How do I reach marketing departments at bigger companies?
Part of our business model will be building partnerships with companies who target our same market. We are looking to bundle services and market them at a reduced fee. I think I need to talk to marketing and/or advertising departments, but I am not sure how to reach the right people to send them a proposal. I am interested in hearing how others have been able to reach these people.
What size companies? What industries? What does your marketing plan says is your target market?
Hi Krista,
I agree with Walter, as stepping into a Company via the CEO is the ultimate best.
That said, though, big numbers are what you are looking for, thus you must enter through the back door of large entities.
On the basis of your question and the brief description of your objective, I'm not sure CMO's are the best people to get in touch with. This because in large Companies they might be responsible for many market sectors not necessarily all aligned with yours.
All you want to do is to find a qualified reference and make him/her your bridgehead inside the "Castle", therefore I'd go for slightly lower profiles, such as Brand/Marketing Mangers and/or Ad Specialists.
If I go back to my Marketing Director experience, the above people are eager to innovate at 360° so to penetrate the radar screen of Top Management.
Next point is how to contact them. I'd prepare a quick, but impressive presentation to be sent over after you have called the appropriate person (found on Linkedin) via the Company switchboard.
I know it sound weird or too good to be true, but since it comes to real life experience, it might be worth giving it a try.
Should the above sound meaningful for you, more than happy to discuss it further; informally of course.
Good Luck & All The Best.
Emilio
I would for sure use linkedin. You can research companies and they usually have their employees listed as well as their job titles. There are also CMO groups. Also networking, networking, and more networking.
Bigger does not always mean better. Id go for substance first. Sometimes the bigger the company the less contact you have with them and therefore they make lousy partners because you can never get ahold of anyone. Go for companies that resonate with you. In time you'll find those partners really pay out more.
It's really about Awareness>Interest>Desire> Action. You need to start getting awareness on what you want to do and get others interested in you too.
it's a two way street. The most difficult part is finding the "right" person. It may be more than one but you need to make calls. You've got to get in the door. The longest journey starts with the first step. Make calls. Create dialogues. All the best. Good luck.
Depending on the company you are trying to get an appointment at you can often get surprisingly far simply by picking up the phone and calling one of their numbers.
Why bigger companies? Why not firms that know you and trust you already? Smaller firms in many cases make the best partners.
Go in at the CEO level. If the CEO is interested, they will direct you to the right person and that person will be more likely to take your call.
Start with a direct mail campaign using a series of 2 or three letters over 2 or 3 weeks. In the last letter, let them know you are going to call and then call them. Set up a meeting to discuss working together.
Dear Krista,
I think that you should prepare a clear business case, from this create your portfolio and value proposition.
Then create a hotsite were people could have an experience in both sides (companies that will partner with yours and the customers) you can inspire in mosaicHUB.
Have this done you can create an e-mail campaign and Facebook ads to engage your audience.
Regards and success.
José Amancio
Networking is a must. Very Good, Jillian!