Chapter 1: The Quest for the Ideal Demo Tool

In the vast landscape of SaaS solutions, there's an abundance of tools tailored for nearly every conceivable use case. However, the challenge of finding an optimal demo automation solution persists. Frustrated by the lack of suitable options, I took it upon myself to create a tool that could meet my needs as an overworked Sales Engineer.

I sought a solution that would streamline the demo creation process. My goal was to have a tool readily available for my sales representatives to use during their calls—without the hassle of complicated setups, steep learning curves, or any programming knowledge. What I needed was a straightforward, efficient, and intelligent tool to assist busy sales professionals. Thus, SmartCue was born.

You might be unfamiliar with SmartCue or perhaps this is your first introduction to it. That's completely understandable; we are the newcomers in this space. To help you understand our value, I'm comparing SmartCue with other established solutions you may already know.

Simply put, SmartCue is a demo creation software designed to alleviate the burdens associated with creating product demonstrations. Sales Engineers, Sales Enablement Managers, and Product Marketing teams can quickly develop tailored, engaging demos packed with contextual cues. This not only saves time in crafting demos but also reduces the time spent in meetings since sales representatives can confidently conduct demos independently.

How does it work? SmartCue provides contextual cues exclusively to the presenter based on their current position within the product. It also offers a guided demo playbook, enabling sales reps to seamlessly follow along. Think of it as having an additional brain—or an SE—present without the administrative burdens, allowing sales professionals to concentrate on their primary role: selling the product.

While there are areas where SmartCue excels, there are also aspects where we recognize the need for improvement. This comparison with Goodmeetings and Outreach will help you evaluate whether SmartCue could suit your needs, either now or in the future.

Chapter 2: Assessing the Competitors

Outreach: A Comprehensive Tool with Limitations

Outreach is a robust platform, and like many extensive tools, it requires time to master. However, once you're familiar with it, the engagement capabilities, automated customer contact sequences, and A/B testing features for emails and calls are impressive. The AI-driven action-outcome pairs help salespeople focus on the most effective actions. Yet, when it comes to demo creation, it falls short in enhancing efficiency, instilling confidence, or reducing preparation time.

I see potential synergies with SmartCue that could benefit users.

Goodmeetings: Learning and Analytics Focused

Goodmeetings excels at facilitating peer learning and offers valuable insights through performance analytics and AI-generated suggestions in real time. This empowers sales reps to adjust their approach on the fly. Additionally, these analytics are shared with sales leaders for coaching purposes. However, it does not simplify the demo creation process or empower sales representatives to move beyond cumbersome scripts.

This is where SmartCue shines. Imagine delivering outstanding demos and then reviewing recordings solely to refine soft skills, while SmartCue handles the product demonstrations seamlessly.

Chapter 3: Why Clients Prefer SmartCue

SmartCue provides unique features that set it apart. For instance, it integrates seamlessly with your demo and production environments. Once a demo is created using SmartCue, it resides in your library. If a client wishes to explore a part of the product not covered in your current demo, SmartCue can pull cues from related demos. This enables you to navigate new screens with assurance, equipped with all necessary information and cues to address any inquiries.

The SmartCue dashboard allows you to view all demos created by you and your team. It also helps manage the agenda effectively. If a client wants to explore a different functionality, there's no need to scramble through slides or rewind demo videos. Just proceed with your demo, and SmartCue will provide cues based on your current product context. When finished, it will guide you on what to cover next according to your agenda.

No more tedious emails detailing the demo process. You can take notes directly within SmartCue and export them as a PDF. This ensures everyone has the context needed to address questions, share additional information, or clarify points, thanks to the notes being directly related to the demo content.

Ultimately, the primary aim of SmartCue is to simplify demo creation for Sales Engineers while making it effortless for Sales reps to deliver them. Forget about starting from scratch, using scripts, or memorizing complex terminology. SmartCue makes the process smart and straightforward.