doing business with big corporate company?

[jrod31]

I am running an advertising magazine, and i would like to get big corporate accounts like Home Depot, pizza hut, etc. Does anyone knows the process or how can i get this?

[akula]

sure..I've sold ads to a billion dollar business (from scratch, in a startup)

it's not easy

the answer to your question (Does anyone knows the process or how can i get this?)

is, yes, there is a process, and yes, there are things you can do to close deals quicker and cheaper

additional information is purely dependent on your enthusiasm for having a conversation (...which is an allegory to the answer it self, to a large degree)

[jasaunders]

If you are targeting local markets, you will be better suited to contact regional managers of those businesses as they will have their own advertising budget. If you are looking to advertise the national brand, it is a little trickier and you will need to find contacts at those companies.

[Mikey1205]

A successful pitch and good organization will get you far.

[Paint and Air Sportz]

I do alot of work for 7-11 so im just gonna give you an axample for them...

Now first off, all these big companies already have advertising budgets layed out, and most have no wiggle room, so your goal is going to be to try and get on next years budget.

Now if the store is a franchise, you straight to the franchisee and see if he would be interested (think of him as another small business owner)
If these are corporate stores, you must set up a appointment with the marketing director at the regional offices. (contact info should be on their site)

Now you discuss what you can do for them, now for 7-11 they only advertise with clients who get huge numbers, mainly because on average one store brings in over 10,000 customers a day, and they would rather advertise special products/promotions in store for free then spend money with a advertiser that may only reach 5000 potential customers a week.

[paul2145r]

My recommendation would be to establish a base w/ local small businesses & 'mom & pop' stores (if there are any left in you community). Set adv. rates low enough for them to afford it, and release 2-3 editions of your publication. This will allow you to have something to show the regional managers of bigger chains, validating your claim that it would be in their best interests to make use of your services.