Ready ... set ... go. They're off! CRM Idol has begun.
Watch out Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler. The real competition is to be the first CRM Idol in an inaugural event designed to help small "CRMish" software companies. They'll get their moment in the sun and access to some of the top influencers and thought leaders in CRM. Those that make the finals get access to tools, publicity, expertise and potential partnerships. Money, too, perhaps.
Forty slots were made available to applicants in the Americas and 20 more in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Four finalists will be selected in the Americas and three abroad. The stakes are huge for companies seeking a greater foothold in a sea of competitors and a path to widespread adoption and success.
Some of the brightest stars in the game are behind CRM Idol, including Paul Greenberg, Jesus Hoyos, Esteban Kolsky and Brent Leary. Social Media Today LLC is a media partner.
For a greater taste of what it's all about, here are excerpts from the FAQ for CRM Idol contestants:
- We are expecting to get a good picture of your product and your company. Think of it this way. The contest name "CRM Idol" means that we are looking for a company that will ultimately be chosen very likely to succeed with a real impact, a real bang.
- That means that you should prepare to show us how your product works and what distinguishes it. Also, how it serves the markets that you are claiming to serve.
- Be prepared to show us how your company will be successful. That means we are interested in your management team, your vision, your mission, your road maps for the future, your corporate culture.
All entrants will be allowed to keep up their Web pages in CRM Idol on the main site until the next competition, so just competing should be helpful. The contest that began today ends Aug. 26 for the Americas contestants. It begins Sept. 5 and ends Sept. 9 for the competition in the other countries.
See the names of the judges, the media partners, rules and prizes at www.crmidol.com. Follow developments on Twitter using the hashtag #CRMIdol.
Let the game begin!