Curious about how to pitch an idea to a company? It’s not as simple as it used to be, I’ll admit. It’s actually become quite challenging nowadays to get your ideas across to companies. Let me break it down for you. Around six months back, I took on a couple of projects and aimed to pitch those products to companies using the methods I’m about to share with you. But guess what? It’s tougher now compared to years ago.
The reason? Well, there’s just too much noise out there. People are bombarded with emails, calls, and sales pitches left, right, and center. This barrage of information has led them to put up barriers, making it a real challenge for us inventors to get our ideas through to these companies.
But fear not, connecting with companies is still possible. In this article, I’ll share some simple yet effective tips on how to pitch an idea to a company, so you can connect with them and share your ideas like a pro. Let’s dive in.
How to Pitch an Idea to a Company: 3 Ways to Connect with Companies
1. Make the Most of LinkedIn Connections
First off, let’s talk about LinkedIn. I’m a big fan of LinkedIn. It’s a great tool for reaching people, but not everyone is on there. Sometimes, even if you email someone directly, they might not reply. And picking up the phone and making a call can work too. You might say, “Hey, I’m a product developer with a fantastic idea.”
Over the last six months, I’ve been pitching ideas a lot, and let me tell you, it’s become tougher. But I’ve figured out a few things that do work, and I want to share some tips with you.
When you’re reaching out to a company on LinkedIn, make sure it’s the right one. Try connecting with at least 10 people. Yes, that’s right, 10 people. Reach out to the president, vice president, someone from sales, and new product development. The reason I suggest reaching out to 10 people is that most folks aren’t on LinkedIn all the time.
I’m constantly on it, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is. When you connect with someone, even if it’s not the right person, keep at it. You might just need to work your way to the right contact. So aim for about 10 connections. Be patient. I don’t send a message right away, nor do I use any premium features to contact people. I simply connect. Then, I follow up slowly with a short email, hoping for a response.
You need to realize that even if you do it this way, many people won’t respond. It can be frustrating, I know. But you have to keep at it. Keep following up, stay patient, and hopefully, you’ll reach the right person eventually.
2. Use Email Outreach Wisely
When I can’t reach a company through LinkedIn, I search for their direct email. But here’s the thing: these companies are flooded with emails every day. I mean, seriously, it’s like a wave of messages hitting them constantly. One person even told me they get hundreds daily. So, how do you make your email stand out in that sea of messages? Well, the truth is, you can’t expect to be the shining beacon of their inbox if they don’t even know who you are.
Here’s a tip: follow up. Yup, it’s that simple. Craft a subject line that’s not too flashy, but just intriguing enough to pique their curiosity. Then, follow up every five days until they notice you. Because here’s the reality: if they don’t catch your email on the first go, it’s probably buried beneath a mountain of others. By following up, you’re actually doing them a favor. You’re giving them another chance to see your pitch. So, keep it polite, throw in a bit of humor if you can, and remember, it’s a waiting game.
I won’t sugarcoat it for you—sometimes, you might need to follow up eight times before you get a response. That’s just how noisy it is out there in the business world. But remember, persistence pays off.
3. Engage in Direct Communication
When it comes to how to pitch an idea to a company, direct communication is key. Sometimes, it’s as simple as picking up the phone. I’m a firm believer in just picking up the phone and calling somebody directly. However, it’s essential to have some background information. If you can find their name on LinkedIn, that’s a great start. This way, when you call the company, you have a specific person to ask for.
Remember, though, in most cases, you might end up leaving a message. It’s common for people not to return calls promptly. But don’t let that discourage you. Leaving a clear and concise message can still make an impact.
Introducing Gateway: Your Shortcut to Success
Pitching an idea to a company has become more challenging lately, and there’s a simple reason behind it: everyone’s incredibly busy. With so much going on, it’s tough to get noticed. People are juggling a lot of tasks, dealing with unexpected problems, and often, they don’t even know who you are.
That’s where Andrew Krauss and I come in with our new program called Gateway. We’ve established relationships with numerous companies and are expanding our database even further. Currently, we’re connected with thousands of companies. We’re not just stopping there, though. We’re actively fostering those relationships and presenting these companies with ideas on your behalf. That’s what Gateway is all about. We’re here to link you up.
So, if you’re struggling to get your idea in front of the right companies and feeling frustrated, check out Gateway. We’re confident we can connect you with the right people. And if we can’t, no worries—we’ll give you your money back. It’s that simple for us.
But let’s be real: getting your idea to the right folks, with the right presentation, and the right pitch, is key to sealing the deal. So, if you need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out. Check out inventRight and explore the Gateway program, you won’t be disappointed. It’s fresh, it’s effective, and folks are loving it. We’re here to make things happen for you.
Lastly, keep at it. Keep pitching ideas to companies, keep following up, and make use of all the tips I’ve shared. But if you hit a roadblock, I’m here to help. Just give me a shout.
