I don't know all that much about how venture capitalists make their investment decisions, but now I can pretend I'm one of them - at least for a little while. Hey, so can you!
Voting is under way to select the 2011 CRM Idol, or two actually, one from the Americans one from EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa). We all get to cast ballots for the best up-and-coming CRM company in each of the two competitions. Public voting and that from a panel of extended judges each constitutes 50 percent of the selection and is open through Oct. 31.
In a post on The Social Customer, one of our sister sites, one judge put it this way: "We've entered the final phase of this wild and lovely ride to choose the best up-and-coming CRM company - the one to keep an eye on both now and in the future." Well said, Mark Tamis, and thanks for the time you've devoted to this creative project.
It actually was Paul Greenberg, an advisory board member here at The Customer Collective, who launched this ambitious competition in April. Companies with revenues under $12 million were allowed to enter, and the 40 Americas and 20 EMEA slots filled up fast. Paul estimates the total value of donated awards around a million dollars, with prizes ranging from "influencer consulting" to an opportunity to present to a leading venture capital firm.
CRMIdol has shined a light on small companies who might never have a chance to move ahead. From the CRMIdol website: "The winners get everything that the ecosystem can offer but guaranteed success. But they do get all the accouterments they need to support their increased likelihood of it.
"That way, you small companies out there who have been victimized by bad approaches or just circumstance have the opportunity to bypass all of that and make something happen. It's up to you to take the reins in hand but once you do, you have at least a serious chance at making yourself successful."
So, check out the impressive videos submitted by the finalists on the CRMIdol site, read the company reviews, and vote for your favorite. Viva crowdsourcing!