Episode 43: Product Feature Contest
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Hello loyal readers,
Just wanted to say a quick thank you. This month marks 1 year of this newsletter! Iβve had so much fun. Thanks for being on this journey with me. πππ
Updates:
Launched a book on Account Based Customer Marketing with 50+ playbook. Download here.
Added my newsletter to Linkedin. Join here so you donβt miss an episode.
Starting an Audio cast on Linkedin π
Looking forward to bitching about my job to all of LinkedIn. Kiiiiiiiidding! π³
Let me know if you want to be my guest :)
So every summer I run this Product Feature Contest and it slaaaays. Everyone loves it. Here is a hideous poster I created very late at night. Canva is fun! π€£ I will try again.
I thought of this program during COVID when our in person CABs got shut down. Yeah we had virtual ones but I wanted to add another layer of fun in a shitty time.
As always, here is my program brief so you can clone it π
Objective:
The objective of the Sendoso Feature Idea Contest is to engage and empower our customers to contribute their valuable insights and ideas for new features or enhancements to our platform. By creating a collaborative environment, we aim to foster innovation and ensure that our product continues to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Contest Duration:
The contest will run for a period of four weeks, starting from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, customers will have the opportunity to submit their feature ideas through a designated submission channel.
Submission Guidelines:
Eligibility: The contest is open to all active SuperSender who have firsthand experience with our platform.
Feature Ideas: Customers are invited to submit their innovative ideas for new features or enhancements to the Sendoso platform. The ideas should be feasible and aligned with our product vision.
Format: Feature ideas will be submitted in a google form. Customers can provide a written description, mockups, or any supporting materials that help illustrate their idea.
Multiple Submissions: Customers can submit multiple feature ideas throughout the contest duration, with each submission treated as a separate entry β>Google form.
Evaluation and Selection:
Judging Panel: A panel of experts from the Sendoso product team will review and evaluate the submitted feature ideas based on criteria such as uniqueness, value proposition, feasibility, and alignment with our product roadmap.
*TIP* This is a great way to force the customer voice down the Product Teams throat. Sometimes they are a tough and not as engaged as you would hope. In this program, they are judges and need to pick a winner.
Shortlisting: The judging panel will shortlist the top feature ideas based on their evaluation.
Customer Voting: The shortlisted feature ideas will be shared with the Sendoso customer community for voting. Customers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite ideas via Google form.
Winner Selection: The final winner(s) will be determined based on a combination of the judging panel's evaluation and customer votes.
Recognition and Rewards:
Winner Announcement: The winner(s) of the Contest will be announced on [Announcement Date]. Their ideas will be acknowledged and recognized as valuable contributions to our product development.
Rewards- The winner(s) will receive:
eGift for submitting the idea
Grand prize for winner(s). I would get a slick piece of exclusive apparel to make them feel like they are apart of the product team. (Patagonia + additional eGift)
Exclusive access to beta features
A complimentary upgrade or professional services
Name the feature after them. Whaaaaaaa!?!
To keep the excitement during the contest, make their name the internal project name and show them a screenshot of the sprint in JIRA as evidence. THEN go back into Canva and create a Product Feature certificate naming the actual feature after THEM if they win. Here was last years winnersβ¦
The Sarah Jenkins Sourcing Tab & The Colleen Jackson Custom Email Domain
Implementation of Selected Ideas:
Make sure to level set β> βSendoso is committed to leveraging the contest submissions to enhance our product. While we cannot guarantee the immediate implementation of all ideas, the selected feature ideas will be carefully considered for inclusion in our product roadmap.β Regular updates will be shared with participants to keep them informed about the progress of the selected ideas.
Finalist Selection: Identify a set number of finalists whose feature ideas demonstrate exceptional qualities and potential value.
Winner Announcement: Determine the winning feature idea based on the evaluations conducted by the internal panel. Channels include: Email, Social Media, Community announcement, Invite your customer to an All-Hands and have the company come off mute and celebrate! π
Metrics:
Idea Submissions: The number of feature ideas submitted by customers. This metric reflects the level of engagement and participation in the contest.
Quality of Ideas: Assess the quality and innovation of the submitted feature ideas. This metric can be evaluated based on predefined criteria, such as uniqueness, feasibility, potential value to customers, and alignment with Sendoso's product roadmap.
Customer Interviews: Schedule a meeting with someone from the product team and the customer to uncover the reason behind the feature request. Include the CSM in case if the account is at risk. Number of meetings completed.
Feature Implementation: Track the number of contest-winning ideas that are ultimately developed and implemented as new features or enhancements your platform.
Customer Adoption and Satisfaction: Measure the adoption rate and feedback from customers regarding the implemented features. This metric gauges the level of customer satisfaction and value derived from the new additions to your platform.
Hope this inspires you to create something similar for your customers. Reply to this email if you have any questions.
Love your CMA Soulmate,
Leslie
P.S.- Use the long weekend to apply β> The CAP Awards are accepting nominations until July 7th. You donβt need to be popular, work for a large enterprise, have snazzy technology or a six figure budget. You got this! Apply today! π
More Digital Resources
Catch up on previous newsletters here.
Check out my video course Measuring the ROI of Customer Marketing & Advocacy if you want to showcase the ROI of your programs. Enjoy your 20% off!
I took my metrics sheet out of the course as an extra offering. Customer Marketing & Advocacy Metrics Spreadsheet is available now if you arenβt ready to purchase my course.
A free resource to help you while you are interviewing or going through performance reviews and gunning for a promotion- CMA Career Framework.
My latest free book on Account Based Customer Marketing (ABCM) with 50+ pages of plays for Retention, Upsell, Executive Outreach, & Scrappy ABM. Unlock Growth with ABCM is available for download.