The Conference That Changed Everything
I remember my first HR technology conference like it was yesterday. I had one burning question in my head that no one seemed to be asking out loud: Can we really trust software recommendations when referral payments are involved?
On one hand, it was clearly “just business.” On the other, it felt like a crack in the foundation of customer trust. I found myself increasingly uneasy—because even if I stayed objective, how would my clients know that? And how could I be sure I wasn’t subconsciously nudging them toward what benefited me?
So I stopped taking referral payments altogether. Full stop.
The Hidden Influence of Referral Fees
Years later, I’ve realized just how common this practice is. Most people in the space don’t question it. And most customers? I’m not sure how many know how much influence these referral fees can have on six- or seven-figure purchasing decisions.
Let’s say someone’s advising you on a $300,000 ATS contract. If they stand to make $30,000 by pushing one platform over another… well, it’s hard to believe that doesn’t shape the conversation.
The Solution: AI + Human Intelligence
Here’s a short video on how we’re using AI and community insight to change how HR tech buying decisions get made:
I’ve been trying to crack this nut for a while. How can companies get truly trustworthy insight when evaluating HR tech? I think I’ve found a way—and it’s a mix of artificial intelligence and human intelligence, specifically from HR system administrators who’ve actually used the software.
Introducing: RFP Advisor
I created an RFP Advisor GPT using ChatGPT’s Deep Research mode and loaded it with 100+ pages of data on ATS comparisons. We’re talking customer review sites, analyst reports, social media chatter—the works.
Why do it this way? Because it adds consultative distance. It’s not me telling you what a product does or doesn’t do. It’s AI, trained on a massive breadth of information, offering an aggregated snapshot of what’s out there.
Here’s an example, an analysis conducted with the RFP Advisor GPT (plus further targeted prompting) that gives customers considering a move from iCIMS to Dayforce specific questions to ask to uncover gaps in fucntionality indicated by the research.
The Power of Real-World Experience
But that’s only half the story. The other half is lived experience. And that’s where the System Admin Insights community comes in. Our members are HR system administrators who’ve used these tools day in and day out. They know what breaks. They know what workflows are clunky. They know which support teams actually help—and which ghost you.
Together, this dual approach—AI synthesis plus boots-on-the-ground insight—forms the basis of what I’m calling RFP Advisor (because I name things very literally).
Cutting Through the Noise
This is especially valuable for iCIMS customers considering a switch to a bundled HCM solution. You’ll be able to use the AI-generated report as a discussion guide internally and with vendors—while cross-checking it against real-world experience from people who’ve been in your shoes.
We all know the RFP process can be grueling. My goal with RFP Advisor is to cut through the noise and help companies make clearer, more grounded decisions—free from hidden incentives and biased recommendations.
If that sounds useful, let’s talk.
