Background on the “first” SageCircle  

The original SageCircle™ was founded in November 2000 in Broomfield, Colorado by Carter Lusher and David Levine.  The objectives were to set up a boutique AR best practices firm to help tech startups and global IT vendors alike and to develop an analyst relationship management (ARM) software application.  The original SageCircle was closed in February 2004.

Research Team and the SageContent Library 

As Master Strategist and Chief Research Officer, Carter Lusher built a research team to create a library of best practices, tools and training to help AR teams improve their efficacy and business value to their organizations.  Some of the researchers were AR professionals like Dave Eckert, who had been Novell’s director of AR.  Others were once and future IT analysts like long time Gartner analysts Chris Germann and Dave Cappucio (both are back at Gartner) and long time market researchers like Dataquest’s Chris Le Tocq (now with Guernsey Research). 

Using a methodology based on Gartner’s style, but extended in several critical areas, the SageCircle team generated a significant body of knowledge.  Unlike the analyst firms at the time, SageCircle created spreadsheet-based tools and processes that helped AR teams actually do their jobs and did not just provide advice. 

Launch of the “new” Sage Circle 

In December 2007, Carter Lusher and Dave Eckert decided to re-launch SageCircle, because there is a gap in the marketplace for high quality insights and advice about the IT industry analysts, how to educate the analysts and how to use their research. Another objective of the new SageCircle is to make the SageContent Library available again, adding new content and refreshing existing content. 

Guiding Principles of the New SageCircle 

Based on hard won experience, Carter and Dave established certain guiding principles for the new SageCircle:  

#1 – Client service will be a priority
One of the lessons of the original SageCircle is that great client service delivers great business results.  With this lesson in mind, SageCircle will use the original firm’s innovative client service tools like the 14-point Checkup and develop new ones based on Web 2.0 technologies.  Today’s AR teams are organizationally and geographically distributed so distance learning and web-based activities allow them to learn and collaborate easily.  SageCircle’s use of credit card payments minimize paperwork and allow clients to get high value advice within their budget constraints.  

#2 – Make it a real world best practice and not focus on academic-style best practices
While SageCircle’s research will always push the edge of the envelope when it comes to developing innovative best practices for AR practitioners, we will always do so with an eye on the practical application of the new techniques and tools.  New best practices will come with suggestions for phased implementations to permit AR teams to adopt the new ideas at a pace appropriate for their situations.  

#3 – Create a circle of Sages
The basic SageContent of notes, tools, and best practices will be available free to the community.  Web 2.0 technologies supported by SageCircle will encourage the contribution of practical experiences that can be shared among the membership.  Sponsored networking events provide an opportunity for members to openly share ideas and gain industry insights.