Webinars with competitors can actually be more powerful!

Introduction:

In the many years that I have worked for an ISV, I noticed there is such a stigma around talking with competitors. They are the competition. Why would I ever want to talk to them?

I get it, they are the competition and you may or may not have a good relationship with them.

It may seem like we shouldn’t talk to them, work with them, or contact them unless we go “undercover” to try and find out their pricing or cost for services. And yes, I have done that. But it is so much more than that.

Comparisons are Powerful

When it comes to ERP solutions, we can find countless comparison charts for GP vs. Acumatica, Acumatica vs. NetSuite, and Acumatica vs. QuickBooks. The list can go on and on. Now, I'm not saying Acumatica and NetSuite should do a webinar together but certainly ISVs should.

I've searched on Google and there isn't much info that would help customers make an informed decision. They would have to do a lot of research, ask both ISVs many questions, invest time in a demo from both, and the list goes on.

Imagine doing a webinar explaining the key differences, the pricing, and the reasons you may need one or the other. Now, that's powerful. You’re doing all the work for the customer. Comparisons are powerful when done right, done with a plan, and with the main focus being the customer.

Would you rather they:

• hear it from you and your competitor together or separately

• do their own research and then call the one “they think” is the right choice

• get all this information from both of you in an informative and engaging way
  

The Why Behind the Power

Now that we've seen the remarkable benefits of partnering with competitors for webinars, let's delve into why this approach is so powerful:

1. Diverse Perspectives: Collaborating with competitors allows you to offer diverse perspectives on a subject. This enriches the content and provides a more comprehensive learning experience for your audience.

2. Audience Engagement: Unique collaborations grab attention and keep viewers engaged throughout the webinar. The curiosity factor works wonders.

3. Trust and Credibility: Being transparent and open about working with competitors can enhance your brand's trustworthiness and credibility.

4. Audience Growth: By sharing the stage with a competitor, you have the opportunity to reach their audience, potentially expanding your own reach.

The Ripple Effect: Building a Community

One of the most remarkable outcomes of these collaborative webinars is the community that forms around them. That is one of the many reasons I started The ISV Society. Community is powerful, joint marketing initiatives are a must, and collaboration is key.

This sense of community extends far beyond the webinar itself. It's a testament to the power of authenticity and the impact it can have on building lasting relationships.

So, let's start by asking yourself these questions:

1. Who are your competitors in the GP space, Acumatica space, or whichever ERP you have a solution for?

2. Do you have a relationship with any of them? Do you know anyone who works there?

3. What do you know about their solution? Would it make sense to collaborate based on information from their website? 

I can do it all for you

When you are part of The ISV Society is my job to create joint webinars with ISVs. When you are a member of the ISV Society it is a judgement-free zone, everyone is welcome, and we all work together for the good of the society and for the good of the customer.

This is a place to think outside of the box, and do those unconventional things that no one ever thinks of or wants to do.

We are all working together on 3 common initiatives.

1. Collaborate

2. Educate

3. Generate

When we work together we can all be successful. We can all benefit from each other. Plus, imagine being part of an exclusive group just for you, the ISV. 

There really is nothing like it out there in our space and I am so excited to bring it to you.

Learn more here.