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Toni

Do you ever mention competitors in your demo calls ?

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Founders are often afraid to mention the competition, almost like they pretend it doesn’t exist ? But imo it’s ok to aknowledge other solutions’ qualities to solve specific use cases your tool cannot. Builds trust. WDYT ?

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Deepa Somasunderam
I think yes because it helps ppl get the picture quickly!
Edena
We focus on the many features our product offers during demos and are open to questions. I think it's a good idea to mention the strengths of your competitors openly, rather than keeping them a secret. You can do this wherever it fits for your product.
Toni
@edena 100% agreed. Most of the time you are in a competitive market. It’s more effective and trust-building to explain where you excel and where you can improve. As well as mention when you don’t solve the need and point the customer into the right solution, instead of trying to force them into buying yours which will result in churn quickly 😅
Bilal Asif
@edena That is an excellent point. I have to agree. Thanks for sharing Edena.
Kavya Tripathi
If you want to emphasize how your product differs from or outperforms a competitor, mentioning them can be effective. Focus on the unique value your product offers without disparaging the competitor.
Udaya Sri
I also think it's okay to mention competitors' names. Isn't that pretty common?
Toni
@udaya_sri unfortunately , I still see many founders who are afraid of “comparing” themselves or try to hide the competition when they demo
Nupur Tevatiya
Yes, and sometimes been asked to as well. Mostly they ask about how we differ from our competitors.
Toni
@nupur_tevatiya exactly ! And nowadays, most of the time when they come to you they already checked the competition. That’s why I always start by asking what their goal is and what they try to achieve, so that can mention the competition if needed even before they ask. To show my expertise and what makes our tool stand out
Declan Xavier Holbrook
Depends on the competitor and context. If it's a well-known alternative that prospects often compare you to, then mentioning how you uniquely solve pain points can work well. Just keep it positive and focus on your strengths rather than their weaknesses. In other cases, better to focus the convo entirely on the amazing things your product enables customers to achieve! Make it about them, not the competition.
Toni
@declanxavierholbrook 100% aligned yes And you re right about being positive. My point is exactly about aknowledging your competitors’ strengths and not simply exaggerate their flaws. To me that shows your prospect that 1) you are an expert of your market 2) your are transparent 3) and builds trust.
Vidhi Nagpal
I personally dont prefer it! Customers will see value and differentiation in a product that strong. Having said that, Customers often ask how is your product different from 'xyz' competitor. In such a case i have a compelling answer ready!
Toni
@vidhi_nagpal thanks for sharing. The idea is not to sell other products of course, but based on the customer needs and requests, a knowledge where you are the best fit, and where you can improve. And if your product can’t solve their problem, accept to direct them to a solution that will. That’s how I approach it.
Raza Rasool
If you have something as a competitive edge over your competitors you can highlight it even more by sharing that they don't have it.
Toni
@razayousaf exactly. And also be transparent when asked about an area where you are not as good as others instead of pretending to be
Aciscio Deschamps
It’s useful to mention competitors to provide context
Allen Deck
Yes, I do mention competitors when relevant. It’s important to be honest about where your product excels and where others might have strengths. helps in setting realistic expectations.
Toni
@allen_deck totally agree. And I believe transparency and confidence in your product also build trust and create rapport
Tom Nick
Absolutely, mentioning competitors can be a great way to highlight your product’s unique strengths and build credibility. It’s all about providing a complete picture.
Ghost Kitty
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Rayyan Jawed
Yes, because if want to highlights your core features and what set apart your product from others, but it should be in a settle way like you should not direct comment on your competitors!
Elena Tsemirava
We do. This helps to show our strengths
Alexander Galitsky
Nope. I wait for customers/investors to do the work for me. Saves a bunch of time, and you get some really cool insights.
Iris Matt
I’ve found that mentioning competitors helps in positioning my product more clearly. It's about showing what makes your solution unique while respecting other options.
Jenifer Lamberto
I think have an eye on competitors is an edge of your business.
Bilal Asif
I mention competitors in demo calls when it’s relevant and adds value to the conversation. It helps highlight our unique strengths without downplaying others, showing that we understand the landscape and are confident in what we offer.
Charu Gupta
In case of Big difference in USP or value prop, should name competitors. In case its a "me too" product" and no clear difference, don't name.
Charlotte Elise Sinclair
I generally avoid mentioning competitors directly. Instead, I highlight our product's unique strengths and the specific value it provides for customers. Focusing the conversation on how we solve their problems keeps things positive and productive.