Contacting a large business to discuss a business deal.

**PhillM** · 11-02-2010 10:50 PM

I have a quick question. What's the best way to contact a large business in order to set up a business meeting? Would emailing them explaining what you have to offer work or would a call be the better option?

**gobabygo** · 11-02-2010 11:11 PM

find out the different positions behind occupied in the management sector, and write a universal e-mail that will pertain to the different chairmen. There's a good chance it might not even make it, and will just get dismissed by the secretary. Pretending to be a client for awhile will work, express interest in buying their services and explore relationships that are worth building and then go on from there

**nabors** · 11-03-2010 12:40 AM

Are you in this businesses town are they within driving distance?

**peteVA** · 11-03-2010 07:55 AM

Email is the last way to approach them. It is informal and easily trapped by filters or deleted by someone with a full inbox.

The best ways are:

Person to person at major trade shows the person you want to meet may be attending, or where you may meet someone who can get you in the door.

Or, find the name of the principal you wish to meet and send a combination CV / business proposal by Next Day Air so it ends up on their real desktop at the top of the stack and will actually get opened and hopefully read.

Other methods include joining trade associations or business groups where you can happen to meet or get referrals to get you through the door.

All startups have costs, don't let the cost of FedEx / UPS Next Day keep you from using the method that has the best chance of being actually read.

**jobslacker** · 11-03-2010 08:33 AM

By experience there's only 2 ways to get a business meeting. 1. being referred to them by a mutual acquaintance. 2. building your business to the point where they're looking for you. I've went to several business conferences and investors told me personally that you may have a great idea, but if no one knows you or you don't have a following then there is no need for a business to invest, too risky. "my 2 cents"

**nabors** · 11-03-2010 09:38 AM

I would have to agree, thanks for the tip Jobslacker

**PhillM** · 11-03-2010 10:26 AM

My business proposition won't cost this company any money. We'll actually be paying them and by doing this it will make out business more profitable. There's really no risk for this major company. Does that make a difference?

**jobslacker** · 11-03-2010 12:46 PM

A company loves no risk or little risk on their behalf. But then they may ask the question of "will this partnership help or damage our image". If you have a business pitch and proposal that demonstrates no or little risk to the company then by all means go in person. Don't call or send an email. Someone earlier said something about business email filters and they're right. I'm curious to learn how this turns out and I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted.

**PhillM** · 11-03-2010 01:29 PM

The problem is the corporate headquarters is a few states away and with classes and work it would be difficult for me to make it unless they were interested in my proposal already. All I'm looking for is space to put my product. It won't have a negative effect on their image and most people won't associate it with this company.

**jobslacker** · 11-03-2010 01:41 PM

Ok I gotcha...The best thing I feel you can do is research potential key people in that company and try to get a personal/direct email address for them with google or their business website profile (if they have one). Or just simply call the company, try to build a relationship with the receptionist and politely ask that person the best way to submit your proposal. Most companies, if not all don't accept unsolicited material.