Strategic Account Planning & Growth Playbook
Guided workflows for building winning account strategies with Unrival.AI
These playbooks use chained prompts to guide you through complex strategic planning. With AI, what used to take hours now takes 10-25 minutes per workflow.
How to Use This Guide
About Strategic Playbooks
Unlike day-to-day prompts, these are multi-step workflows designed for deep strategic work. Each playbook guides you through 5-10 chained prompts, where the output of one step informs the next. You'll build complete account plans, stakeholder maps, expansion roadmaps, and more.
Follow the Sequence
Complete each step in order. The prompts are designed to build on each other, creating a progressively deeper understanding.
Review Between Steps
Read the guidance between each prompt. It tells you what to look for in the output and how to use it for the next step.
Build Your Deliverable
Each workflow results in a complete strategic asset - an account plan, stakeholder map, QBR deck outline, or growth roadmap.
Available Strategic Playbooks
📊
New Account Deep Dive
6-step workflow to build a complete strategic account plan from scratch
⏱ 15-20 minutes
📅
Quarterly Account Planning
6-step process to plan your next quarter's strategy and goals
⏱ 15-20 minutes
🎯
Whitespace & Expansion
5-step workflow to identify and sequence expansion opportunities
⏱ 12-15 minutes
🗺️
Complex Stakeholder Mapping
6-step process to map influence, relationships, and engagement strategy
⏱ 15-20 minutes
📈
QBR Preparation
7-step workflow to build a compelling quarterly business review
⏱ 20-25 minutes
⚔️
Competitive Displacement
5-step strategy to displace an incumbent competitor
⏱ 12-15 minutes
🚨
At-Risk Account Recovery
6-step playbook to diagnose issues and create a win-back plan
⏱ 15-20 minutes
👔
Executive Sponsorship
5-step process to activate C-level champions
⏱ 10-15 minutes
🚀
Multi-Year Growth Roadmap
5-step workflow for long-term partnership planning
⏱ 15-20 minutes
Playbook 1
New Strategic Account Deep Dive
Build a comprehensive strategic account plan from the ground up. This 6-step workflow takes you from basic research to a complete entry strategy.
⏱ 15-20 minutes📊 Deliverable: Strategic Account Plan🎯 6 steps
Step 1
Business Foundation Analysis
Foundation
Start by understanding their business model, financial health, and market position. This creates the foundation for all strategic decisions.
Prompt Copy
Provide a comprehensive analysis of [Company Name]:
1. Business model and primary revenue streams
2. Recent financial performance (revenue growth, profitability, cash position)
3. Market position relative to competitors
4. Current growth drivers and constraints
5. Recent strategic moves (M&A, product launches, market expansion)
Focus on factors that would impact their technology buying decisions and strategic priorities.
📋 What to Look For
- Are they growing or contracting? This affects buying appetite
- Where are they investing? These are priority areas
- What constraints do they face? These create urgency
- How do they make money? Align your value prop to their revenue model
Use these insights to guide Step 2's focus on strategic priorities.
Step 2
Strategic Priorities Identification
Strategy
Based on their business context, identify their top 3-5 strategic priorities for the next 12-18 months.
Prompt Copy
Based on [Company Name]'s business situation - particularly [key themes from Step 1] - what are their likely strategic priorities for the next 12-18 months?
Consider:
- What initiatives would address their growth drivers or constraints?
- What market pressures are they responding to?
- What capabilities do they need to build?
- Where would executives be focusing their attention and resources?
Provide 3-5 specific strategic priorities with rationale for each.
📋 How to Use This
- Highlight 2-3 priorities that align with your solutions
- Look for initiatives that require technology investment
- Note any time-sensitive priorities (regulatory, competitive)
- Identify priorities where current solutions might be inadequate
These priorities will help you uncover pain points in Step 3.
Step 3
Pain Point Discovery
Discovery
Connect their strategic priorities to operational pain points and capability gaps.
Prompt Copy
Given [Company Name]'s strategic priorities around [specific priorities from Step 2], what operational challenges or pain points are they likely experiencing?
Focus on:
- What bottlenecks or inefficiencies would prevent them from achieving these priorities?
- Where might legacy systems or processes be holding them back?
- What capability gaps exist in their current tech stack?
- What risks or compliance concerns relate to these initiatives?
For each pain point, explain the business impact and why current solutions may be insufficient.
📋 Mapping to Your Solutions
- Circle pain points that your solution directly addresses
- Quantify the impact where possible (cost, time, risk)
- Identify pain points that create urgency vs. nice-to-have improvements
- Note which departments or teams would feel these pains most acutely
Use these pain points to identify the right decision-makers in Step 4.
Step 4
Decision-Maker Identification
Stakeholders
Identify who owns the problems you solve and who has authority to buy.
Prompt Copy
For initiatives around [specific priority] and pain points related to [specific pain point] at [Company Name], identify:
1. The likely economic buyer (who controls budget/final approval)
2. Technical evaluators (who assess the solution)
3. Day-to-day users (who would use the solution)
4. Executive sponsor (who champions the initiative)
5. Potential blockers (who might resist change)
For each role:
- Typical title at a company like this
- Their primary concerns and success metrics
- What would make them care about this problem
- Recommended contacts at [Company Name] who fit these roles
📋 Building Your Contact Strategy
- Cross-reference recommended contacts with LinkedIn and Unrival.AI data
- Prioritize contacts who have both influence AND accessibility
- Identify 2-3 potential champions who would benefit most from your solution
- Map the approval chain - who influences whom?
Before reaching out, understand the competitive landscape in Step 5.
Step 5
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Competition
Understand what they're using today and how to position against it.
Prompt Copy
What solutions is [Company Name] likely using today for [specific pain point/use case]?
Analyze:
1. Most probable incumbent vendors or internal solutions
2. Strengths of their current approach
3. Limitations or gaps in their current solution
4. Why they might have chosen this solution originally
5. What would trigger them to consider alternatives
6. Typical switching costs and barriers
Given their priorities around [strategic priority], how well does their current solution align with their future needs?
📋 Competitive Intelligence
- Validate assumptions about incumbents through research and outreach
- Prepare differentiation talking points for each likely competitor
- Identify gaps in their current solution that you uniquely fill
- Note contract renewal dates or change triggers if possible
Now synthesize everything into your entry strategy in Step 6.
Step 6
Entry Strategy & Account Plan
Final Deliverable
Synthesize everything into a concrete entry strategy and account plan.
Prompt Copy
Based on everything we've learned about [Company Name], create a strategic account entry plan:
1. **Optimal Entry Point**
- Which specific use case, department, or initiative should we lead with?
- Why is this the best entry point given their priorities and our differentiation?
2. **Initial Target Contacts**
- Who are the 2-3 specific people we should engage first?
- In what sequence and with what messaging?
3. **Value Proposition**
- What is our primary value message for this account?
- How does it connect to their strategic priorities?
4. **Competitive Positioning**
- How do we differentiate from their current solution?
- What's our key winning message?
5. **First 90 Days**
- What are the key milestones and activities?
- What resources do we need?
- What's our definition of success?
6. **Risks & Mitigation**
- What could derail this?
- How do we mitigate each risk?
✅ Your Strategic Account Plan
You now have a complete strategic account plan including: business context, strategic priorities, pain points, stakeholder map, competitive landscape, and entry strategy. Document this in your CRM and share with your account team.
Next Step: Use Playbook 4: Stakeholder Mapping to build a detailed influence map for your key contacts.
Playbook 2
Quarterly Account Planning
Review performance, assess changes, and plan your strategy for the next quarter. Best done at the start of each quarter for your strategic accounts.
⏱ 15-20 minutes📊 Deliverable: Quarterly Account Plan🎯 6 steps
Step 1
Last Quarter Performance Review
Review
Start by assessing what happened last quarter - wins, losses, and what you learned.
Prompt Copy
Help me review last quarter's performance with [Account Name]:
Context:
- Our goal was: [your goal]
- What we achieved: [what happened]
- Active opportunities: [list opportunities and their outcomes]
- Key activities: [major meetings, QBRs, initiatives]
Analyze:
1. What worked well and why?
2. Where did we fall short and what were the root causes?
3. What did we learn about the account that we didn't know before?
4. How has our relationship strength changed?
5. What patterns or trends do we see in their engagement and buying behavior?
📋 Honest Assessment
- Be brutally honest about what didn't work
- Look for patterns: timing, stakeholder engagement, competitive factors
- Celebrate wins but understand WHY you won
- Note any red flags or concerning signals
Use these insights to identify what's changed at the account in Step 2.
Step 2
What's Changed Analysis
Discovery
Identify significant changes at the account that create new opportunities or risks.
Prompt Copy
What significant changes have occurred at [Account Name] in the last 3 months?
Research:
1. Leadership or organizational changes
2. New strategic initiatives or pivots announced
3. Financial performance or market conditions
4. Competitive landscape shifts
5. Technology investments or infrastructure changes
6. Regulatory or compliance developments
7. M&A activity or partnerships
For each change, analyze:
- Does this create opportunity or risk for us?
- How does this affect our current relationships or opportunities?
- What actions should we take in response?
📋 Change Impact Analysis
- New leadership often means new priorities and budget resets
- Org changes can kill or create opportunities
- Financial struggles may pause spending or accelerate efficiency plays
- Strategic pivots create urgency around enabling technology
These changes will inform your opportunity pipeline in Step 3.
Step 3
Opportunity Pipeline Planning
Planning
Map out realistic opportunities you can pursue this quarter.
Prompt Copy
Based on [Account Name]'s current situation and recent changes, help me build a realistic opportunity pipeline for next quarter:
Current state:
- Existing opportunities in flight: [list with status]
- Our current footprint: [what they're using]
- Recent feedback or requests: [what they've asked for]
- Budget cycle status: [where they are in planning]
Identify:
1. **Active Opportunities** (already in motion - how do we advance them?)
2. **Near-term Opportunities** (can realistically start this quarter)
3. **Seeding Opportunities** (plant seeds for future quarters)
For each opportunity:
- Estimated value and likelihood
- Key stakeholders involved
- What needs to happen to move forward
- Our next 2-3 actions
📋 Pipeline Reality Check
- Be realistic about what can close this quarter vs. long-term plays
- Prioritize opportunities with executive sponsorship or budget allocated
- Don't neglect seeding activities that set up future quarters
- Ensure each opportunity has a clear champion and next step
Now assess risks that could derail these opportunities in Step 4.
Step 4
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Risk
Identify what could go wrong and create mitigation plans.
Prompt Copy
Assess risks for [Account Name] this quarter:
1. **Renewal Risk** (if applicable)
- What indicators suggest renewal risk?
- Stakeholder health and engagement level
- Competitive threats
- Usage and value realization concerns
2. **Opportunity Risks**
- What could derail our pipeline opportunities?
- Budget, timing, or priority changes
- Competition or alternative approaches
- Internal political or organizational risks
3. **Relationship Risks**
- Are we too dependent on one champion?
- Have we lost access to key stakeholders?
- Are we insufficiently multi-threaded?
For each risk:
- Probability and potential impact
- Early warning signs to watch for
- Specific mitigation actions we can take
- Who needs to be involved
📋 Risk Mitigation Planning
- Schedule mitigation activities in your calendar NOW
- High-risk renewals need executive engagement ASAP
- Always be building redundant relationships
- Regular check-ins catch small issues before they become big
With risks identified, plan your resource needs in Step 5.
Step 5
Resource & Support Planning
Resources
Determine what help you need to execute your plan successfully.
Prompt Copy
Given my plan for [Account Name] this quarter, what resources and support do I need?
Consider:
1. **Sales Engineering**
- Technical depth needed for evaluations
- Demo or POC requirements
- Solution design for complex use cases
2. **Customer Success**
- Adoption challenges requiring CSM support
- Training or enablement needs
- QBR or health check scheduling
3. **Executive Engagement**
- When do we need our executives involved?
- What customer execs should they engage with?
- What topics or forums make sense?
4. **Product/Engineering**
- Feature gaps or customization needs
- Product roadmap discussions
- Integration or technical architecture reviews
5. **Marketing/Demand Gen**
- Account-based marketing campaigns
- Event sponsorships or speaking opportunities
- Case studies or reference programs
Map each resource need to specific opportunities or objectives.
📋 Resource Coordination
- Book key resources early - calendars fill up fast
- Brief your support team thoroughly on account context
- Assign clear DRIs (Directly Responsible Individuals) for each activity
- Create a shared doc/plan so everyone is aligned
Finally, crystallize your goals and metrics in Step 6.
Step 6
Quarterly Goals & Metrics
Final Deliverable
Set clear, measurable goals for the quarter.
Prompt Copy
Help me set clear quarterly goals for [Account Name]:
Based on our opportunities, risks, and resources, define:
1. **Revenue Goals**
- New business target (new deals/expansions)
- Renewal target (if applicable)
- Total account value target
2. **Strategic Goals**
- Key relationships to establish or deepen
- New departments or use cases to penetrate
- Competitive wins or displacements
- Executive sponsorship milestones
3. **Activity Metrics**
- Number of meetings with key stakeholders
- QBRs or strategic reviews to conduct
- Product evaluations or POCs to run
- Proposals or presentations to deliver
4. **Success Milestones by Month**
- Month 1 (early quarter): [key activities and outcomes]
- Month 2 (mid-quarter): [key activities and outcomes]
- Month 3 (quarter end): [key activities and outcomes]
Make goals specific, measurable, and achievable given our resources and the account's context.
✅ Your Quarterly Account Plan
You now have a complete quarterly plan including: performance review, change analysis, opportunity pipeline, risk assessment, resource plan, and clear goals. Share this with your manager and account team, and schedule monthly check-ins to track progress.
Next Step: Use Playbook 5: QBR Preparation when it's time to prepare your quarterly business review with the customer.
Playbook 3
Whitespace & Expansion Strategy
Systematically identify and prioritize expansion opportunities within your existing accounts. Build a 12-month roadmap for growth.
⏱ 12-15 minutes📊 Deliverable: Expansion Roadmap🎯 5 steps
Step 1
Current Footprint Mapping
Foundation
Start by documenting exactly where you are today - what they're using, which teams, and how deeply.
Prompt Copy
Map our current footprint at [Account Name]:
Current deployment:
- Products/solutions in use: [list what they're using]
- Departments/teams using our solution: [list teams]
- Number of users/seats: [quantity]
- Primary use cases: [what they're doing with it]
Now, analyze [Account Name]'s complete organizational structure:
1. All major divisions and business units
2. Geographic locations/regions
3. Functional departments (Engineering, Product, Sales, Marketing, etc.)
4. Any subsidiaries or acquired companies
5. New initiatives or growth areas they've announced
Provide a comprehensive org map showing where we ARE and where we AREN'T.
📋 What to Look For
- Identify "white space" - areas with no current presence
- Note departments similar to ones where you're successful
- Look for new divisions, acquired companies, or geographic expansions
- Understand their full scope to see the expansion potential
Use this org map to identify product fit opportunities in Step 2.
Step 2
Product-Fit Analysis
Discovery
Evaluate which of your solutions would be relevant for each unexplored area.
Prompt Copy
For each division/business unit at [Account Name] where we DON'T currently have presence, analyze which of our solutions would be relevant:
Our solution portfolio:
- [Solution A]: [brief description]
- [Solution B]: [brief description]
- [Solution C]: [brief description]
For each white space area identified in Step 1:
1. Which solutions would be relevant and why?
2. What specific use cases or pain points would each solution address?
3. How mature is this division/team (early stage vs. established)?
4. What's their likely tech stack and buying sophistication?
5. How similar is this to teams where we've already been successful?
Rank each opportunity by product-market fit strength.
📋 Product-Market Fit Indicators
- Strong fit = similar to successful deployments elsewhere in the account
- Look for teams with similar pain points, tech stacks, or workflows
- Consider team maturity - early teams may need simpler solutions
- Flag opportunities where multiple products could work together
Now prioritize these opportunities strategically in Step 3.
Step 3
Opportunity Prioritization
Strategy
Not all white space is equal. Prioritize based on strategic value and likelihood to close.
Prompt Copy
Prioritize the expansion opportunities identified at [Account Name] using these criteria:
Score each opportunity (1-5) on:
1. **Strategic Value to Customer**
- How critical is this to their business goals?
- Does it align with executive priorities?
- Would success here create more opportunities?
2. **Revenue Potential for Us**
- Deal size potential
- Expansion into larger organization unit
- Potential for multi-product adoption
3. **Likelihood to Close (6 months)**
- Do we have a champion or access?
- Is there budget or urgent need?
- How strong is product-market fit?
- Competitive landscape favorability
4. **Strategic Risk If We Don't Act**
- Could competitors enter this white space?
- Would losing here hurt our position elsewhere?
- Is time-sensitive window closing?
Provide a ranked list of top 5 opportunities with scores and rationale.
📋 Prioritization Framework
- High strategic value + high revenue + high likelihood = Tier 1 opportunities
- Don't ignore strategic plays even if revenue is smaller
- Quick wins (high likelihood, medium value) build momentum
- Competitive risk should accelerate priority
With priorities set, determine the right sequence in Step 4.
Step 4
Sequencing Strategy
Planning
Determine the optimal order to pursue opportunities, considering dependencies and momentum.
Prompt Copy
For the top expansion opportunities at [Account Name], determine the optimal sequence:
Consider:
1. **Dependencies**
- Does opportunity B require success in opportunity A first?
- Are there technical or organizational prerequisites?
- Does one opportunity create access or credibility for others?
2. **Resource Constraints**
- Can we realistically pursue multiple simultaneously?
- Do any require significant SE or implementation resources?
- What's our capacity for new projects with this account?
3. **Customer Readiness**
- Which teams are ready to move now vs. need nurturing?
- What's their budget cycle and planning timeline?
- Are there organizational changes that affect timing?
4. **Momentum Strategy**
- Should we start with a quick win to build credibility?
- Or go big with a strategic bet?
- How do we sequence for maximum momentum?
Provide a recommended sequence: "First pursue X, then Y, then Z" with clear rationale.
📋 Sequencing Best Practices
- Start with quick wins to build momentum and references
- Use early success as proof points for bigger opportunities
- Don't pursue too many simultaneously - focus creates success
- Consider organizational dynamics - who influences whom?
Now build your 12-month expansion roadmap in Step 5.
Step 5
12-Month Expansion Roadmap
Final Deliverable
Create a quarter-by-quarter plan for expanding your footprint.
Prompt Copy
Create a 12-month expansion roadmap for [Account Name]:
For each quarter, provide:
**Q1 (Current Quarter)**
- Primary target opportunity: [which one]
- Key activities: [discovery, demos, POC, etc.]
- Stakeholders to engage: [specific people/roles]
- Success metrics: [what defines progress]
- Resources needed: [SE, CSM, executives, etc.]
**Q2**
- Primary target opportunity: [which one]
- Key activities and milestones
- Stakeholders to engage
- Success metrics
- Resources needed
**Q3**
- [Same format]
**Q4**
- [Same format]
For each quarter, also include:
- Seeding activities for future quarters
- Relationship-building with key stakeholders
- Account health/retention activities
- Expected revenue impact
Create a visual timeline showing how opportunities progress through stages.
✅ Your Expansion Roadmap
You now have a complete 12-month expansion strategy showing: current footprint, white space analysis, prioritized opportunities, sequencing rationale, and quarter-by-quarter execution plan. Share this with your account team and manager for resource planning.
Next Step: Use Playbook 4: Stakeholder Mapping to identify key contacts in each white space opportunity.
Playbook 4
Complex Stakeholder Mapping
Build a comprehensive stakeholder map showing relationships, influence, and engagement strategy. Essential for complex enterprise deals.
⏱ 15-20 minutes📊 Deliverable: Stakeholder Map & Engagement Plan🎯 6 steps
Step 1
Organizational Structure Research
Foundation
Map the organizational hierarchy relevant to your deal or account.
Prompt Copy
Research the organizational structure at [Account Name] relevant to [your solution/initiative]:
Map out:
1. **C-Suite relevant to our solution**
- CEO and their priorities
- Relevant C-level executives (CTO, CFO, COO, etc.)
- Reporting relationships
2. **Senior Leadership**
- VPs and SVPs in relevant departments
- Who reports to whom
- Span of control and responsibilities
3. **Key Departments/Functions**
- Department heads for: [list relevant areas]
- Team structure and size
- Cross-functional relationships
4. **Recommended Contacts**
- Specific individuals in each role (from public sources)
- Their background and tenure
- Any recent hires or promotions
Create an org chart showing hierarchy and relationships.
📋 What to Document
- Draw the org chart visually or in text hierarchy
- Note reporting relationships - who has authority over whom
- Identify gaps where you don't know the structure
- Save specific names and LinkedIn profiles for later research
Use this structure to identify key players in Step 2.
Step 2
Key Player Identification
Discovery
Identify the specific individuals who will influence the outcome.
Prompt Copy
For [Account Name] and our [opportunity/deal], identify the key players:
1. **Economic Buyer** (who controls budget/final approval)
- Name and title
- Budget authority level
- What drives their decisions
- Current stance on our solution (if known)
2. **Champion(s)** (internal advocates for our solution)
- Name and title
- Why they want us to win
- Their influence level
- How strong is their conviction
3. **Technical Buyer(s)** (who evaluates the solution)
- Names and titles
- What they care about most
- Technical criteria they'll use
- Known preferences or biases
4. **End Users** (who will use the solution)
- Key user groups
- Their current pain points
- Concerns about change
5. **Blocker(s)** (who might oppose or slow us)
- Name and title
- Why they might resist
- Their influence level
- How to mitigate their concerns
6. **Coach** (internal guide helping us win)
- Do we have one?
- How well positioned are they?
- What intelligence can they provide?
For each person: recommend specific contacts at [Company Name] who fit these roles.
📋 Building Your Cast of Characters
- One person can play multiple roles (e.g., Champion + Technical Buyer)
- Identify your champion first - they're critical for intelligence
- Don't ignore blockers - they can kill deals
- Economic buyer may not be obvious - follow the budget authority
Now map how these people influence each other in Step 3.
Step 3
Influence Mapping
Strategy
Understand who influences whom and how decisions really get made.
Prompt Copy
Map the influence dynamics between key stakeholders at [Account Name]:
For each key player identified:
1. **Who influences them?**
- Whose opinion do they trust?
- Who do they turn to for advice on this type of decision?
- What external factors influence them (analyst reports, peers, etc.)?
2. **Who do they influence?**
- Who seeks their approval or input?
- What's their reputation internally?
- Do they have a strong voice with the economic buyer?
3. **Relationship dynamics**
- Which stakeholders are aligned with each other?
- Are there any conflicts or tensions?
- Who has worked together successfully before?
4. **Decision-making process**
- Is this a consensus-driven culture or top-down?
- What's the formal process for this type of purchase?
- What's the informal reality of how decisions actually get made?
Create an influence map showing: High influence → Medium influence → Low influence
And arrows showing who influences whom.
📋 Understanding Power Dynamics
- Formal authority ≠ actual influence (a VP may defer to a trusted director)
- Look for "shadow" influencers - often technical leaders or long-tenured employees
- If your champion has low influence, you need a new champion
- Understand who has the economic buyer's ear
Assess where you stand with each stakeholder in Step 4.
Step 4
Relationship Status Assessment
Assessment
Honestly assess your current relationship strength with each stakeholder.
Prompt Copy
Assess our relationship status with each key stakeholder at [Account Name]:
For each person identified, evaluate:
**Relationship Level:**
- 🔴 No relationship: Never met or minimal interaction
- 🟡 Weak relationship: Met once or twice, transactional
- 🟢 Strong relationship: Regular contact, trust established
- 💚 Champion: Actively advocating for us
**Current Stance:**
- ✅ Supporter: Wants us to win
- ➖ Neutral: No strong opinion either way
- ⛔ Skeptic: Has concerns or doubts
- 🚫 Blocker: Actively opposed
**Access Level:**
- Open: Easy to reach, responsive
- Gatekept: Hard to reach, goes through others
- Unknown: Haven't tried to connect
For each stakeholder, document:
- Current relationship score (Red/Yellow/Green)
- Current stance (Supporter/Neutral/Skeptic/Blocker)
- Access level
- Date of last meaningful interaction
- Quality of that interaction
Identify gaps and risks in our stakeholder coverage.
📋 Red Flags to Watch For
- Economic buyer or high-influence stakeholder with weak/no relationship
- Over-reliance on one champion (single-threaded risk)
- Blockers with high influence and strong access to decision-makers
- Key stakeholders you've never met or spoken with
Build your engagement strategy to address gaps in Step 5.
Step 5
Engagement Strategy Development
Planning
Create a plan to strengthen relationships and address gaps.
Prompt Copy
Based on the stakeholder map and relationship gaps at [Account Name], create an engagement strategy:
For each HIGH PRIORITY stakeholder (high influence, weak relationship):
**Stakeholder: [Name, Title]**
1. **Engagement Goal**
- What relationship level do we need? (Weak → Strong → Champion)
- What do we need them to do or believe?
2. **Value Proposition**
- What matters most to them personally?
- How does our solution align with their goals?
- What's the compelling message for THIS person?
3. **Access Strategy**
- How do we get a meeting?
- Who can introduce us or advocate for the meeting?
- What's the right format (1:1, group demo, executive dinner)?
4. **Timing & Sequence**
- When should we engage them (relative to other stakeholders)?
- What needs to happen first?
5. **Resources Needed**
- Do we need our executives involved?
- SE support for technical discussions?
- Customer references or case studies?
Prioritize stakeholders by: (1) Influence level, (2) Relationship gap, (3) Deal-blocking risk
📋 Engagement Best Practices
- Use your champion to get warm introductions to key stakeholders
- Match seniority - use your executives for their executives
- Lead with their priorities, not your features
- Create "safe" opportunities for skeptics to engage without commitment
Finally, create your multi-threading action plan in Step 6.
Step 6
Multi-Threading Action Plan
Final Deliverable
Build a concrete 30-60 day plan to execute your stakeholder strategy.
Prompt Copy
Create a 30-60 day multi-threading action plan for [Account Name]:
**Week 1-2:**
- [ ] Stakeholder: [Name] - Action: [specific next step]
- [ ] Who's responsible: [AE/SE/Executive]
- [ ] Desired outcome: [meeting scheduled, info gathered, etc.]
- [ ] Stakeholder: [Name] - Action: [specific next step]
- [ ] Who's responsible:
- [ ] Desired outcome:
[Continue for 3-5 stakeholders]
**Week 3-4:**
[Same format - next wave of engagement]
**Week 5-6:**
[Same format - building on earlier interactions]
**Ongoing Activities:**
- Champion check-ins: [frequency]
- Stakeholder intel gathering: [from whom]
- Relationship maintenance: [with whom]
**Success Metrics:**
- Number of new stakeholders engaged: [target]
- Relationship upgrades: [who moves from Yellow to Green]
- Blocker concerns addressed: [specific issues]
- Multi-threading depth: [number of active relationships]
**Resources & Support Needed:**
- Executive time: [when and for whom]
- SE support: [technical discussions with whom]
- Marketing/events: [opportunities to include stakeholders]
✅ Your Stakeholder Map & Engagement Plan
You now have a complete stakeholder strategy including: org chart, key player identification, influence map, relationship assessment, engagement strategy, and 60-day action plan. This is your blueprint for building a multi-threaded, defensible position in the account.
Next Step: Use Playbook 5: QBR Preparation when it's time to engage executives with a business review.
Playbook 5
QBR Preparation & Execution
Build a compelling Quarterly Business Review that demonstrates value, strengthens relationships, and sets up expansion. The most important meeting you'll have with your customer.
⏱ 20-25 minutes📊 Deliverable: QBR Deck Outline🎯 7 steps
Step 1
Success Audit
Review
Document the value delivered and wins achieved this quarter.
Prompt Copy
Audit the success achieved with [Account Name] this quarter:
Context:
- Our solution: [what they're using]
- Quarter reviewed: [Q#, Year]
- Initial goals/objectives: [what we set out to achieve]
Analyze and document:
1. **Measurable Outcomes**
- Usage metrics: [adoption, active users, volume]
- Performance improvements: [speed, efficiency, quality gains]
- Cost savings or revenue impact: [quantify if possible]
- Time savings: [hours reclaimed, faster processes]
2. **Business Impact**
- Strategic initiatives enabled or accelerated
- Problems solved or pain points addressed
- Risks mitigated or compliance achieved
3. **Adoption Milestones**
- New teams or use cases onboarded
- Feature adoption growth
- Integration completions
4. **Wins & Highlights**
- Any "hero moments" or save-the-day situations
- Positive feedback or testimonials
- Unexpected value discovered
Quantify everything possible with specific numbers and percentages.
📋 What Makes Impact Compelling
- Numbers matter - "40% faster" beats "much faster"
- Connect metrics to business outcomes, not just features used
- Include user quotes or testimonials for credibility
- Show progress from last quarter - demonstrate momentum
Balance this success view with honest challenges in Step 2.
Step 2
Challenge Identification
Assessment
Acknowledge where things didn't go as planned - and what you're doing about it.
Prompt Copy
Identify challenges and areas for improvement with [Account Name] this quarter:
1. **Adoption Gaps**
- Where did adoption lag behind expectations?
- Which teams or use cases struggled?
- What barriers prevented full utilization?
2. **Performance or Quality Issues**
- Any bugs, outages, or technical problems?
- Features that underperformed expectations?
- Integration or compatibility challenges?
3. **Process or Communication Breakdowns**
- Where did handoffs or coordination fail?
- Misaligned expectations?
- Support or response time issues?
4. **Unrealized Goals**
- What did we plan to achieve but didn't?
- Why did we fall short?
- What got deprioritized?
For each challenge:
- Be specific and honest
- Explain root causes
- **Most importantly: What we're doing to fix it**
- Timeline for resolution
Frame challenges as "opportunities for improvement" with clear action plans.
📋 Addressing Challenges Effectively
- Don't hide problems - they already know about them
- Owning issues builds credibility and trust
- Always pair problem with solution/action plan
- Show you're listening and taking feedback seriously
Put these wins and challenges in business context in Step 3.
Step 3
Business Context Analysis
Strategy
Connect your relationship to what's happening in their business.
Prompt Copy
Analyze what's changed in [Account Name]'s business this quarter:
Research and document:
1. **Company Performance & Results**
- Recent earnings or financial results
- Growth trajectory and market performance
- Any announced goals or targets
2. **Strategic Initiatives & Priorities**
- New products or features launched
- Market expansions or new segments
- Strategic pivots or focus areas
3. **Organizational Changes**
- Leadership changes or reorganizations
- New hires in key positions
- Team structure changes
4. **Market & Competitive Dynamics**
- Industry trends affecting them
- Competitive moves or pressures
- Regulatory or compliance changes
5. **How Our Partnership Aligns**
- Where did we support their strategic goals?
- How did our solution enable their initiatives?
- Where can we better align going forward?
The goal: Show you understand their business, not just your product in isolation.
📋 Making it Relevant
- Reference their CEO's stated priorities or public statements
- Connect your value to their strategic objectives
- Show awareness of their competitive landscape
- Demonstrate you're a strategic partner, not just a vendor
Now craft your compelling value narrative in Step 4.
Step 4
Value Story Creation
Narrative
Synthesize everything into a cohesive value narrative.
Prompt Copy
Craft a compelling value story for [Account Name]'s QBR:
Synthesize Steps 1-3 into a narrative:
**Opening (The Context)**
"This quarter, [Company Name] focused on [their strategic priorities from Step 3]..."
**The Challenge**
"Your teams faced [specific challenges they were trying to solve]..."
**Our Partnership**
"Together, we [what you achieved from Step 1]..."
**The Impact**
"This enabled [business outcomes and value]..."
- Metric 1: [specific number and impact]
- Metric 2: [specific number and impact]
- Metric 3: [specific number and impact]
**Continuous Improvement**
"We also identified opportunities to deliver even more value [challenges from Step 2 and how you're addressing them]..."
**Looking Forward**
"As you focus on [next quarter's priorities], we're positioned to [how you'll support them]..."
Write this as a narrative flow, not bullet points. This is the story you'll tell in the QBR.
Make it about THEM and their success, with you as the enabler.
📋 Storytelling Best Practices
- Start with their goals, not your features
- Use their language and terminology
- Make them the hero - you're the trusted guide
- Balance data with human impact stories
Build on this momentum with future vision in Step 5.
Step 5
Future Vision & Roadmap
Forward-Looking
Paint a picture of what's possible in the next 6-12 months.
Prompt Copy
Create a future vision for [Account Name]'s partnership with us:
Based on:
- Their strategic priorities and trajectory
- Our current success and adoption
- Capabilities we haven't yet deployed
- Industry best practices and benchmarks
Propose:
**Next Quarter (Q+1)**
1. **Optimization & Expansion**
- Deepen adoption in current teams: [specific goals]
- Expand to new teams/use cases: [which ones and why]
- New features or capabilities to activate: [what unlocks more value]
2. **Expected Outcomes**
- Metrics we'll target: [specific, measurable goals]
- Business impact: [what this enables for them]
**6-12 Months (Future State)**
3. **Strategic Initiatives**
- Major opportunities for expanded partnership
- How our roadmap aligns with their needs
- Transformational use cases or outcomes
4. **Vision of Success**
- Paint picture: "Imagine if [transformational outcome]..."
- Quantify the potential: [ambitious but realistic targets]
- Position us as a strategic partner in their growth
Make this aspirational but credible - rooted in data from current success.
📋 Future Vision Guidelines
- Build on proven success - extend what's working
- Reference similar customers who've achieved this
- Tie expansion to their stated business goals
- Create excitement and FOMO (fear of missing out)
Distill everything into executive-level insights in Step 6.
Step 6
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Summary
Create the executive summary that opens (or ends) your QBR.
Prompt Copy
Create an executive summary for [Account Name]'s QBR:
Distill everything into 5 key messages for C-level audience:
**1. Business Context** (1-2 sentences)
Brief summary of what they focused on this quarter and why it matters
**2. Partnership Impact** (1-2 sentences + 2-3 key metrics)
The value we delivered, quantified
- Key metric 1: [number]
- Key metric 2: [number]
- Key metric 3: [number]
**3. Key Win/Highlight** (1-2 sentences)
The most impressive or important success story
**4. Commitment to Excellence** (1-2 sentences)
How we're addressing challenges and improving
**5. What's Next** (1-2 sentences)
Exciting opportunities ahead and mutual commitments
**Total length: ~150 words maximum**
Make every word count. Use crisp, confident language. Lead with impact, not features.
Also create:
- A one-sentence "headline" that captures the quarter
- 3 supporting data points that prove the headline
📋 Executive Communication
- Executives skim - make key points jump off the page
- Lead with business outcomes, not technical details
- Use their metrics and KPIs when possible
- Create a quotable headline they can share upward
Finally, define clear next steps and commitments in Step 7.
Step 7
Next Steps & Mutual Commitments
Final Deliverable
End with clear, actionable commitments from both sides.
Prompt Copy
Define next steps and commitments for [Account Name] post-QBR:
**OUR COMMITMENTS (What we'll deliver):**
1. **Immediate (Next 30 days)**
- [ ] Action item with owner and deadline
- [ ] Action item with owner and deadline
- [ ] Action item with owner and deadline
2. **This Quarter (Next 90 days)**
- [ ] Initiative with timeline
- [ ] Initiative with timeline
- [ ] Success metric to track
**CUSTOMER COMMITMENTS (What we need from them):**
3. **To Maximize Value**
- [ ] What we need: [specific action]
- [ ] Why it matters: [impact]
- [ ] Proposed timeline: [when]
4. **To Enable Expansion**
- [ ] Access to [team/stakeholder]
- [ ] Participation in [POC/pilot/evaluation]
- [ ] Decision/approval on [specific ask]
**JOINT SUCCESS METRICS**
- Metric we'll track together
- How we'll measure success
- Review cadence: [monthly check-ins, next QBR date]
**NEXT QBR: [Date]**
Preview agenda for next quarter's review
Make commitments specific, measurable, and owned. This slide/section should drive accountability.
✅ Your QBR Deck Outline
You now have a complete QBR outline including: success metrics, challenges with solutions, business context, value narrative, future vision, executive summary, and mutual commitments. Build your deck around this structure, adding visuals and specific data. This framework ensures your QBR demonstrates value, builds trust, and sets up expansion.
Next Step: Use Playbook 3: Whitespace & Expansion to plan specific expansion opportunities to present in your QBR.
Playbook 6
Competitive Displacement Strategy
Build a systematic strategy to displace an incumbent competitor. Identify weaknesses, create urgency, and position for the win.
⏱ 12-15 minutes📊 Deliverable: Displacement Playbook🎯 5 steps
Step 1
Incumbent Analysis
Research
Understand what they're using today and why they chose it.
Prompt Copy
Analyze [Competitor Name]'s position at [Account Name]:
Research:
1. **Current Deployment**
- What solution from [Competitor] are they using?
- How long have they been a customer?
- Scope of deployment (teams, users, use cases)
- Contract details if known (length, renewal date)
2. **Why They Chose Them**
- What problem were they solving when they bought?
- What were the key decision criteria?
- Who championed this solution originally?
- What alternatives did they evaluate?
3. **Incumbent Strengths**
- What does [Competitor] do well for them?
- Where is the customer satisfied?
- What features or capabilities are they dependent on?
- Switching costs (technical, organizational, financial)
4. **Relationship Strength**
- How embedded is [Competitor] in the organization?
- Do they have executive relationships?
- Recent engagement level (QBRs, support, innovation)
Understand what you're up against before planning displacement.
📋 Intel Gathering
- Talk to users to understand real satisfaction vs. stated satisfaction
- Long-term relationships are harder to displace - need stronger case
- Recent implementations have more switching cost inertia
- Identify who will defend the incumbent - they're your opposition
Now identify the cracks in their satisfaction in Step 2.
Step 2
Pain Point & Gap Identification
Discovery
Find where the incumbent is failing or inadequate.
Prompt Copy
Identify gaps and pain points with [Competitor Name] at [Account Name]:
Analyze:
1. **Known Limitations of [Competitor]**
- What are this vendor's general product weaknesses?
- What do they not do well compared to alternatives?
- Where have other customers complained?
2. **Evolution of Customer Needs**
- How have [Account Name]'s needs changed since they bought?
- New requirements that didn't exist when they chose [Competitor]?
- Strategic shifts that create new demands?
3. **Specific Pain Points**
- What frustrations have users expressed?
- Where are workarounds or manual processes needed?
- Features or capabilities they wish they had?
- Performance, reliability, or support issues?
4. **Strategic Gaps**
- Does [Competitor] support their future roadmap?
- Modern capabilities they lack (AI, mobile, integrations, etc.)?
- Scalability or architecture limitations?
For each pain point:
- Who feels this pain most acutely?
- What's the business impact?
- Is there a workaround or are they stuck?
📋 Finding the Wedge
- The best wedge is a pain they're actively feeling, not theoretical
- Look for frustrations with power users - they influence decisions
- Strategic misalignment is stronger than feature gaps
- Recent pain points are fresh wounds - more motivation to act
Build your differentiation story in Step 3.
Step 3
Differentiation & Value Proposition
Positioning
Craft your competitive positioning and win themes.
Prompt Copy
Build competitive differentiation for [Account Name] against [Competitor Name]:
Create win themes:
**1. Primary Differentiation**
What is THE one thing we do dramatically better that matters to them?
- The capability difference
- Why it matters for their specific situation
- Proof points (customer examples, benchmarks)
**2. Secondary Differentiators** (2-3 additional points)
- Point 2: [What we offer that they don't]
- Why it matters
- Evidence
- Point 3: [Another advantage]
- Why it matters
- Evidence
**3. Address Their Concerns**
What will they worry about in switching?
- Concern: [e.g., "disruption to operations"]
- Our answer: [how we mitigate this]
- Concern: [e.g., "migration complexity"]
- Our answer: [how we make it easy]
**4. Vision & Future**
Where are WE going that [Competitor] isn't?
- Our roadmap advantages
- Strategic alignment with their future needs
- Investment in innovation
**5. The "Why Now?" Message**
- Why waiting costs them more
- What they're leaving on the table with [Competitor]
- Momentum or timing factors creating urgency
📋 Competitive Messaging
- Lead with their pain, not your features - stay customer-centric
- Don't bash the competitor - elevate yourself instead
- Use proof from similar customers who switched successfully
- Make comparison about future vision, not just current state
Identify the right timing and triggers in Step 4.
Step 4
Timing & Trigger Analysis
Strategy
Determine when and how to strike for maximum impact.
Prompt Copy
Analyze timing and triggers for displacement at [Account Name]:
**1. Contract Renewal Windows**
- When does their contract with [Competitor] renew?
- How long is the renewal evaluation cycle typically?
- When should we start the conversation to be ready?
**2. Business Triggers**
- Are there upcoming initiatives where current solution will struggle?
- Regulatory or compliance changes forcing reevaluation?
- Organizational changes (new leadership, restructuring)?
- M&A activity creating integration needs?
**3. Competitive Vulnerabilities**
- Is [Competitor] experiencing issues (outages, bad press, leadership changes)?
- Are they raising prices or changing terms?
- Feature gaps becoming more painful?
- Support or relationship problems escalating?
**4. Internal Champions & Change Agents**
- Who internally is dissatisfied enough to drive change?
- Are there new stakeholders who weren't part of original decision?
- Is there a "hero" opportunity for someone to champion improvement?
**5. Optimal Entry Strategy**
- Should we position for:
- Full replacement (rip and replace)?
- Coexistence/complementary deployment?
- Gradual migration starting with one team/use case?
**Recommended Timing:**
When should we make our move and why?
📋 Timing Considerations
- Start 6-9 months before renewal - evaluation takes time
- Strike when pain is fresh and acute - recent incidents create urgency
- New leadership brings openness to change - window doesn't last long
- Pilot/POC approach reduces risk and builds proof points
Create your complete displacement action plan in Step 5.
Step 5
Displacement Action Plan
Final Deliverable
Build your tactical plan to win against the incumbent.
Prompt Copy
Create a displacement action plan for [Account Name] vs. [Competitor Name]:
**Phase 1: Establish Beachhead (Month 1-2)**
- [ ] Identify and engage champion/coach
- Target: [specific person or role]
- Approach: [how to connect]
- [ ] Discovery conversations with dissatisfied users
- Who: [specific teams/people]
- Focus: [their pain points]
- [ ] Build business case
- Quantify: [cost of status quo]
- Demonstrate: [value of switching]
**Phase 2: Build Coalition (Month 2-3)**
- [ ] Multi-thread to key stakeholders
- Economic buyer: [name/approach]
- Technical evaluator: [name/approach]
- Executive sponsor: [name/approach]
- [ ] Proposal: Pilot or POC
- Scope: [specific use case to prove]
- Success metrics: [how we prove superiority]
- Timeline: [duration]
**Phase 3: Prove & Expand (Month 3-4)**
- [ ] Execute pilot/POC
- [ ] Document wins and user feedback
- [ ] Create internal champions through success
- [ ] Build momentum for broader evaluation
**Phase 4: Close (Month 4-6)**
- [ ] Formal evaluation or RFP
- [ ] Executive business case and ROI
- [ ] Address incumbent's counter-moves
- [ ] Negotiate and close contract
**Key Success Factors:**
- Champion strength and position
- Proof point from pilot/POC
- Executive sponsorship secured
- Clear migration path defined
- Switching costs minimized
**Competitive Defense Plan:**
What will [Competitor] do when threatened? How do we counter?
✅ Your Competitive Displacement Playbook
You now have a complete strategy to displace the incumbent including: competitor analysis, pain point identification, differentiation story, timing strategy, and phased action plan. This playbook gives you a roadmap to win a competitive displacement deal.
Next Step: Use Playbook 4: Stakeholder Mapping to build relationships with key decision-makers who can drive the change.
Playbook 7
At-Risk Account Recovery
Diagnose risk factors, understand root causes, and create a win-back plan. Save accounts before they churn.
⏱ 15-20 minutes📊 Deliverable: Recovery Action Plan🎯 6 steps
Step 1
Risk Diagnosis
Assessment
Identify and assess the risk signals.
Prompt Copy
Diagnose risk factors for [Account Name]:
**Red Flags Observed:**
[List specific warning signs: reduced engagement, complaints, non-renewal threats, competitive activity, champion departure, etc.]
Assess severity across dimensions:
1. **Usage & Engagement Risk**
- Declining usage metrics
- Feature adoption dropping
- Login frequency decreasing
- Support tickets increasing
2. **Relationship Risk**
- Stakeholder turnover or dissatisfaction
- Reduced responsiveness
- Canceled meetings or pushback
- Executive relationships weakening
3. **Value Realization Risk**
- Not achieving promised outcomes
- ROI unclear or negative
- Strategic misalignment
- Competitive alternatives being explored
4. **Financial Risk**
- Budget cuts or scrutiny
- Pricing concerns
- Contract renewal approaching
- Payment delays
Rate each dimension: 🔴 High Risk | 🟡 Medium Risk | 🟢 Low Risk
Overall churn risk: [High/Medium/Low] with [X months] until potential loss
📋 Risk Assessment
- Multiple red flags = higher urgency for intervention
- Executive-level dissatisfaction is highest risk
- Declining usage often precedes cancellation by 3-6 months
- Competitor engagement is a critical signal
Investigate root causes in Step 2.
Step 2
Root Cause Analysis
Discovery
Get to the real reasons behind the risk.
Prompt Copy
Analyze root causes of risk at [Account Name]:
For each risk factor identified, dig deeper:
**"5 Whys" Analysis:**
1. Risk: [e.g., "reduced usage"]
- Why? [first level cause]
- Why? [deeper cause]
- Why? [deeper still]
- Why? [approaching root]
- Why? [root cause]
Categorize root causes:
**Product/Solution Issues**
- Missing features or capabilities
- Performance or reliability problems
- Integration challenges
- Usability or complexity issues
**Implementation/Onboarding Issues**
- Poor setup or configuration
- Inadequate training
- Change management failures
- Insufficient support during rollout
**Relationship/Communication Issues**
- Misaligned expectations
- Poor responsiveness or support
- Lack of strategic partnership
- Champion departure without replacement
**External Factors**
- Their business changes (priorities, budget, strategy)
- Competitive pressure or better alternatives
- Organizational changes
- Economic pressures
**Our Execution Failures**
- Overpromised capabilities
- Failed to deliver on commitments
- Inadequate account management
- Missed warning signs earlier
Be brutally honest about what WE could have done differently.
📋 Getting to Truth
- Talk directly to users and stakeholders - don't assume
- Surface issues involve multiple root causes
- Own your mistakes - customers respect accountability
- Distinguish fixable vs. unfixable issues
Assess stakeholder sentiment in Step 3.
Step 3
Stakeholder Sentiment Assessment
Relationships
Map where you stand with each key person.
Prompt Copy
Assess stakeholder sentiment at [Account Name]:
For each key stakeholder:
**[Stakeholder Name, Title]**
- Current stance: ✅ Still supportive | ➖ Neutral/uncertain | ⛔ Dissatisfied | 🚫 Actively pushing to leave
- Their specific concerns: [what they're unhappy about]
- Influence level: High | Medium | Low
- Recoverability: Can we win them back?
**Decision-Makers:**
- Economic Buyer: [stance and concerns]
- Executive Sponsor: [stance and concerns]
**Influencers:**
- Champion(s): [Do we still have one? How strong?]
- Power Users: [sentiment and influence]
- Technical Lead: [stance and concerns]
**Key Questions:**
- Who has given up on us completely?
- Who is still reachable and persuadable?
- Who do we need to win back to save this account?
- Is there an internal advocate left who can help us?
Identify your recovery coalition vs. opposition.
📋 Relationship Triage
- Focus recovery effort on persuadables, not lost causes
- If you've lost your champion, finding a new one is priority #1
- Economic buyer sentiment is make-or-break
- Power users can be rebuilt as champions if you address their concerns
Develop recovery options in Step 4.
Step 4
Recovery Options Development
Strategy
Generate potential paths to recover the account.
Prompt Copy
Develop recovery options for [Account Name]:
Generate 3-4 potential recovery strategies:
**Option 1: [Name of Approach]**
- Core strategy: [what we'd do]
- Addresses root causes: [which ones]
- Timeline to show improvement: [realistic timeframe]
- Resources required: [what we need]
- Likelihood of success: High/Medium/Low
- Risks: [what could go wrong]
**Option 2: [Alternative Approach]**
[Same structure]
**Option 3: [Another Path]**
[Same structure]
Consider different approaches:
- **Full Reset**: New team, fresh start, executive sponsorship
- **Remediation Plan**: Fix specific issues, prove improvement, rebuild trust
- **Scope Reduction**: Scale back to successful areas, rebuild from there
- **Strategic Pivot**: Reposition value prop, find new use case or champion
- **Executive Intervention**: Bring in our executives to salvage relationship
- **Concessions**: Pricing adjustments, extended support, product customization
For each option:
- What's required from us?
- What's required from them?
- What's the "win" look like?
- What's plan B if this doesn't work?
📋 Recovery Strategy Selection
- Match strategy to root cause - don't treat symptoms
- Consider what resources you can realistically commit
- Balance short-term wins with long-term fix
- Some accounts aren't recoverable - know when to let go
Build your detailed action plan in Step 5.
Step 5
30-60-90 Day Action Plan
Planning
Create a tactical recovery roadmap.
Prompt Copy
Create 30-60-90 day recovery plan for [Account Name]:
**First 30 Days: Stabilize & Reset**
Week 1:
- [ ] Acknowledge issues in candid conversation with key stakeholders
- [ ] Deep discovery: understand full scope of dissatisfaction
- [ ] Assemble internal recovery team (AE, SE, CSM, Executive)
Week 2-3:
- [ ] Present recovery plan to customer leadership
- [ ] Quick wins: Address 1-2 immediate pain points
- [ ] Establish new communication cadence
Week 4:
- [ ] First progress checkpoint
- [ ] Demonstrate early improvements
- [ ] Rebuild trust through delivery
**Days 31-60: Rebuild & Prove**
- [ ] Execute on remediation commitments
- [ ] Regular progress updates to stakeholders
- [ ] Start rebuilding champion relationships
- [ ] Show measurable improvement in problem areas
- [ ] Re-engage power users with targeted support
**Days 61-90: Strengthen & Expand**
- [ ] Document success and improvements
- [ ] Strategic review meeting with executives
- [ ] Propose renewed partnership terms
- [ ] Identify expansion opportunities (if appropriate)
- [ ] Establish ongoing account health monitoring
**Success Metrics:**
- Stakeholder sentiment: [target improvement]
- Usage metrics: [target recovery]
- Support tickets: [target reduction]
- Renewal confidence: [where we need to get]
📋 Recovery Execution
- First 30 days are critical - move fast and deliver
- Over-communicate progress - silence breeds doubt
- Involve executives early - shows seriousness
- Track and report metrics transparently
Prepare your win-back strategy in Step 6.
Step 6
Win-Back Strategy & Commitments
Final Deliverable
Secure renewed commitment from the customer.
Prompt Copy
Create win-back proposal for [Account Name]:
**Our Commitment Package:**
1. **Immediate Actions** (what we'll fix now)
- Issue 1: [How we're resolving it]
- Issue 2: [How we're resolving it]
- Timeline: [specific dates]
2. **Enhanced Support** (what we'll provide)
- Dedicated resources: [CSM, SE, etc.]
- Response times: [SLA commitments]
- Regular check-ins: [frequency]
- Executive sponsor: [who from our company]
3. **Product/Service Improvements**
- Feature additions: [what we're building]
- Performance enhancements: [specific improvements]
- Customizations: [if appropriate]
- Timeline: [realistic delivery dates]
4. **Commercial Terms** (if appropriate)
- Pricing adjustments: [if applicable]
- Extended trial period: [to prove value]
- Credits or refunds: [if warranted]
- Flexible terms: [payment, contract length]
**What We Need from You:**
5. **Customer Commitments**
- Engagement: [meetings, feedback, participation]
- Fair evaluation period: [give us time to prove]
- Champion: [identify internal advocate]
- Metrics: [agree on how success is measured]
**The Ask:**
Renew for [term] with these commitments in place.
Or: Give us [timeframe] to prove we've turned this around.
**Mutual Success Metrics:**
How we'll know we've recovered and are delivering value again.
✅ Your Account Recovery Plan
You now have a complete at-risk recovery strategy including: risk diagnosis, root cause analysis, stakeholder assessment, recovery options, 90-day action plan, and win-back proposal. Execute with urgency - at-risk accounts require immediate, sustained action.
Prevention: Use Playbook 5: QBR Preparation regularly to catch issues before they become crises.
Playbook 8
Executive Sponsorship Activation
Build relationships with C-level champions who can accelerate deals, unlock budget, and provide strategic air cover for your initiatives.
5 Steps • Sequential workflow
10-15 minutes • With AI acceleration
Deliverable: Executive engagement plan
When to Use This Playbook
- Deal is stalled at middle management level
- Need executive buy-in for strategic initiative
- Building account transformation roadmap
- Defending against competitive threat
- Expanding into new business units
1
Target Executive Identification
Foundation
Identify the right C-level executive(s) who have the authority, budget, and strategic interest to champion your solution. Not all executives are created equal—you need the one whose goals align with what you're selling.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
I'm an Account Executive at [Your Company] working with [Account Name] on [brief description of your solution/initiative]. I need to activate executive sponsorship to [unlock budget/accelerate deal/defend position/expand usage - choose one].
Based on what you know about [Account Name], help me identify: 1. Which C-level executives would have the most strategic interest in [your solution category] 2. Their current priorities and initiatives (based on earnings calls, LinkedIn, company announcements) 3. How [your solution] aligns with their personal success metrics 4. Their influence level within the organization 5. Any executive changes or transitions that create opportunity
Then rank the top 3 executive targets with rationale for each.
What to Look For
- Strategic Alignment: Do their stated priorities match what you solve?
- Budget Authority: Can they approve the level of investment you're asking for?
- Political Capital: Are they rising stars or established power players?
- Accessibility: Can you reasonably get to them through your network or existing contacts?
- Timing: Are they new in role (hungry to prove value) or established (defensive of status quo)?
2
Deep Executive Profile Research
Discovery
Build a comprehensive profile of your target executive that goes beyond LinkedIn—understand their background, communication style, decision-making patterns, and what makes them tick.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Build a comprehensive executive profile for [Target Executive Name], [Title] at [Account Name].
Research and synthesize: 1. **Career Journey:** Their path to current role, previous companies, functional expertise 2. **Leadership Style:** Based on interviews, social media, team reviews—are they analytical, visionary, operational, relationship-driven? 3. **Current Mandate:** What did the board/CEO hire them to do? What are they measured on? 4. **Strategic Priorities:** From earnings calls, LinkedIn posts, press releases—what keeps them up at night? 5. **Communication Preferences:** Do they prefer data/ROI or strategic vision? Detailed analysis or executive summaries? 6. **Industry POV:** Their public stance on trends like [AI/digital transformation/cost optimization—relevant to your solution] 7. **Red Flags:** Any concerns, skepticism, or past vendor relationships that could affect receptivity
Format this as an executive briefing I can review before engaging.
What to Look For
- Communication Clues: Do they write long-form on LinkedIn or prefer bullet points?
- Value Drivers: Do they talk more about growth, efficiency, innovation, or risk mitigation?
- Credibility Builders: What experiences or expertise make them respect certain approaches?
- Trigger Events: New in role (90 days), restructuring, competitive pressure?
- Access Path: Do they engage with content, attend events, have mutual connections?
3
Executive Value Proposition
Strategy
Translate your solution into executive language. They don't care about features—they care about strategic outcomes, competitive advantage, and impact on their metrics. This isn't your normal pitch.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Based on [Target Executive]'s profile and priorities, craft an executive-level value proposition for [Your Solution] that resonates at the C-suite level.
Current situation at [Account Name]: [Describe current state, challenges, what you know about their tech stack/operations]
Our solution: [Brief description of what you do]
Create: 1. **Strategic Value Statement:** One sentence that connects to their mandate—not what we do, but what they achieve 2. **Business Outcomes:** 3-4 specific, measurable impacts on metrics they own (revenue, efficiency, risk, competitive position) 3. **Strategic Narrative:** The "why now" story that makes this urgent for them—industry shifts, competitive threats, market opportunities 4. **Differentiated Approach:** Why traditional approaches fail and why our approach is different (focus on strategic differentiation, not feature wars) 5. **Proof Points:** Examples from similar companies/industries that would resonate with them 6. **The Ask:** What you need from them (budget approval, strategic alignment, political air cover)
Frame everything in business terms they use in earnings calls and board presentations, not sales language.
What to Look For
- Metric Alignment: Does it impact KPIs they're personally measured on?
- Strategic vs Tactical: Are you positioning as a strategic initiative or operational fix?
- Competitive Context: Does it help them win vs competitors or achieve market position?
- Board-Level Narrative: Could they present this to their board as a strategic move?
- Risk Mitigation: Does it reduce a risk they're worried about (security, compliance, disruption)?
4
Multi-Channel Engagement Strategy
Execution
You don't just "book a meeting" with a C-level exec. You need a multi-touch strategy that builds credibility, demonstrates relevance, and uses your network to create warm introduction opportunities.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Create a 30-day executive engagement strategy to reach [Target Executive] at [Account Name].
Context: - Current relationship: [Describe who you know at the account, your access level] - Target executive: [Name, Title] - What we're trying to achieve: [Strategic objective]
Build a multi-channel sequence:
**Week 1-2: Credibility Building** 1. What content should I share that would catch their attention? (industry insights, competitive intel, research) 2. How can I get on their radar through mutual connections or internal champions? 3. Should I engage with their LinkedIn content? If so, with what type of comments?
**Week 2-3: Indirect Touch Points** 4. Can our executive team engage their executive team? What's the approach? 5. Are there industry events, webinars, or forums where we could intersect? 6. How do we use our internal champion to create an internal case for executive involvement?
**Week 3-4: Direct Outreach** 7. Who should make the introduction? (Your exec sponsor, board member, internal champion) 8. What's the specific meeting objective? (Not "intro call" but concrete value exchange) 9. How do we de-risk the time investment? (Send pre-read, bring relevant data, commit to tight agenda)
**Backup Channels:** 10. If email fails, what's plan B? (Executive assistant, LinkedIn, event-based introduction)
Provide specific tactics for each week with example messaging where relevant.
What to Look For
- Warm vs Cold: Prioritize warm introductions—executive assistants guard cold outreach
- Value Exchange: Every touch should give something useful, not ask for something
- Internal Coalition: Build business case internally before going to executive
- Executive Sponsor Match: Your CTO to their CTO is better than your CEO to their CEO
- Timing Hooks: Board meeting, budget planning, quarterly review, strategic planning
5
First Meeting Preparation
Final Step
You've got 30 minutes with a C-level exec. This isn't a product demo. It's a strategic conversation where you need to establish credibility, demonstrate business acumen, and secure their sponsorship. Every minute counts.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
I've secured a 30-minute meeting with [Target Executive], [Title] at [Account Name]. Help me prepare:
**Meeting Context:** - Who will attend: [List participants from both sides] - How we got the meeting: [Introduction path] - What they know so far: [Context they've been given] - Our objective: [What we need from this meeting]
Create:
**1. Pre-Meeting Materials (to send 24 hours before)** - One-page executive brief: What's the meeting about, what's in it for them, what you need - Relevant proof points/case studies they should review - 2-3 provocative questions to frame the conversation
**2. Meeting Structure (30-minute flow)** - 0-5 min: Opening that establishes credibility and business acumen (not company pitch) - 5-15 min: Strategic conversation—their challenges, your perspective, collaborative problem-solving - 15-25 min: How we can help—strategic approach, not feature walkthrough - 25-30 min: Clear next steps and executive commitment
**3. Discussion Guide** - 5 strategic questions to ask them (about their priorities, not qualifying questions) - Key points to make about strategic value (not product features) - Proof points and analogies that will resonate with them - How to handle objections at this altitude
**4. Preparing Your Internal Participants** - What should your executive sponsor cover vs what you cover? - How to coordinate so it feels cohesive, not tag-team pitching
**5. Success Metrics** - What specific commitment or action constitutes success? - What should happen in the next 7 days after this meeting?
Format as a prep document I can review and share with my team before the meeting.
What to Look For
- Peer-Level Conversation: Your questions should demonstrate you understand their world
- Business Outcomes First: Lead with impact on their metrics, not how your product works
- Specific Ask: Don't end with "let's stay in touch"—get commitment on next step
- Time Respect: Pre-read reduces need for context-setting in the meeting
- Follow-Through: What you promise to send in 24 hours better show up in 24 hours
✓ Executive Sponsorship Plan Complete
You now have: Target executive identified, comprehensive profile, executive value proposition, multi-channel engagement strategy, and first meeting plan.
Next Step: Execute the engagement strategy and prepare your internal executive sponsor.
Playbook 9
Multi-Year Growth Roadmap
Build a strategic 2-3 year vision for growing a key account from current state to transformational partnership with clear milestones, investment levels, and mutual commitments.
5 Steps • Sequential workflow
15-20 minutes • With AI acceleration
Deliverable: 3-year strategic growth roadmap
When to Use This Playbook
- Strategic/named account planning
- Post-sale expansion strategy
- QBR preparation for growth discussion
- Account team alignment on long-term vision
- Customer asking "what's possible over next 2-3 years?"
1
Define 3-Year Success Vision
Foundation
Start with the end in mind. What does a transformational partnership look like in 3 years? This isn't just about revenue—it's about strategic value, organizational adoption, and mutual investment.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Help me define a bold but achievable 3-year vision for our partnership with [Account Name].
**Current State:** - Account started: [Date] - Current ARR/contract value: $[Amount] - Current deployment: [Describe what they're using today—products, users, use cases] - Business units using us: [List departments/divisions] - Success to date: [Key wins, metrics, value delivered]
**Their Business Context:** - Company size: [Revenue, employees, growth trajectory] - Industry: [Industry and market position] - Strategic priorities: [What you know about their 3-year goals]
Create a 3-year vision that includes: 1. **Strategic Value:** What role we play in their transformation (operational backbone, innovation partner, competitive differentiator) 2. **Organizational Penetration:** Which additional business units/departments/regions adopt us 3. **Product Expansion:** Which additional products/capabilities they adopt and why 4. **User Growth:** From [current users] to [target users]—describe the adoption curve 5. **Business Outcomes:** Specific KPIs/metrics we help them achieve (not our metrics, their metrics) 6. **Revenue Target:** Realistic ARR in year 3 with justification 7. **Partnership Maturity:** Evolution from vendor → partner → strategic asset (describe what this means behaviorally) 8. **Mutual Investment:** What they invest (time, resources, change management) and what we invest (support, customization, executive engagement)
Frame this as an inspiring but credible vision statement—something an executive could present to their board.
What to Look For
- Realistic Stretch: Ambitious but grounded in their capacity for change and budget
- Their Success, Not Yours: Vision should focus on their outcomes, not your revenue
- Strategic Alignment: Connects to their 3-year corporate strategy
- Organizational Change: Accounts for how long adoption and change management really take
- Mutual Commitment: Requires investment from both sides, not just them buying more
2
Model Growth Scenarios
Strategy
Create 3 different growth paths (conservative, moderate, aggressive) so you can have realistic conversations about what's possible under different circumstances—budget, executive support, competition, etc.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Based on the 3-year vision for [Account Name], model three distinct growth scenarios.
**Starting Point:** - Current ARR: $[Amount] - Current footprint: [Brief summary]
Create three scenarios:
**Scenario 1: Conservative Growth (Defensive)** *If they face budget cuts, leadership changes, or we encounter strong headwinds* - Year 1, 2, 3 ARR: [Projections] - What we protect: [Core use cases and business units] - Growth drivers: [Expansion within existing users, renewal lock-in] - Risk factors that could trigger this scenario - Minimum success criteria: [What keeps us in play]
**Scenario 2: Moderate Growth (Base Case)** *If current momentum continues with normal execution* - Year 1, 2, 3 ARR: [Projections] - What expands: [New use cases, business units, products] - Growth drivers: [Natural expansion, proven ROI, executive support] - Dependencies: [What needs to go right] - This should be our committed forecast
**Scenario 3: Aggressive Growth (Transformational)** *If they give us strategic project, strong executive sponsorship, and we execute flawlessly* - Year 1, 2, 3 ARR: [Projections] - What transforms: [Enterprise-wide deployment, strategic partnership] - Growth drivers: [C-suite mandate, strategic initiative alignment, competitive displacement] - What it requires: [From us and from them] - Upside opportunity if conditions align
For each scenario, specify: - Revenue progression by year - Product mix and attach rates - Organizational adoption milestones - Key triggers or conditions required - Early warning signs (positive and negative)
Present as a table for easy comparison.
What to Look For
- Realistic Range: Conservative shouldn't be flat (shows stagnation), Aggressive shouldn't be 10x (shows delusion)
- Clear Triggers: What events or conditions move you from one scenario to another?
- Leading Indicators: What early signals tell you which path you're on?
- Actionable Differences: Each scenario should require different actions from your team
- Downside Protection: Conservative case should still be healthy business
3
Build Milestone Roadmap
Execution
Break the 3-year vision into 6-12 concrete milestones with clear owners, success metrics, and dependencies. This transforms aspiration into executable plan with checkpoints along the way.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Based on the moderate growth scenario for [Account Name], create a detailed milestone roadmap.
**3-Year Vision (Moderate Case):** [Paste the key elements of moderate growth scenario]
Create 6-12 major milestones across 3 years that follow a logical progression:
For each milestone, specify: 1. **Milestone Name:** Clear, outcome-focused title 2. **Target Quarter:** When this should complete 3. **Success Criteria:** How we measure completion (specific, measurable) 4. **Business Impact:** What this unlocks for them (capabilities, outcomes, value) 5. **Commercial Impact:** ARR contribution or influence on renewal 6. **Key Activities:** Major workstreams required to achieve this 7. **Stakeholders:** Who needs to be involved from their side and ours 8. **Dependencies:** What must happen before this milestone can be achieved 9. **Risk Factors:** What could derail this milestone 10. **Leading Indicators:** How we know 30-60 days out if we're on track
Organize these chronologically and show the logical flow—how each milestone builds on the previous ones. Consider the typical cadence: - Q1-Q2: Optimization and expansion in current areas - Q3-Q4: New business unit or product expansion - Year 2: Broader deployment and deepening - Year 3: Strategic transformation milestones
Format as a visual roadmap with clear quarterly phases.
What to Look For
- Realistic Pacing: Don't stack too many milestones in one quarter—accounts have limited capacity for change
- Natural Sequencing: Prove value in one area before expanding to next
- Renewal Alignment: Major milestones should complete before renewal conversations
- Business Cycles: Account for budget cycles, strategic planning seasons, quiet periods
- Clear Ownership: Every milestone needs an owner on both sides
4
Investment & Resource Roadmap
Planning
A realistic view of what both sides need to invest (money, time, people, political capital) at each stage. Great account plans fail when they underestimate required investment from customer or overestimate what you can deliver.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Create an investment and resource roadmap for [Account Name] over the next 3 years.
**Context:** - Current relationship maturity: [Describe current state] - Moderate growth scenario ARR progression: [Y1: $X, Y2: $Y, Y3: $Z] - Milestones from previous step: [Brief summary]
Map out required investments across both sides:
**THEIR INVESTMENTS (Year by Year):**
1. **Financial Commitment** - ARR/license costs by year - Professional services and implementation - Training and enablement - Integration and customization costs - Infrastructure/hosting if applicable
2. **Time & Resources** - Executive sponsor time commitment - Business owner dedicated time - IT/technical resources required - Change management and training effort - User time for adoption and feedback
3. **Organizational Capital** - Change management difficulty (low/medium/high by phase) - Process changes required - Policy or compliance considerations - Cross-functional coordination needs
4. **Risk Tolerance** - Dependency on our platform (low → high over 3 years) - Business disruption during implementations - Opportunity cost of not choosing alternatives
**OUR INVESTMENTS (What We Must Deliver):**
1. **Support & Success Resources** - CSM/AM time allocation by phase - Technical support requirements - Executive sponsor engagement (frequency and intensity)
2. **Product & Technical** - Feature development commitments - Integration builds or customizations - Performance/scalability requirements - Security/compliance certifications
3. **Strategic Partnership** - Co-marketing opportunities - Reference/case study commitments - Industry events and visibility - Innovation/beta program access
For each year, create a summary table showing: - Their total investment ($ and effort) - Our delivery commitments - The expected value return for them - Risk factors if either side under-invests
This helps us have honest conversations about mutual commitment required.
What to Look For
- Front-Loaded Investment: Year 1 usually requires most effort for implementation and change management
- Value Realization Lag: They invest in Q1-Q2, see value in Q3-Q4—be realistic about timing
- Resource Constraints: Do they have the people/time for what you're proposing?
- Mutual Commitment: If you're asking for major investment, what are you committing?
- Renewal Risk: Heavy investment in Year 2 without value realization creates Year 3 churn risk
5
Partnership Evolution Framework
Final Step
How does the relationship itself evolve from transactional vendor to strategic partner? This isn't just about ARR growth—it's about trust, integration, and mutual strategic value. Define what partnership maturity looks like at each stage.
PROMPT Copy Prompt
Define how our partnership with [Account Name] evolves from current state to strategic partnership over 3 years.
**Current State:** - Relationship age: [Duration] - Current engagement model: [Describe how you interact today] - Stakeholder depth: [Who you work with, how high/wide] - Value perception: [How they view you today—vendor, preferred partner, strategic?]
Create a partnership maturity framework with specific characteristics at each stage:
**YEAR 1: Foundation & Trust Building** *Status: Preferred Vendor → Proven Partner*
- **Engagement Model:** - Meeting frequency and level - Who owns the relationship from their side - Communication patterns
- **Value Exchange:** - How we prove value (metrics, quick wins) - How they engage with us (reactive vs proactive)
- **Strategic Alignment:** - Do we understand their strategy? - Are we in their planning conversations?
- **Organizational Integration:** - Single department vs multiple - Viewed as tactical tool vs business capability
- **Risk/Trust Level:** - Business criticality of our solution - Willingness to give us strategic projects
**YEAR 2: Expansion & Deepening** *Status: Proven Partner → Strategic Partner*
- **Engagement Model:** - Executive sponsor relationship active - Quarterly business reviews with real strategy discussions - Joint planning for upcoming year
- **Value Exchange:** - We're providing strategic insights, not just executing - They're giving us early visibility into plans
- **Strategic Alignment:** - We're aligned to major initiatives - Invited to strategic planning discussions
- **Organizational Integration:** - Cross-functional adoption - Part of their architecture/future plans
- **Innovation Partnership:** - Beta/early access programs - Co-development or customization - Joint success stories
**YEAR 3: Strategic Partnership & Co-Innovation** *Status: Strategic Partner → Essential Platform*
- **Engagement Model:** - Executive sponsor meets with our execs regularly - We're part of their strategic vendor ecosystem - Proactive partnership, not reactive support
- **Value Exchange:** - We're providing market insights and competitive intelligence - They're providing product feedback and strategic guidance
- **Strategic Alignment:** - We're in their 3-year strategic plans - References and advocacy - Mutual investment in each other's success
- **Organizational Integration:** - Mission-critical platform - Deep technical and process integration - Hard to replace (switching costs high)
- **Innovation Partnership:** - Joint GTM opportunities - Co-marketing and co-selling - They're a strategic reference/lighthouse account
For each year, identify: 1. **Key Relationship Milestones:** What shifts the relationship to the next level? 2. **Behavioral Indicators:** How do we know we've reached this maturity level? 3. **Risks of Stagnation:** What happens if we stay stuck at the previous level? 4. **Actions Required:** What must we do to progress the partnership?
Format as a partnership maturity model that our account team can use to assess current state and plan relationship progression.
What to Look For
- Trust Progression: Do they give you more strategic projects and earlier visibility over time?
- Relationship Depth: Are you moving up and across the organization?
- Reciprocal Value: Is it mutual partnership or just you selling more?
- Strategic Integration: Are you in their future plans or just managing today?
- Advocacy Indicators: Do they refer you, speak at events, provide references?
✓ Multi-Year Growth Roadmap Complete
You now have: 3-year vision defined, growth scenarios modeled, milestone roadmap built, investment requirements mapped, and partnership evolution framework.
Next Step: Socialize this with your internal account team, then present the vision to your executive sponsor at the account to align on mutual commitments.
Strategic Planning Best Practices
✓ DO
Complete Workflows in Order
Each step builds on the previous one. Skipping steps leads to incomplete analysis and weak plans.
Save Outputs as You Go
Copy key insights from each step into a working document. This becomes your account plan artifact.
Validate with Real Data
Use Unrival.AI outputs as hypotheses, then validate through conversations and additional research.
Share Plans with Your Team
Get input from SEs, CSMs, and managers. Diverse perspectives strengthen your strategy.
Review and Update Regularly
Strategic plans are living documents. Update them as you learn more about the account.
✗ DON'T
Don't Skip the Guidance
The instructions between steps are critical. They tell you what to look for and how to use outputs.
Don't Treat Outputs as Facts
AI analysis is directional, not definitive. Always verify assumptions before taking action.
Don't Plan in Isolation
Strategic planning without customer input leads to misalignment. Use these workflows to prepare, but validate with stakeholders.
Don't Set Unrealistic Goals
Be ambitious but realistic. Consider account maturity, budget cycles, and your available resources.
Don't Forget to Execute
A great plan without execution is worthless. Schedule activities, assign owners, and track progress.
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