How to talk to 'higher ups'

[greedy_genius]

I have some ideas that I would like to introduce to management at some pretty large companies. My business already deals with these companies on a smaller level. I am seeking an exclusive contract with them, but they don't seem to have the time to deal with me. Most of the time I can't seem to get a hold of the correct person, and if I leave a message they usually do not call me back. So, how can I get the correct person to talk to me and take me seriously? The service options I am offering will save them money as well as improve customer service. It does not make much sense for them to ignore me, but they do.

Any suggestions/ideas would be helpful. thanks for taking the time to read my post.

[NathanielRosa]

I can't be of much help here, but one thing I will say is to not give up, persistance will eventually lead you to talking to one of these 'right people', hopefully sooner rather than later

You might find that you're only getting through to their secretaries, who are dismissing you because they can't see the value in what you're offering. Perhaps you could find another way of contacting them that dosen't route through their secretary?
Also, have you tried sending your proposal through snail mail? I know that if I recieved this kind of proposal from someone I didn't know personally that I would (don't ask me why) take it more seriously if it were presented to me in paper, rathar than as an e-mail. I guess it just shows a bit more effort went in to it.

Hope this is of at last some assitance, sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Good luck!

Nath

[jasaunders]

It makes perfect sense for them to ignore you. Executives and other business professionals receive hundreds of solicitation calls a week, they don't have time to deal with people they don't know. If you really want to reach the right people, you have to network. Find people who can make the connection for you. Cold calling does not work.

[Vaze]

I totally disagree that cold calling does not work, however, I do agree that you should try to get introductions to the people you are trying to reach. I would list your target companies and within those companies profile who can get you to the people you need to get hold of. Once you've done that, start calling your existing network who work for similar/comparable companies and see who they know at your target company who can get you in the door.

I've had an extremely high degree of success being introduced to senior executives in fortune 100 companies using this method. By the way, I've also had very good results from cold calling - in my case they were physicians who are pretty hard to get on the phone

Good luck!

Parvaze

[Gopal Dev]

My guess would be to try and reach the director of operations, or some such person. The person in charge of logistics and makes decisions regarding fiscal budgets (operational costs), advertising, client services, etc...Try faxing the companies and address the simple yet detailed faxes to someone with that position. Worth a shot. Best,

Gopal (The Musical Mad Scientist and Entrepreneur)

The v-Fusion Group

[Tavarez]

This seems to be an age-old issue. If he tries to push his message upwards through the company through any of the normal channels of communication, the end-point delivery might be murky or entirely messed up.

A direct route (or almost direct, by finding the common contact) is definitely best here. It will ensure he gets credit and that his message isn't misinterpreted.

Good luck.

[greedy_genius]

Thank you for all the suggestions and advice. I will put them to good use. Do any of you know a good place where i can find a couple business model samples. I would like to compare them to mine. thanks.

[john rlenn]

Cold calling does work, you just have to be a damn good salesman, and very few people meet that requirement. When i say damn good, I mean it, good salesman don't let people hang up the phone, no matter what!

[TheBigIdea]

if the product is good, people will come to you, don't need to do cold calling.

Try to be a big hit on one of the major print/online media. I'd go into this direction rather that having pure persistence in trying to get the correct upper management guy to order your products.