How to Present an Idea to a Corporation

Bring Your Bright Idea to Corporations

Maybe you've had an idea that you thought would be perfect for a corporation. But how do you present your idea to the corporation and be taken seriously as a small entrepreneur? It isn't easy for a small-business person to grab the attention of a corporation, but in some rare cases an idea might be strong enough to lure corporate representatives to a meeting. It's all about how your idea is presented---and how you present yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Business proposal (mini and full) PowerPoint presentation Contact information for corporate representatives

Instructions

1. Research the corporation online. Find out about its future initiatives and see if your idea might fit into any of its plans. Find the phone numbers for the departments that would most likely have an interest in your idea---usually marketing, research and development, production and manufacturing, or information technology. But there may be a more specific department that you want to speak with. For example, if you have a new software program that would help the company keep track of its hiring process, you'd want to contact the corporation's human resources department.

2. Find the name and number of the department head or coordinator. Or just call the corporation's headquarters and be transferred until you finally reach the person you need to speak with.

3. Greet the gatekeeper (usually an administrative assistant or a junior-level employee) by first identifying yourself. Give the person your full name and your company's name. Say that you are trying to get in touch with the gatekeeper's boss about a new product or service (don't come across like a telemarketer). If the gatekeeper gives you trouble, just get the direct mailing address and full name of the person you want to talk to so that you can send this person a mini-proposal. Ask to be transferred to the person's voicemail so you can leave a brief message and your phone number.

4. Send this person a full-color mini proposal via FedEx. It should contain a cover letter and some basic information about your idea and how it could benefit the corporation. If you get a call back, schedule a meeting with the person to present the full idea.

5. At your meeting, bring samples of your idea, a brief yet detailed professionally designed PowerPoint presentation and your full business proposal (see "Resources" for a suggested business proposal outline). Get right to the point; corporate representatives are very busy and are usually interested in cutting through the fluff. Leave the samples, your business card and the business proposal with the person.

Tips & Warnings

• Be realistic about your idea. It could be a great concept in theory but impossible to implement at a profit. Ideas are easy to generate but usually very difficult to bring to fruition. If you still believe in your idea after it has been rejected by a corporation, you should consider implementing it yourself. Be open to constructive criticism of your idea. There might be something you didn't consider (such as a new law or a product that was recently released) that directly affects your idea. Get your idea patented. Corporations are more likely to take your presentation seriously if your own company is already well-established.

• Many corporations will avoid hearing advice or new ideas from inventors and people they don't know because of the complications that can arise. If your idea has not been patented (or cannot be patented) and the corporation adopts it without paying you, the corporation might face legal complications.

Resources

• How to Woo People and Sell Your Idea
• Business Plan Outline