VRM vision

VRM, or Vendor Relationship Management, is the reciprocal of CRM or Customer Relationship Management. VRM describes a set of technologies and methods for individuals to engage with vendors in ways that work for both parties.

The goal of VRM is to improve the relationship between Demand and Supply by providing new and better ways for the former to relate to the latter. In a larger sense, VRM immodestly intends to improve markets and their mechanisms by equipping customers to be independent leaders and not just captive followers in their relationships with vendors and other parties on the supply side of the marketplace.

History

CRM systems for the duration have borne the full burden of relating with customers. VRM will provide customers with the means to bear some of that weight, and to help make markets work for both vendors and customers — in ways that don't require the former to "lock in" the latter.

• Where name came from
• Where idea came from (relationship with the Cluetrain Manifesto)
  • Core concepts & shifting landscape: Internet increasing alienation between consumer and vendor, etc.
• How VRM has helped leverage (and tries to see ahead of) ideas being developed in the identity space, etc.

Problems With CRM

• Don't get me started!

Current Challenges

For VRM to work, vendors must have reason to value it, and customers must have reasons to invest the necessary time, effort and attention to making it work. Providing those reasons to both sides is the primary challenge for VRM.

Project VRM

• Berkman Center
• Steering Committee
• Objectives

VRM Uses

List practical, leading examples of best uses for VRM. Link to Use Cases (if any)

• Personal Address Manager

VRM Companies

Companies, sellers, vendors all may have existing examples of VRM. Please post them here.

Links

• VRM FAQ