From humble automation tool to global expansion: How Peoplr & Alex Milman are redefining Customer Development

Peoplr pioneer in transforming customer development, offering innovative solutions from its inception. Operating across diverse markets, including the challenging terrains of the US and Europe, Peoplr has carved a niche for itself, becoming a beacon of innovation and client-centric strategies.  

From the echoes of a childhood surrounded by entrepreneurial spirit, Peoplr’s CEO Alex Milman-Blum went on a journey filled with innovation, resilience, and a commitment to revolutionizing customer development. His story is not just about building a business; it’s about shaping the future of sales and marketing strategies. Alex Milman told the CEOWORLD magazine about Peoplr’s approach to redefining industry standards. 

Early inspirations and beginnings are the key for me 

Growing up with a father who was a passionate entrepreneur, I was immersed in the world of business from a young age. This exposure ignited a desire to innovate within the sales sector, which I perceived as outdated. The inception of Peoplr was marked by me developing a small automation tool, signifying the beginning of a journey toward modernizing sales practices.  

And this journey has yielded impressive results: Peoplr currently is serving over 600 clients across 15 countries in sectors ranging from SaaS to healthcare and heavy machinery. Annually, we’ve been instrumental in generating over 1,000,000 qualified leads, contributing to revenue growth for our clients. 

Overcoming adversity 

The past few years have tested Peoplr’s resilience on multiple fronts. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the closure of our office and a swift pivot to remote work in 2019, a transition that we navigated successfully while maintaining our operational integrity. 

Additionally, geopolitical tensions in Israel and Ukraine directly impacted our team, compelling us to relocate members for their safety and well-being. Financially, we embraced a bootstrap philosophy, reinvesting our earnings back into the company, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable growth. The departure of a long-standing partner marked a significant change, but it also reaffirmed my dedication to Peoplr’s vision and future. Amidst these challenges, personal adversity also played its part; frequent relocations became a norm, reflecting the transient nature of our times. 

Yet, we adapted swiftly, transitioning to remote operations and navigating through financial constraints without external investments. These experiences underscored our commitment to innovation with 20% of resources dedicated to research and development, leading to a 30% increase in client satisfaction over 2 years. 

How we achieved over 600 client engagements and dominated global markets 

What sets us apart is the commitment to in-house development and customization of tools, enabling unparalleled service quality. The introduction of customer development as a service marked a pioneering step in the industry. This unique offering, combined with a personalized approach to each project, has garnered accolades from clients worldwide, including recognition of companies from Fortune500 – which is a huge success for us. This approach has not only earned global accolades but also quantifiable results for us, generating on average 25k+ leads per client and scheduling more than  300 qualified  meetings monthly. 

We redefine the traditional customer development landscape by harnessing the power of bespoke tools and software, crafted in-house. Standing out in the industry, we proudly offer exclusive customer development services. This commitment to quality is further demonstrated by our selective project management approach, handling only 50-70 projects concurrently. This strategy ensures that each client receives unparalleled, personalized support, making them feel like they are our sole focus. 

A lesson in generosity: The unexpected returns of client support 

Our journey at Peoplr is filled with unique stories, but one stands out for its warmth and unexpected outcome. Facing a client constrained by budget, we chose empathy over profit, offering a significant discount to help them through tough times. We bypassed the usual fee-for-results model, focusing instead on building a trusting partnership.  

To our surprise, this act of goodwill paved the way for the client’s monumental success, securing a deal worth millions.  

This experience taught us a priceless lesson: the true value of business lies not just in financial gain but in fostering genuine relationships and supporting each other through challenges. It’s a testament to the belief that sometimes, the most significant rewards come from the most unexpected places. 

Looking ahead, Alex envisions Peoplr expanding its footprint, particularly in the US market, with plans to enhance revenue and solidify its position as a leader in customer development and sales technologies . The journey began with a simple automation tool designed by Alex to streamline the uploading of sales leads into CRMs, addressing the inefficiencies he observed in traditional sales processes. This tool not only improved efficiency but also laid the groundwork for Peoplr’s future innovations.  

Alex Milman’s story with Peoplr is more than a business narrative; it’s a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.  

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