Brainshark - Detailed Review
Business Tools
Brainshark - Product Overview
Brainshark Overview
Brainshark is a cloud-based business presentation and sales readiness platform that helps organizations improve productivity in their sales, marketing, and training departments.Primary Function
Brainshark’s primary function is to enable users to create, share, and track presentations, with a strong focus on sales enablement and training. It allows users to add video, audio, and narration to presentations, making them more engaging and interactive. The platform is designed to prepare client-facing teams with the knowledge, skills, and messages they need to perform at a high level.Target Audience
Brainshark is suitable for small, medium, and large organizations. A significant majority of its customers are large enterprises with over 1,000 employees, although it also serves medium and small-sized businesses. The platform is widely used in industries such as Computer Software, Insurance, Financial Services, and Information Technology and Services.Key Features
Content Authoring
Brainshark makes it easy to create engaging content by quickly transforming PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and other materials into compelling, voice-enriched presentations. Users can easily edit existing content to keep it up-to-date and relevant.Training & Onboarding
The platform offers comprehensive training and onboarding solutions, enabling organizations to save time and money through on-demand learning. It helps retain critical skills and knowledge, making training and onboarding processes more efficient.Coaching & Practice
Brainshark provides coaching and practice tools that help sellers master key messages. This includes video and text-based coaching assessments to reinforce training and ensure that every seller has mastered the required messages.Readiness Scorecards
These scorecards offer visibility into learning progress and performance, allowing teams to track activities and identify areas where improvement is needed. The scorecards align learning activities with data from CRM systems and other sources, providing insights into how readiness programs impact revenue.Integrations
Brainshark integrates with CRM systems like Salesforce, enabling users to search, view, and share content directly from their Salesforce accounts. This integration enhances the accessibility and utility of the content, especially during meetings and when preparing for client interactions.Conclusion
Overall, Brainshark is a versatile tool that helps organizations enhance their sales readiness, improve training effectiveness, and streamline content creation and sharing. Brainshark - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Brainshark
Brainshark, a prominent tool in the business tools and AI-driven product category, is designed with a focus on ease of use and a seamless user experience.
Modern Design and Interface
Brainshark features a refreshed user interface with a modern design, which is supported by the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Users who still rely on Internet Explorer need to install the Brainshark Recorder Plug-in for IE to ensure compatibility.
Intuitive Experience
The interface is highly intuitive, making it easy for users to access and utilize the various features. Users have praised the ease of use, noting that if you can use PowerPoint, you can use Brainshark. This simplicity is a significant advantage, especially for creating presentations, customizing audio, and developing curriculums and standalone courses.
Streamlined Navigation
Recent updates have streamlined the top menu navigation, introducing a centralized Content Portal. This includes consolidated navigation, refined content types and icons, and dynamic interactions. These changes aim to provide a more intuitive experience for clients, integrating Brainshark more closely into the Bigtincan platform.
Customization and Visual Enhancements
Users can customize the interface with features like uploading profile photos, which are displayed in the header and other areas of the platform. The platform also allows for easy drag-and-drop or upload of files, repositioning and resizing images, and previewing images to ensure improved image quality.
Accessibility Features
Brainshark includes accessibility features such as the ability to upload closed captions to slides. This is particularly useful for viewers who are hard of hearing or cannot access audio, and these captions are visible in the new HTML player.
Feedback and Engagement
One of the standout features of Brainshark is its video coaching and feedback loop. Managers and leaders can record their teams and provide feedback on video submissions, which helps keep sales reps engaged and improves their performance. This feature is highly praised for its ability to enhance training and coaching processes.
User Feedback
While users generally find Brainshark easy to use and effective, some have noted that the initial setup can be complex and may require training for end users. Additionally, some users feel that the customization options could be more user-friendly, and the UI, although improved, is still somewhat dated in certain aspects.
Conclusion
Overall, Brainshark’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, intuitive, and engaging, making it a valuable tool for content creation, coaching, training, and sales readiness.
Brainshark - Key Features and Functionality
Brainshark Overview
Brainshark is a comprehensive sales enablement and learning management platform that leverages AI and various other technologies to enhance sales readiness, coaching, and content management. Here are the main features and how they work:Course Creation and Management
Brainshark allows users to create interactive, video-based learning content using a built-in authoring tool. You can reuse existing materials like PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and videos, and add multimedia elements such as audio, video, and surveys to make the content more engaging.AI Features
Adaptive Learning
AI helps in creating personalized learning paths based on user performance and needs.Machine Analysis
This feature auto-scores video submissions, providing feedback on aspects like emotions exhibited, topics covered, speaking rate, and filler words. It helps coaches identify areas that need improvement and streamlines the coaching process.Content Translation and Development
AI aids in translating content and generating quizzes, making it easier to create and manage learning materials.Intelligent Recommendations
The system suggests relevant content to users based on their learning history and performance.Natural Language Processing and Text-to-Speech
These features enhance the interaction with the content, making it more accessible and engaging.Coaching and Feedback
Brainshark’s coaching tools use AI to analyze video submissions from sales reps. This includes sentiment analysis, speech-to-text conversion, and emotion analysis, which help managers provide targeted feedback and identify top performers. Coaches can prioritize video reviews and focus on reps who need the most help.Compliance and Certification Management
The platform offers certificate management features, including certification life-cycle management, predefined certification templates, and unique certificates by course or curriculum. It also sends notifications for certificate expirations and due dates, ensuring compliance.Mobile Learning
Brainshark supports mobile learning with both online and offline access to content. Users can receive push notifications and in-app notifications on their mobile devices, keeping them updated on new courses, activities, and feedback.Gamification
To increase engagement, Brainshark includes gamification features such as badges, leaderboards, levels, points, and rewards. These mechanics can be customized to fit the organization’s needs.Reporting and Analytics
The platform provides detailed reporting capabilities, including automated report scheduling, dashboards, and graphic reports. It also offers learning analytics tools and training record maintenance, helping managers track user progress and engagement.Integration and Security
Brainshark integrates with various systems, including CRM systems like Salesforce, and supports integrations with other platforms like Seismic. It also features strong security measures such as anti-spam, anti-virus, IP blockers, and strong password policies.User Management and Roles
The platform allows for detailed user management, including custom user profile fields, bulk user actions, and role assignment with system permissions. It also supports team hierarchies and self-registration options.Enrollment and Progress Tracking
Brainshark offers automated enrollment based on user data, manual enrollment, and self-enrollment options. It tracks attendance and progress, ensuring that users stay on course with their learning objectives.Conclusion
These features collectively make Brainshark a powerful tool for sales enablement, coaching, and learning management, leveraging AI to enhance the effectiveness and engagement of the learning process. Brainshark - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Brainshark
Brainshark, an AI-powered sales readiness solution, demonstrates strong performance in several key areas:
Training and Coaching
Brainshark enables businesses to provide on-demand training, coaching, and content creation, which significantly accelerates the onboarding process and keeps sales reps up-to-date with the latest information. This is particularly effective in ensuring that sales teams are well-prepared and aligned with the company’s message.
Content Creation and Analytics
The platform offers ease of use in creating and updating content, and it provides valuable analytics on content consumption. This includes detailed viewing statistics, which help in identifying what content is most engaging and effective.
User Feedback
Many users have reported positive experiences with Brainshark, highlighting its ability to develop the strength of sales teams and the overall quality of its capabilities. Users appreciate the improvements made over the years, including new functionalities and the positive feedback received from employees.
Accuracy
AI-Powered Scoring and Feedback
Brainshark’s Machine Analysis engine uses AI to score video submissions and provide feedback, ensuring that sales reps stay on message. This feature enhances the accuracy of coaching and training by providing objective, data-driven feedback.
Validation of Readiness
The platform allows for sales coaching and practice sessions that validate the readiness of sales reps, ensuring they master the company’s message accurately. This proactive approach helps in identifying and closing performance gaps.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Technical Issues
Users have reported several technical issues, such as compatibility problems with newer computers and internal microphones, particularly when using Internet Explorer. The mobile player, which uses HTML5, has also been criticized for its poor performance, especially given the transition away from Flash.
Customer Support
There have been complaints about the lack of direct phone support, with users having to rely on chat support that can be slow and sometimes disconnects, requiring them to start over.
Large-Scale Training
Some users find that large process and product trainings can be inefficient due to scheduling and makeup sessions, which can be time-consuming for large sales organizations.
Browser Compatibility
There are issues with browser compatibility, such as tabbing to embedded Brainshark content not working in Firefox or Chrome, and other specific issues like slow search functions and display problems in the new UI.
Overall, Brainshark performs well in providing comprehensive sales readiness solutions, but it has some areas that need improvement, particularly in terms of technical compatibility and customer support.
Brainshark - Pricing and Plans
Brainshark Pricing Structure
Brainshark, a sales readiness and enablement platform, does not provide transparent, publicly available pricing. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from their pricing and plans:Plans and Pricing
Brainshark offers two main subscription plans: Pro and Premier.Pro Plan
- This plan includes extensive features for training, onboarding, and content authoring.
- Key features:
- Interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys
- Voice-enriched video presentations
- Advanced learning reports and analytics
- Rep and team readiness scorecards
- Brainshark mobile app.
- However, the Pro plan lacks coaching features, which are reserved for the Premier plan.
Premier Plan
- This plan includes all the features from the Pro plan, plus advanced coaching functionality.
- Additional features:
- Machine analysis and scoring
- Customized ratings, scores, and feedback
- Video assessments and practice
- Peer-to-peer review options
- Formal training integration.
Cost
- The exact pricing is available only upon request from Brainshark’s sales team.
- Customer reports and estimates suggest an average cost of around $80-$83 per user per month. For example, an annual cost for 20 users could be approximately $20,000.
Free Options
- There is no free plan or free trial available for Brainshark. However, potential customers can request a free demo to evaluate the platform’s features.
Additional Costs
- Users may need to pay extra for certain integrations or additional features, especially if they are considering the broader capabilities of Bigtincan, the parent company of Brainshark.
Brainshark - Integration and Compatibility
Integrations with Other Tools
Brainshark integrates well with several key business applications:Salesforce
Brainshark supports integration with Salesforce Lightning, allowing users to view learning achievements, certificates, and badges directly within their Salesforce profiles. This integration requires the CRM Connector package v5.4 and needs to be enabled by the Salesforce Admin.
Outlook
The Brainshark for Outlook app enables users to find, preview, and send content directly from their Outlook emails. This app allows filtering and sorting content by industry, sales cycle stage, persona, and more, and also tracks email opens and presentation views.
Slack and Chrome
While not explicitly detailed in the sources, Brainshark alternatives often highlight integrations with tools like Slack and Chrome, suggesting that similar integrations might be possible or planned for Brainshark as well.
Platform and Device Compatibility
Brainshark is compatible with a variety of platforms and devices:Mobile App
Brainshark has a mobile app that supports viewing SCORM courses, HTML5 content, and other features. The app ensures that learning content is accessible on smartphones and other mobile devices. SCORM courses launch within an in-app browser, allowing seamless navigation back to the app after completion.
Desktop
The platform offers a redesigned desktop login page and supports various features such as managing users, uploading HTML5 content, and accessing team dashboards. The desktop version is optimized for a better user experience.
Webhooks and APIs
For more customized integrations, Brainshark can be connected using universal connectivity options like the HTTP Client, Webhook Trigger, and the Connector Builder available through the Tray platform. This allows integration with any SaaS application or service, although it requires some configuration.
Additional Features
Brainshark also offers features that enhance its compatibility and usability:Content Management
Users can upload and manage various types of content, including HTML5 presentations, which are supported by the new HTML5 player on both desktop and mobile devices.
Team Dashboards
The platform provides team dashboards that update frequently, offering real-time insights into team activities and progress. Users can save activity filters for easier access to specific data.
In summary, Brainshark integrates well with key business tools like Salesforce and Outlook, and it is compatible with both mobile and desktop platforms. While some integrations may require additional configuration, the platform is designed to be flexible and adaptable to various business needs.
Brainshark - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Contact Channels
- Brainshark provides multiple contact channels for customer support. You can reach their customer service team via phone at (781) 370-8000 or for general inquiries at (781) 893-0909.
- For specific needs, such as sales or reservations, you can call (781) 370-8200.
- Additionally, Brainshark offers email support for various departments, including customer service, general info, jobs, legal, and privacy inquiries.
Additional Resources
Help Center and Website
- Help Center and Website: Brainshark has a dedicated help center and website where users can find detailed information, guides, and FAQs to help them get the most out of the platform.
- Content Authoring and Learning Resources: The platform allows companies to create their own learning content, including interactive and engaging presentations. This content can be created, updated, and accessed from anywhere, facilitating collaboration.
- AI-Powered Coaching and Scorecards: Brainshark offers AI-driven coaching and practice tools, including video- and text-based coaching assessments. The readiness scorecards use AI scoring to help leaders visualize team progress and identify skill gaps.
- User Interface and Design Updates: Following its acquisition by Bigtincan, Brainshark has undergone significant design changes to improve user experience. These updates include optimized table and card views, a user-focused progress and engagement tracker, and streamlined navigation.
- Conversational Intelligence AI: With the integration of Bigtincan’s VoiceVibes technology, Brainshark Coach now includes advanced audio analytics, measuring vocal clarity, pace, and other vocal indicators to help improve sales performance.
Corporate and Mailing Address
For those who need to contact Brainshark in person or via mail, their corporate office is located at 260 Charles Street, Suite 101, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453. There is also a mailing address for specific departments, such as the CFO, at 130 Turner Street, Bldg 1, Suite 100, Waltham, MA 02453.
These resources and support options are designed to help users maximize the benefits of Brainshark’s sales enablement and training tools.
Brainshark - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Brainshark
Brainshark, a sales enablement platform, offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for businesses:User-Friendly Interface
Brainshark is praised for its intuitive interface, which makes it easy for users to create and manage content without needing extensive technical knowledge. Users find it straightforward to complete tasks and create engaging presentations.Content Creation Capabilities
The platform’s content authoring tools allow companies to create, update, and access learning materials from anywhere. This facilitates collaboration and ensures that the information is up-to-date and interactive. Users appreciate the ability to streamline and optimize their internal content creation processes.AI-Powered Scoring and Feedback
Brainshark’s Machine Analysis engine uses AI to auto-score video submissions, providing immediate feedback on word choice, presentation complexity, emotions, and personality. This complements human feedback and ensures sales reps receive timely and comprehensive insights.Integration Capabilities
The platform integrates well with other tools and platforms, allowing users to upload existing content and leverage their existing processes. This integration boosts overall productivity and workflow efficiency.Readiness Scorecards and Analytics
Brainshark’s readiness scorecards help leaders visualize their team’s progress and identify skill gaps. The platform provides detailed analytics on content consumption, viewing details, and performance metrics, enabling managers to track progress and motivate team members effectively.Wide Adoption
More than half of Fortune 100 companies use Brainshark, indicating its reliability and effectiveness across various industries such as technology, manufacturing, and financial services.Disadvantages of Brainshark
While Brainshark offers many benefits, there are some notable drawbacks to consider:Learning Curve
Some users find the learning curve for Brainshark to be steep, which can make it difficult to use and navigate the platform initially. However, dedication to learning the software can mitigate this issue.Video Playback Issues
Users have reported occasional video playback issues, even with smaller file sizes, which can affect the viewing experience and cause frustration.Limited Customization Options
Brainshark does not offer as many customization options as some users would like. For example, there is a desire for more video editing capabilities and the ability to add section headers to presentations.Technical Issues
Some users have experienced technical issues such as trouble with newer computers connecting via internal microphones and poor performance of the mobile player (HTML5). Additionally, some users have to use Internet Explorer as the main browser, which can be inconvenient.Customer Support
There have been complaints about the lack of direct phone support, with users having to rely on chat support that can sometimes be slow or unresponsive. By considering these pros and cons, businesses can make an informed decision about whether Brainshark aligns with their sales enablement needs. Brainshark - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Brainshark to its competitors in the sales enablement and training sector, several key points and alternatives stand out:
Unique Features of Brainshark
Brainshark is known for its ability to transform static documents, such as PowerPoints, into dynamic, mobile-ready content. It offers comprehensive training, coaching, and content authoring capabilities, which are crucial for achieving sales mastery and outselling the competition. Brainshark’s platform includes features like sales collateral management, application integration, collaboration tools, onboarding and training, content analytics, and lead generation and funnel management.
Top Competitors
Seismic
Seismic operates in the sales enablement domain, providing a platform that enhances the performance of sales and marketing teams. It offers a suite of tools for content management, collaboration, and analytics. However, compared to Brainshark, Seismic is often seen as less innovative, less inspiring, and worse at training.
Mindtickle
Mindtickle provides a data-driven solution for sales readiness and enablement, focusing on sales onboarding and ongoing preparation. It is more reliable and easier to customize than Brainshark but is considered harder to implement and worse at training.
Salestable AI
Salestable AI is another competitor that offers a sales readiness platform with a focus on sales training and coaching. While it is a strong alternative, specific comparative features against Brainshark are less detailed, but it is generally seen as a competitor in the same space.
HubSpot Sales Hub
HubSpot Sales Hub is an easy-to-adopt sales software that leverages AI to build pipelines and close deals. It is easier to customize than Brainshark but is worse at training and support. HubSpot Sales Hub integrates all sales tools and data into one CRM platform, making it a strong alternative for those looking for a more integrated solution.
Salesforce Sales Cloud Enterprise
Salesforce Sales Cloud Enterprise is a comprehensive CRM solution that helps in closing more deals and accelerating productivity. However, it is harder to implement and worse at training compared to Brainshark. It offers more transparency but is less inspiring and less caring in terms of user experience.
Highspot
Highspot is a sales enablement platform that combines intelligent content management, training, and contextual guidance. It is more reliable and easier to customize than Brainshark but is less innovative and worse at training. Highspot is known for delivering a unified buying experience that increases revenue and customer satisfaction.
Bigtincan Content Hub
Bigtincan Content Hub empowers customer-facing teams to prepare, engage, and improve the buying experience. However, it is less innovative, less inspiring, and worse at training and support compared to Brainshark. It is also harder to implement and integrate.
Other Notable Alternatives
- Lessonly: Offers an enterprise educational platform with training, coaching, and enablement solutions. It is more focused on general training rather than sales-specific enablement.
- Articulate: Provides a workplace learning platform with training content on various topics, including sales. It is a broader learning solution rather than a sales enablement tool.
- Trainual: Specializes in employee onboarding, training, and standard operating procedures (SOP) software. It is more geared towards general employee training rather than sales readiness.
- Showpad: A sales enablement platform for content distribution, coaching, and analytics. It is more reliable but worse at training and support compared to Brainshark.
Market Share and Competitors in Training and Assessment
In the Training and Assessment category, Brainshark’s competitors include EthicsPoint, WalkMe, and SkyPrep, which hold significant market shares. However, these competitors are more focused on general training and assessment rather than sales enablement specifically.
When choosing between Brainshark and its competitors, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your organization, such as the ease of customization, training effectiveness, and the level of support required. Each platform has its unique strengths and weaknesses, so evaluating these factors will help you select the best fit for your business needs.
Brainshark - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Brainshark
What is Brainshark and what does it do?
Brainshark is a sales readiness platform primarily aimed at enterprise-level sales teams. It provides features to enhance lead conversion and overall sales readiness through tools like AI-powered video analysis, interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys, as well as advanced learning reports and analytics.How much does Brainshark cost?
The exact pricing of Brainshark is available only upon request for a quote. However, customer stories suggest that the average subscription cost can be around $80-$83 per user per month. For a more precise estimate, a consultation with a Brainshark representative is necessary. For example, an annual cost for 20 users can be estimated at around $20,000.What are the different subscription plans offered by Brainshark?
Brainshark offers two main subscription plans: Pro and Premier. The Pro plan includes features such as interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys, voice-enriched video presentations, advanced learning reports, and rep and team readiness scorecards. The Premier plan includes all the features of the Pro plan plus additional coaching tools like video assessments, machine analysis and scoring, and peer-to-peer review options.Does Brainshark offer any free trials or demos?
There is no free trial for Brainshark, but potential customers can request a free demo to preview the platform’s features and determine if it meets their needs.What are the key features of the Premier plan?
The Premier plan includes all the features of the Pro plan, plus advanced coaching tools such as:- Video assessments and practice
- Machine analysis and scoring
- Customized ratings, scores, and feedback
- Peer-to-peer review options
- Formal training integration
- Team leaderboards and time-stamped feedback
Are there any additional costs to consider when using Brainshark?
While Brainshark’s website does not mention obvious add-ons, users may need to pay extra for certain integrations. However, this is not explicitly detailed, and any additional costs would be part of the customized quote provided by Brainshark.How does Brainshark compare to other sales enablement platforms?
Brainshark is generally more cost-effective compared to other platforms like Mindtickle, Allego, and Highspot. However, these other platforms often offer a wider scope of capabilities. For example, Highspot is more comprehensive but also more expensive, while Allego offers wider functionality but at a higher cost.Is Brainshark suitable for all types of businesses?
Brainshark is particularly suited for businesses looking for a targeted sales readiness platform with features like content creation, training, coaching, and scorecards. It is best for organizations that need specific tools for sales training and readiness rather than an all-in-one sales enablement suite. For a more unified solution, considering the full Bigtincan platform might be beneficial.Can Brainshark be integrated with other learning management systems?
Yes, Brainshark allows users to publish course material to third-party or built-in learning management systems, making it versatile for various educational and training needs.What kind of support and maintenance does Brainshark offer?
Brainshark performs scheduled maintenance during specific windows (Tuesday and Thursday from 10 PM – 12 AM EST, and Saturday from 4 AM – 9 AM EST). This ensures the platform remains updated and functional.