Each month, Influencer Relations highlights one of the leading analysts in our industry. We ask one of our favorite analysts about their current work, past experiences and how to get the best out of them.
MRINAL RAI
BACKGROUND:
Industry analyst covering broad digital technologies, have been authoring research content around digital workplace, enterprise collaboration working with Information Services Group. I am also the media spokesperson of ISG in India and also provide my inputs to many local and international media publications.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH AR?
I have evolved from a data analyst in ISG analysing client spending and vendor capabilities in end user computing space to start writing analysis and later thought leadership. I have been writing vendor comparison and client guidance research now for many years. My work requires me to consistently interact and maintain relations with analyst relations representatives from service provider and vendor community.
WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT INDUSTRY ANALYST?
Grasp on subject matter and ability to predict what new market move, technology, and other news can mean for the topic of coverage. An analysts’ goal is to provide insight; something that can benefit both client and vendor and help them create an industry environment where both can thrive making a difference. Also analysts must not fear and shy away from expressing radically different views on future predictions. Clients appreciate when analysts can predict trends and changes and suggest some unconventional paths to both providers and clients to transform their respective businesses.
BIGGEST AR HORROR STORY:
In absence of data once positioned a leading vendor in enterprise collaboration story far behind its competitor. Had a real tough time justifying the positioning to the analyst relation person.
HOW IS THE INDUSTRY CHANGING/ HOW HAVE YOU ADAPTED DUE TO COVID-19?
COVID-19 has made analyst business more important than ever. Clients want guidance not just for present uncertain times but also to best prepare for the next normal, which no one knows what it will look like. Industry analysts have to think beyond their own convention, look at how new technologies can effect or augment human work and businesses for the betterment of all. They should present PoVs and findings based on data, analysis and predictions to help clients and vendors prepare for the future. ISG has been quick to adapt and define new operating models specific to post COVID-19 scenario. We have seeing inquiries which we have never received and we are making sure that we have corresponding PoVs and advice. Personally I miss face to face interaction, but I think all of us across the globe have sort of accepted this virtual way of working, and because of this age of Zooms, webinars and podcasts, I have met and interacted with clients and vendors from even those geographies where it was previously not possible in the pre-COVID times.
