Boardroom Insiders - a Simple but Effective Tool for Executive Intelligence
Jinfo Blog

By Penny Crossland

Abstract

Penny Crossland looks at executive intelligence tool Boardroom Insiders, which provides in-depth profiles on C-suite executives. Unusually for a provider of executive information, the database uses human editors to put together reports packed with relevant information to help decision-makers position their products for sales purposes.

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A well-known TV advert in the UK promotes a product by saying "it does what is says on the tin". Boardroom Insiders, an executive intelligence tool does just that.

C-Suite Executives

It provides in-depth profiles of C-suite executives in 6,500 companies. Most of these are US-based, however coverage also includes directors of European and Asia-Pacific companies.

The database is aimed at sales and marketing professionals based, in the main, in technology-related companies, who require information on executives that will enable them to engage with potential customers.

Background, Challenges & More

So, not just the list of aggregated directorships and affiliations available via Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters or ZoomInfo, but current news on the company, that is setting the business agenda for the executive in question, all curated by human editors.

In addition, analysis is provided on the main challenges the executive is facing in the future. Profiles will also include quotes from the executive and reference to him or her in the press, to give the reader his or her stance on events.

Where available, profiles will also include "soft" information on the executive's non-company activities or favourite pastimes - in other words, information that will ease a dialogue between the sales person and potential customers.

Flexible Options

All reports are presented in a standard, attractive format and downloadable in PDF or Excel. Since each chapter is downloaded into individual cells in Excel, this allows subscribers to manipulate the data and integrate it into their CRM systems.

What I liked best about Boardroom Insiders is its flexibility. With 6,500 profiles in its database, it is by no means comprehensive, however subscribers are able to order customised profiles, which are delivered within 48 hours. Also, there is a Pay As You Go option for non-subscribers - very attractive to  independent researchers like me.

Intelligence for Information Professionals

So, how could Boardroom Insiders benefit information professionals?

The vendor is the first to admit that we are not his target audience. However, for researchers in busy departments and especially for information professionals in technology companies providing a service to C-suite executives, Boardroom Insiders can be seen as a useful intelligence tool that provides relevant information for sales pitches.

Free trials are available, so give it a go.

Editor's Note:

Boardroom Insiders has a host of interesting features. FreePint Subscribers can log in now to read and share the Mini Review: Boardroom Insiders.

Next-Generation Competitive Intelligence

Readers interested in this review may wish to look out for FreePint's upcoming Topic Series: Next-Generation Competitive Intelligence which will include articles, case studies and expert tips on making the most of evolving technology to conduct competitive intelligence. This will run from April-May 2014.

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