Know which accounts are ready to switch providers

Chief Outbounder

Pipeline Penny
Enterprise SDR @Cognism
Decision makers start researching new tech at least 90 days before renewal. Use this for:
Let's jump in 👇🏻
🧙 Your quest
SDRs often reach out blindly, unaware if accounts are locked into contracts or ready to switch.
Our data shows that one of the most common objections SDRs hear is: “We already have a solution in place.”
But what if you knew that? And even better – you knew how long they’ve been using the tool and when they were likely coming to their end of the contract with a competitor.
With this cheat code, you can identify prospects using competitor tools and time your outreach perfectly. No guesswork, just context-driven, relevant conversations that land.
🎮 Tutorial
Step 1: Configure the technographics you want to monitor
With access to a database of over 20,000 technologies, you have the flexibility to track competitor tools or technologies that complement or integrate seamlessly with your solution.
For this scenario, focus on identifying prospects using competitor tools—uncovering low-hanging opportunities that are ripe for engagement.
Step 2: Prioritise the accounts coming to the end of their contract
The technographic signals will automatically populate in your dashboard once you've selected the technologies you want Companion to track.
You'll instantly be able to see leading indicators such as when the technology was first adopted and how frequently it's being used.
This visibility helps you determine how long your prospects have been using the tool, giving you a good indication that it's the right time to reach out.
Bonus Step🚀: Augment technographic signals with buyer intent signals
Using intent signals, you can track companies who are trending against topics most relevant to your solution.
Overlaying technographic with intent signals ensures you zero in on accounts ready to make the switch.
For example, if your prospect adopted a competitor’s technology a year ago, but their usage is dropping while purchase intent is spiking, it’s a clear sign they’re open to exploring alternatives—giving you the perfect window to engage.
Step 4: Start connecting with the right decision-makers
In your Companion browser extension click into the account and scroll down to 'Recommended Contacts'.
This is an AI-driven list of highly recommended contacts within the account, ready for you to prospect.
Each contact record includes the correct mobile and email for that individual and can be easily exported into your CRM or sales engagement tool.
💰 Power-ups
Now it's time to turn these technographic signals into results.
In the first example, our playbook champion positions herself as curious rather than pushy. Mentioning the competitors renewal coming up this quarter grabs attention immediately and asking about the renewal and potential data gaps invites a response.
New Message
Recipients
CcBcc
[Competitor name] - renewal
Hi (First name),
Aware your [competitor name] renewal is coming to the end this quarter - interested to know if your EMEA team is planning to renew.
The reason I ask is that EMEA SDRs leveraging providers whose data is optimised for the uS market but insufficient in EMEA usually results in:
- Longer sales cycles due to outdated or missing data
- Missed targets from insufficient data coverage
Here's another great option if you decide to leverage buyer intent signals. Use intensity scores to gauge adoption rates, then validate by speaking directly to your prospects. Reinforce your outreach by showing you know they’re exploring alternatives and leverage that intent to secure the meeting.
New Message
Recipients
CcBcc
Spoke to Alex & Emily
Hi (First name),
I noticed you onboarded [competitor tool] a few months ago, but it seems adoption hasn't taken off. Alex and Emily mentioned the user experience feels overwhelming.
I know this has prompted you to evaluate other options, so it might be worth a quick session to walk you, Alex and Emily through our platform.
I'd love to show you how our simpler interface can better support your team.
What's the best time for you?
✅ It's time to level up
🎉 You did it—Cheat Code unlocked!
Here’s the recap: Use technographic insights and buyer intent signals to spot when prospects are nearing the end of their competitor contract and primed to make the switch.
Ready to put it into action?
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