (Udacity - Wikipedia).

Sales Plan for Prospecting into Udacity

1. Executive Summary

Our SaaS solution aims to address the pain points of Udacity, an e-learning platform focusing on upskilling individuals in areas such as programming, data science, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing.

The pain points include:

• Keeping program relevance amidst rapidly evolving technology
• Scaling while maintaining quality and personalized learning experiences
• Balancing between maintaining course affordability and high-quality content and instruction
• Ensuring consistent student engagement and completion rates
• Standing out in the competitive e-learning market

2. Target Customer Description

Company Name: Udacity

Industry: E-Learning

Approximate Employee Count: 3700

Website: udacity.com

3. Sales Objectives

• Develop a deep understanding of Udacity's business operations and challenges
• Connect with key decision-makers at Udacity
• Showcase our SaaS solution tailored to mitigate Udacity's pain points
• Initiate a pilot program to demonstrate the value of our service
• Establish a long-term business partnership with Udacity

4. Sales Strategies and Tactics

i. Research

To effectively approach Udacity and communicate our SaaS value proposition, we'll go deeper with our research. Use sources like LinkedIn and Crunchbase to gather data on their mission, vision, services, customer base, competition, and industry positioning.

ii. Network and Establish Connection

Identify and connect with key decision-makers in Udacity. Leverage LinkedIn and other professional networks to find potential contacts. Pitch our SaaS solution highlighting how it can help mitigate their challenges.

iii. Showcase Relevance of Solution

Deliver tailored presentations and case studies to demonstrate how our product can support the growth and effectiveness of online learning platforms like Udacity. Highlight the relevant features of our SaaS platform that directly address their pain points.

iv. Pilot Program

Offer a pilot or trial program that allows Udacity to experience the benefits and effectiveness of our SaaS solution firsthand. During this period, take feedback and use it to further improve and tailor our solution to their needs.

v. Long-term Partnership

After successful pilot implementation, propose a detailed partnership plan that outlines the costs, timelines, projected ROI, and continued support our team would offer Udacity.

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPIs used to measure the success of our sales plan should include:

1. Number of successful connections made with Udacity’s decision-makers.
2. Number of presentations or product demos delivered.
3. Initiation of a pilot program.
4. Conversion of the pilot program into a long-term contract.
5. Customer satisfaction and feedback.

6. Budget

Breakdown the budget allocation for research, networking, pitching, demonstrating, and implementing the pilot program to provide clear insights into anticipated expenses versus projected returns.

Our goal is to provide a cost-effective solution to Udacity that addresses their pain points while offering us a sustainable business relationship.

7. Sales Forecast

Provide a realistic sales forecast based on the above objectives, strategies and tactics, and KPIs in line with the budgets allocated. Continually revise as needed based upon market changes and feedback received during the sales process.

8. Review and Refinement Process

Ensure a process of regular plan reviews is put in place. This includes feedback sessions after each significant interaction with Udacity. Utilize the insights gained from these reviews to refine and improve the sales plan.