Introduction:

This week, Paul Downs, Jaci Russo, and Sarah Segal talk about how they wound up pitching their products and services not to consumers, but to other businesses. They all agree that selling to business is more profitable, and they all agree that it has other advantages, as well. “In general,” says Paul, “it’s easier to sell to businesses because the person you’re talking to, it’s rarely their money.” But some aspects of selling B2B can be harder. For example, how do you break through and reach the right person at a business, especially if you’re trying to reach the owner directly? And of course, there’s always a learning curve: Selling to a big business requires a level of professionalism that can be challenging, especially early on. Plus: Sarah explains why—even though she had to lay off people last year—she’s doubling her office space this year. Jaci is exploring what policies make hybrid offices most effective. And Paul, who says he’s having his best year ever, spells out the way he calculates when it’s time to add employees, as he had to do earlier this year.

— Loren Feldman