Emre Doganer

I'm a marketer & system builder. Also, I am co-founder of Funnel Kafası, and leading Kodgem Straight as Marketing Manager from the beginning of startup. Personal knowledge management, writing and learning are my passions.
November 5, 2024

The New Marketing Manifesto

We believe that true innovation lies not in what we create, but in how we think. Our Core Beliefs 1. Products are not our essence - they are the manifestation of our thinking. 2. Companies are not structures - they are living embodiments of our approach. 3. Success is not measured in features - but in the depth of our impact. Our Commi...
Read more
October 9, 2024

Strategic Trade-offs

In the world of startups, your biggest strength isn't what you do – it's what you choose not to do. Every day, countless startups launch with grand promises and expansive feature lists. They aim to be everything to everyone, offering more, better, faster. But here's the hard truth: true innovation and lasting success often come not fro...
Read more
October 9, 2024

Rethinking Startup Marketing

In the fast-paced world of startups, a common question often arises: What exactly are we marketing? Is it the revolutionary product we've developed? The dynamic company we've built? Or perhaps the charismatic entrepreneur at the helm? While these elements are undoubtedly crucial, there's a compelling argument that what we're really mar...
Read more
October 2, 2024

The Silent Killer of Modern Marketing

In today's hyper-connected world, fragmentation has become the silent killer of marketing effectiveness. Siloed departments, disconnected data, and disjointed customer experiences are eroding brand value and wasting resources at an alarming rate. But there's a solution on the horizon: Holistic Systems Marketing. The Enemy: Fragmented M...
Read more
May 1, 2024

"One-Stop Solution" Dilemma in B2B SAAS

I often come across product descriptions claiming to offer a "one-stop solution" for various needs. While this may initially seem attractive, such claims can be misleading and lack the depth necessary for informed decision-making. In reality, it's nearly impossible for a single product to effectively address all aspects of complex busi...
Read more
April 22, 2024

Hate-Concern-Complaint (HCC) Customer Profiling Framework for B2B SAAS

I'm bored the standart persona profiling method at B2B SAAS. All of them almost include same things such as demographics, firmograpghics or technographics. Because of that we all look from the same perspective to our customers. While these methods have their merits, they often overlook critical aspects of customer understanding, result...
Read more
April 19, 2024

Learn by doing, teach by demonstrating.

A core principle of mine is "learn by doing, teach by demonstrating." As I grow older, one feeling is getting stronger: the weariness of not applying what I've learned. Throughout my life, I've enjoyed learning new things, and as Naval said, 'intellectual curiosity' is life's most important leverage. But these days, I'd rather not lear...
Read more
April 18, 2024

My Take on the ConvertKit and BeeHiiv Email Marketing Saga

I want to share an interesting story about two underdog companies that took on the big players in the email marketing world. I've been following this saga closely and have learned some valuable lessons along the way. So, we all know Mailchimp, right? They've been the top dog in email marketing for a long time. But then, something inter...
Read more
April 16, 2024

More Data, Better Decisions?

Having more data doesn't necessarily lead to better decisions, even in the B2B SaaS industry. We have access to far more data than we did 50 years ago, and this amount continues to increase daily. However, when we examine B2B startups with significant competitive advantages, we find that they weren't founded solely on data. What do I m...
Read more
April 15, 2024

Marketers and Masterchefs

I've been in the marketing game for years, and I can attest to the challenges that come with the role. I've poured my heart and soul into crafting the perfect marketing campaigns, only to see them fall short due to factors beyond my control. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but I've learned to adapt and persevere. Marketing is like be...
Read more
February 26, 2024

Notes to Consultants

The media has been flooded with people who senselessly post as if everything is great, without explaining the background. We caused this, the part of us that doesn't like the process but wants the outcome... Now, as a consultant, we would like to tell you some facts. Not only those who are in the consultancy sector, but everyone who se...
Read more
December 30, 2023

What is better than being rich?

“”It’s better to understand your preferences than be rich.” — Nassim Taleb” When I saw this sentence, it hits me so hard. Because maybe my only regret about life is being late to understand myself and my preferences. What do I like about life? What is more important for me? Why do I like something more than the others? What is essentia...
Read more
December 21, 2023

Who Should You Hire?

What kind of people should you work with? 1. Internally focused 2. Self-manager Let me explain. If a person knows how to take responsibility for the events in his/her work and life, he/she is internally focused, but if he/she constantly blames external (yes external) forces, he/she is externally focused. For example, there is a differe...
Read more
July 10, 2023

My Favorite Word: A Personal Exploration of Language and Meaning

Certain words have a way of resonating in our minds and hearts, burrowing deep like seeds planted in fertile soil. They are growing into mighty trees that connect our past, present, and future. For example: ”iterate.” Words like 'iterate' have a pleasing rhythm, evoking a sense of repetition and growth. They beat like a steady drum, ur...
Read more
January 13, 2023

Hard Questions Hard Topics #003: Why We Don't A/B Test Everything

Last week I read an article called ”we don't A/B test core values” from DHH. This is such a good explanation of the relationship between core values and marketing. In this article, DHH said that if you want to be proud of your work and care about your customers do not A/B tests related to your customer happiness. For example; the proce...
Read more
October 22, 2022

Hard Questions Hard Topics #002: Why We Don’t Like Someone?

I can not know why but i can say some reasons to understand this process. To generate the feeling of disliking someone, the mind needs some input, some stimuli. When you dislike someone instinctively, it may seem that you dislike them for no reason. But the reality is there’s always a reason, no matter how subtle. It could be the way t...
Read more
October 13, 2022

Hard Questions Hard Topics #001: Why Do We Procrastinate?

How hard is it to understand yourself, isn't it? Writing this series came to my mind about a week ago. I thought one day I had to sit down and write. But I delayed :) In this series, I will try to find an answer by asking the hard questions that I want to ask myself but avoid. I'm not saying I will find it because human beings are comp...
Read more
October 13, 2022

Zor Sorular Zor Konular #001: Neden Erteliyoruz?

İnsanın kendini anlaması ne kadar zor değil mi? Bu seriyi yazmak bundan 1 hafta kadar önce aklıma geldi. Bir gün oturup yazmam gerek diyordum. Ama erteledim:) Bu seride kendime sormayı istediğim ama kaçındığım zor soruları sorarak onlara bir cevap bulmaya çalışacağım. Bulacağım demiyorum, çünkü insan kompleks bir varlık ve cevaplar da ...
Read more