I've asked friends about this, and just curious to see if anyone has any advice. So basically...there's an existing site, that I have an idea for that I believe would generate a ton of business/traffic/buzz etc. I'd really like to pitch this to the "right people" or "decision makers" rather, and get their thoughts on it. Any ideas on how I would go about getting the opportunity? The site is www.groupon.com , and I know their located in Chicago. I have such confidence in this idea, that I would fly there for the chance to pitch it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. and id if your advice got me in front of the "right people" and it paid off...I'd be a paypal away

PS: A lot of people have said to fly there and camp out till they talk to me. I'd do it haha, but looking for better suggestions than that. Thanks!

 

why dont you create your own business (website), similar to groupon, a competitor if you will, pitch your idea to yourself, and make more money in the long run....

PM me for my paypal addy

-Zakk

 

http://www.groupon.com/contact-us

 

Well If I am in your shoes and I really want a pitch. I would do what your friends said and camp out until they give you a chance. I used to work for a big toy company and we have inventors swear by their toy inventions all the time. Most of the not so seriously would just send an email or call with annoying pitch. That would just get your msg to the trash and never heard.

The best thing to do is find a chance to talk to the creative department, marketing department or whatever department they have. Ask to speak to one of them in person and if the idea is good. It will make it's way up to the right person. If you research and see the CEO or high ranking people are friendly and open minded. Go talk to them that's the best bet as they always like to hear good ideas.

 

I would try finding someone who directly works for area of the company you are interested in through linkedin and strike up an initial casual conversation expressing an interest in their area of the marketplace. See if there is a meetup where they may be attending and talk to them there.

Then, once you think you have made inroads with this person, then you can mention your idea to the company.

You are going to have to be very patient- rushing into this will most likely get your idea lost in all the other stuff I am sure they have to deal with on a daily basis. You need to set yourself apart as an individual to be taken serious with legitimate ideas.

Although, I agree with s2kftw- what is your overall plan with this "idea?" Do you expect to pitch it to the company and they fall over themselves to get you a sack of money? If so then don't hold your breath. When you put an idea out there like that you need to make sure it's protected in some way shape or form- or what's to stop groupon from saying "interesting idea, thanks for your time" they show you the door and 6 months later they launch your idea?

Do you have a formal business plan with market research, financials, etc.?

 

I recommend you not camp out or show up unexpected.

Here are the reasons:

1) Putting myself in the shoes of the person/people who you're trying to appeal to, I'd be annoyed if I had someone showed up and thought I had any time to devote to them when we have no history or rapport.

2) If these people are high-level decision makers, they very likely could not be at the office or even in town when you show up.


My recommendation:

Do some research to determine who you want to speak with, and how to speak with them. There are plenty of web sites (like LinkedIn) that enable you to network with people in the business world. Find out who the people are that you are interested in and determine if you have any mutual contacts. Then work your way through the chain, or reference the mutual contact to get their ear.

Preparation for your presentation will be essential or you'll lose their confidence within moments of opening your mouth.

There's more I can recommend, but in summary: Do enough research to connect with them, plan a meeting, and don't try to catch them off guard.

 

LOL at their high level exectutives!

"Groupon President Rob Solomon is a relatively new Internet user who can't get enough of it."

So whats your idea cause i don't see that site taking off in a significant way. You know......unless they start putting cool stuff on there. Looks like 30 people got today's "deal".....

 

Try their regular contact channels. I'm a Groupon user. Excellent service (mostly local 2-for-1 dinners and the like).

 

Thanks for all the input so far...definitely giving me some good ideas

 

From Wikipedia:

"Revenue US$350 million (2010 est.)" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupon

Everyone wants good deals, it compels you to buy when you may not of at regular prices. I can't really go exactly into what my idea is, for safety reasons. I can say the idea I have similarly utilizes their money saving business model, but in a completely different way, in a market completely untapped.