Two of the most highly regarded CRM/martech industry analysts are well-known not only for their candid commentary and expertise, but also for their inclination to have a bit of fun while building community. Those analysts, The 56 Group’s Paul Greenberg and CRM Essentials’ Brent Leary, aka the CRM Playaz, know a great deal about CRM and martech—and nearly as much about many industry insiders. One insight, for instance, is the high level of musical talent that exists at some CRM and martech vendor companies.

Knowing that information and looking to promote kinship and excitement at a time when both are sorely needed, Greenberg and Leary decided to launch an industry-only battle of the bands, called BYOB 2020. Response to their call for participants was high despite the demanding criteria: Each band and its work-from-home, geographically dispersed band members would need to create and submit three well-orchestrated videos—plus, a promo video. 

Ten bands are vying for top honors in three categories: Best Band, Best Song, and Best Video. Judges include Greenberg and Leary, as well as the two CRM Playaz in Residence, L. Nicole France of Constellation Research and me. Additionally, members of the CRM Playaz Happy Hour networking group will get a weighted vote. And, finally, well, YOU. 

All industry insiders are invited to vote for their favorite band, song, and video. You can find the criteria, videos, and voting links on the CRM Playaz website. Voting is open until 12pm E.T. on December 31, 2020. 

You can view the videos at your leisure during that time frame, or you can join CRM Playaz for a special two-part watch party on Wednesday, December 16 and Thursday, December 17 (12:30-2:30pm ET) showcasing the videos from five bands each day, along with live interviews of key band members. 

I hope you’ll join in. I can tell you from viewing the videos last week that, wow, there is some amazing talent and creativity in our industry. 

The bands (in alphabetical order) and their (primarily cover) songs are:

Elements.cloud: Jane Blonde and the Goldfingers

Dancing in the Dark 

Don’t Stop Believing 

Stayin’ Alive/The Wall Mashup 

Episerver: Encores

Happy

The Winner Takes All 

We’re Yours 

NexJ: Nudge

Everlong 

Here Comes the Sun 

Take on Me 

Oracle: CX Pistols

Angel from Montgomery 

Breakeven

The Dock of the Bay 

Pega: Layer Cakes

Shut Up and Dance 

Sweet Child o’ Mine 

Valerie 

Pipedrive: Crocobirds

American Boy 

Are You Gonna Go My Way 

I Heard it Through the Grapevine 

PROS: The Profit

Hit Me with Your Best Shot 

Rollin’ in the Deep 

You Shook Me 

Salesforce: The Vlociters

Hard to Handle 

Knock on Wood 

Soul Man 

SAP: The SAPremes

What’s So Funny About Peace, Love & Understanding

The Weight 

Wish You Were Here 

Zoho: Ranu Mani Dosa (RMD)

ARR Medley 

Entharo Carnatic Fusion

From Chennai with Love 

Be sure to Rock the Vote!