LinkedIn is a solid platform because it inspires honest discussions and connection feedback based on constructive disagreement rather than consensus, leading to greater understanding.
Take James Symonds’ comment above regarding my earlier post, “The two most important sets of questions to ask your ProcureTech solution provider up front.”
What do you think? Are demos the first step or even necessary in today’s Generative and Agentic AI world?
Here is my response by way of my reply to James’ comment:
James Symonds, I thank you for taking the time to comment.
From my standpoint and experience, many companies don’t give live demos, and when they do, they all sound and look relatively the same. In addition, too many demos are presented in a PowerPoint format.
Another issue with the demo-first approach that we can’t ignore is the high generational failure rate of ProcureTech initiatives. I have been in this industry (both high-tech and procurement) for more than 40 years, and this has been the one constant regardless of the technology era. That is why it might be a good idea to rethink the demo-first approach.
So, yes, it’s time we stopped looking at demos and started examining the logic behind what a solution provider claims their platform can do, especially in the Generative and Agentic AI era.
Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts on the demo-first question?
30
Procurement Insights 
Tahj Bomar
April 19, 2025
Ask to see a customer lead, use case demo based
piblogger
April 19, 2025
Interesting thought, however – and if I understand your point correctly, while there are similarities between companies in the same industry, that doesn’t guarantee what worked for one will work for another.
Thoughts?