Odds are good that if you are reading Sourcing Innovation, Spend Matters, eSourcing Forum, or one of the other leading sourcing and procurement blogs then you are a consultant, service, or software provider. Believe it or not, this is a bad thing. You’re probably reading these blogs to improve your understanding of the space, the relevant issues, and what others (analysts, service providers, and software providers) are doing to address these issues, and although this is itself a good thing, the reality is that you’re not the one that really needs this education the most.

The fact of the matter is, the people who need to be reading these blogs the most is the intended audience – the procurement and sourcing professionals these blogs are written for. Moreover, as a consultant, service, or software provider, it’s in your best interest if these procurement and sourcing professionals – your target customers – are reading these blogs daily. After all, I’m betting that your biggest challenge is user education – especially considering that you should be constantly struggling to keep up with demand considering the value associated with the average procurement and sourcing product on the market today.

So, are you telling your customers about these blogs and the educational opportunity they provide? If not, why not? The fact of the matter is, if you don’t tell them, chances are, no one else will. Even though they’ll ask us for a link, generally speaking, the on-line magazines will not link back. The analysts are looking for leads, not giving them away. And many people still think blogs are still just for journals, ranting, or political commentary.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t be reading these blogs, or that I don’t value your readership. I do – and I am especially aware of the fact that the more informed you are, the better the debates get on Spend Matters! Just that I want you to be sure that you’re doing your part to spread the word.

So tell your customers about Sourcing Innovation, Spend Matters, eSourcing Forum, and your favourite sourcing or procurement blogs. After all, it’s easier to sell to an informed customer than an uninformed one. And easier still when the customer takes it upon themselves to self educate!

That’s my rant for the month. There’s a comment feature if you want to leave yours.