CRM Outsiders » About

About

Nov 19th, 2007 by Martin Schneider

This blog started as an experiment for myself and Colin Beasty to share ideas as we moved from analyzing CRM software (I worked at 451 Group; Colin at CRM Magazine) to working for a CRM vendor. Given the miles and time zones between us, we thought a collaborative tool such as a blog would be a good way to get ideas across when neither of us were available (after all, it is a 2.0 world out there, right?).

As we began to use this as a communication platform, others became aware of our hobby. Over the ensuing weeks, the blog kind of took on a life of its own, and became a cool little forum for us to discuss happenings in the CRM space, but also software and technology trends in general, or simply something we thought was interesting and worth noting. Fortunately, Sugar didn’t seem to mind we were borrowing their bandwidth to discuss such a random array of topics.

Since the blogosphere seems to be an open, welcoming environment, we decided to open our doors as well, as it were. Instead of blogging in private to each other, we want others to join the conversation and comment and augment the topics that bubble to the top of our minds. Going forward I will contribute a lot of the content, but other guest bloggers (or so I hope) will also have a say – both outsiders and insiders alike.

So, here are some ground rules. Call it a mission statement, or something:

What Outsiders will be:

Irreverent
Honest
Thought-Provoking (hopefully)
Controversial (sometimes)
Expansive

Outsiders not be:

Hacks
Boring
Vindictive
Predictable
Cynical

So enjoy, and please be part of the conversation.

6 Comments »

6 Responses to “About”

on 02 May 2009 at 7:16 am1)Steve Reeves

Nice explanation and I would love to join in the fun with Irreverent, Honest, Thought Provoking, Controversial, Expansive conversation.
i have lots to say about sales, sales management, crm and technology, mostly in that vein.

Only issue is your blog feels like it’s “in house” for Sugar?

Steve
on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:27 am2)Adam Zand @NoOneYouKnow

I’m a bit confused and please don’t take this as an attack (I’m just confused). So, the site is called CRM Outsiders, but you’re employed by a vendor in the space? Talk me through this one – just how confused am I? .
Thanks, Adam
P.S. I’m working with a vendor in the space who would be interested in briefing you if it’s appropriate
P.S.S. Been a fan of Colin’s writing since CRM Magazine days
on 23 Sep 2009 at 7:06 am3)Colin

Hi Adam,

Yup, you’re 100 percent correct, and thanks for the kind words. It’s good to know we have some fans out there.

CB
on 23 Sep 2009 at 9:21 am4)Martin Schneider

To clarify further – the “Outsiders” usage is a bit of a play on words in that we were once outside the vendor walls, now we’re outside the the wholly objective world of analyst/journalist, etc. We’re in the thick of CRM, but outside the general conversation as “interested parties,” make sense?
on 24 Sep 2009 at 10:10 am5)Adam Zand @NoOneYouKnow

Thanks guys – I’m helping out Mzinga with a new product roll out (OmniSocial). Do you think it’s appropriate to do a briefing with them? I don’t think of Mzinga as a competitor to SugarCRM, but not sure your views on talking to (and maybe blogging about) other vendors.
Thanks again and please keep the Outsiders name – it’s awesome.
on 30 Sep 2009 at 12:38 pm6)Martin Schneider

Adam – let’s get in touch…interested to hear about OmniSocial