Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

How To Get A "big" Co. To Listen To "little" Me?

Posted by Anonymous on 5/27/2008 at 3:45 AM ET 125 Points
I have an idea that i would like to sell to a cell phone company. I have done a lot of research to see if my idea is out there yet, and am on my way to getting a patent (I already have my provisional patent).

Everyone I have talked to about my idea (after i got my provisional patent of course) thinks it is an awesome idea and would buy it if it existed. My problem now is how to get a manufacturer to listen to my idea. I don't know where to start, and i know this is a common problem.

Thanks in advance
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 5/27/2008 at 8:35 AM Accepted
    I would lose the core belief that you are "little" in any way. You have come up with a big idea/ patent that is unique and adds value to whoever you work with. Calling yourself small will only hold you back. because you have some big work to do.

    The way to sell rights to your patent is going to be face to face, and one to one. I'd start with the head of R&D or engineering. When you call, sell the appointment and the appointment only. You want to make sure its a fit for the company and that you are adding value. Its going to be a long term relationship building consultative sell.

    Carol
    Sell Well and Prosper tm
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 5/27/2008 at 9:09 AM Accepted
    Even with a patent, you'll have problems talking to "big" companies, who might already be developing similar ideas in-house (and talking to you could create a legal headache for them).

    The best way to show them is to launch it yourself. Create prototypes, test, refine, publicize, take orders, manufacture, and look for a buy-out. By starting to look for investors in this business, you'll no doubt find people with the connections you need inside "big companies", who might help you short-circuit the self-manufacturing business you might not want to embark upon.

    Also, contact your local SCORE chapter. The have (free) mentors nationwide, and no doubt have some experts in the cell phone industry who'll provide you with some great advice and hopefully opportunities as well.
  • Posted on 5/27/2008 at 12:42 PM Author
    Thanks for all the timely responses!

    NuCoPro -
    I agree that ideas don't sell well. This is one of the reasons I have already gotten my provisional patent, so I can not be instantly ripped of my idea the moment I utter it.

    CarolBlaha -
    Thanks for the encouragement. I know my idea is a good one, I also am realistic and know that my name means nothing to these large companies (YET!). Most of the larger corps are not near me, and I know at least LG (the co. whose offices are within a reasonable distance from me) has a idea policy already on their website. They say that "any info...[i gave them would]...grant LG an unrestricted, irrevocable license". Would talking to them license them my patent? Or should I might as well have a friend submit my idea online and wait to get them for patent infringement? This obviously is not a positive route to take, but seems like possibly a more effective way.

    W.M.M.A -
    I have already begun investing in my idea through the patent process. However, I am still at a point where I would need investors to reasonably get representation.

    Jay Hamilton-Roth -
    Like I mentioned to WMMA, I do not think I have the capital to launch it myself. Because this is a cellular product, there is a lot of prior art I need to use to create my invention. That is a lot of technical aspects that I have not needed for developing my idea and would not know how to do(its not that I can't program, but I don't know how to program all aspects of a cellular phone or manufacturer the chips), and would take a lot of capital to begin with.

    I will definitely look into contacting my local SCORE chapter though.
  • Posted by mmorrison on 5/27/2008 at 1:36 PM Member
    Another more lateral approach is to look at the market and say -"if things changed what other players MIGHT be interested if my idea gets them in the market?"

    For example who would have thought Virgin would have started an airline or bank? Why did casio start making watches...

    Look what google may be doing to conventional desktop applications.

    So as well as the excellent advice given so far - look up and down as well as left and right...

    Good luck with your ideas and venture
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 5/27/2008 at 1:45 PM Member
    Also: having a patent is good, but the cost to find/defend patent infringements can be exorbitant. Don't be lulled into thinking having a patent is enough.
  • Posted on 5/28/2008 at 2:50 AM Author
    thanks for everyone's advice
  • Posted by matthewmnex on 5/29/2008 at 8:29 PM Member
    Hi Getting Started.

    Sorry, I am late to get onboard here and the question is already closed. But I wanted to throw in my 2 penneth worth :)

    I agree with what most posters said. You are up against a tough sell here.

    The truth is that you are looking in the wrong place.

    Mobile companies, will rarely buy an 'idea' they will buy however a product.

    Therefore, you need to have a working product to demonstrate first so that they can understand what they are buying into.

    What you therefore need is a partner to finance the development.

    is it software based?
    hardware?
    both?

    Whichever - the way forward for you is to look for a large company that has the financial means to finance the development and trials of the idea. preferably someone who is already supplying the mobile business with networks or devices or software etc. A company like this would have credibility to introduce a new product to the market. (which can take a very large budget just to get i out there).

    Don't lose faith.

    But you may need to lower your expectations a little with regard to
    a). How much immediate income you will derive from the product
    b). length of time needed to bring it to market and get it deployed
    c). long term potential, Whilst your idea may be great, don't forget that many people around the world are all having a similar idea at the same time. So if it takes too long to get it built - someone may get there before you.

    Don't try too hard to hold on to everything for yourself, be happy for a little income for you and to see your product getting built. Find a company to take on the development and testing. Ask them for a small up front fee for the license and then tale a royalty on all future sales (a small royalty).

    Good luck - I ma happy to discuss further with you if ou would like more ideas and in sights

    matthewanxa at gmail dot com
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