Ok, so some time ago, I squibbed SolidWorks Real Rewards program in an article called SolidWorks Real Rewards (Smart Button). SolidWorks Legion got a lot of attention because of that article. That article is still in the top ten articles here on SolidWorks Legion. So here’s the deal. I did make fun of the program; didn’t see a major reason to take it seriously. However, there was an unintentional side effect, both to the program and to my article. If you look at the article, you’ll find a lot of requests from individuals who wanted to be signed up for the program.
Program Purpose
As described to me by the program’s initiator at SolidWorks Corp, the purpose of this program was to encourage individuals to spread the word about SolidWorks. If someone knew another person or company that could benefit from 3D CAD software (particularly SolidWorks), they could sign those individuals up via the Real Rewards website. In return, if a purchase of SolidWorks was made as a result of the referral, the referrer would get a snazzy little prize.
Something Strange Happened
However, in practice, my article has attracted many people looking for a trial of SolidWorks for various other reasons. I’ve dutifully submitted the email of each person that requested such within the comments of that article. I never expected any of those leads would turn into a qualifying purchase of SolidWorks, but I thought I’d do it anyway, just in case (and kinda for the fun of it).
Well, guess what? Recently, I contacted SolidWorks Corp about my many referrals to see if anyone did indeed make a purchase. It turns out one did! Of course, I’m a little annoyed that I had to ask instead of SolidWorks Corp just surprizing me. But hey, free gifts, right?! I earned the level 1 gift. It is a package including a SolidWorks backpack (not the same one from SWW8 or given away at user group meetings), a business card holder all jazzed up with faux wood, and an insulating coffee cup that is so heavy, it could prolly be mistaken for a mortar shell. I’m moderately delighted that I earned something from the program. Maybe I can earn those Logitech Speakers at level 2!
Real Life Use
So, although this isn’t the word of mouth promotion SolidWorks Corp was hoping for, it has lead to the some good promotion and realization. Several people who asked to be signed up for the program where looking to practice on SolidWorks before a job interview. Those aren’t necessarily going to lead to future sales, but it does indicate that new SolidWorks users are entering into the job market due to job demand for people with such skills. It also may indicate that the U.S. economy isn’t doing poorly in every sector. (The program is limited to North America.)
One final comment. Technically, the program only ran in the first quarter of 2008. The rules for the program have not been changed. It would seem wise for SolidWorks Corp to officially update the rules to make this an on-going program; if for no other reason than to give me a chance to earn my Logitech speakers!
Update (12/18/2009)
This program was cancelled by SolidWorks Corp as of December 2009. I am not able to fulfill any further submission requests for the trial version of SolidWorks. It is my understanding that SolidWorks still has other programs available. Please contact a local VAR for details. To find a local VAR or for information about current offers, please see the SolidWorks.com website.
