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Know which accounts are ready to switch providers

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Chief Outbounder
Ellie  avatar

Pipeline Penny

Enterprise SDR @Cognism

Decision makers start researching new tech at least 90 days before renewal. Use this for:
Understanding when an account adopted a competitor technology
Gaining insight into how frequently the account is using the tool
Prioritising the right decision-makers to break into the account

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.

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.

✅ 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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