In today\u2019s cutthroat marketplace, large companies increasingly rely on a strategic rolodex of industry experts to help them stay current. They recognize that they can\u2019t be the best at everything and small businesses can add real value in the areas in which they would like to expand. By providing critical industry and technical knowledge, necessary skill sets and creative ideas that are feasible, small businesses can help set large corporations apart from the mainstream and develop a strategic ally at the same time.<\/p>\n
As a provider of customized digital ordering and customer engagement platforms for the quick service restaurant and casual dining industries, we\u2019ve been working with large companies like Yum! Brands and Burger King for years. We’re helping them understand how to face challenges using intricate technologies that are best in class and which they have not needed to deal with in-house, while providing unparalleled value to their business processes and bottom line.<\/p>\n
Through our experience, there are six key tips that you should know when working with a big company:<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be intimidated. <\/b>You deserve a seat at the table. If you believe in your product or service,\u00a0convey that. Big companies don\u2019t always operate in the world you do and for this reason, you bring tremendous value. Don\u2019t let the name on the building instill fear in you \u2013 have confidence in your area of expertise.<\/p>\n
Be indispensable. <\/b>Many large companies currently have a reduced\u00a0staff due to budget restrictions or lack of resources, making it difficult to tackle challenges and retain quality personnel. Whatever the reason for internal cutbacks, you shouldn\u2019t be concerned because you are the solution!<\/span> Seize this opportunity to jump in and leverage your valuable industry expertise and skill set \u2013 show them what you\u2019re made of!<\/p>\n Exhibit your knowledge in highly targeted spaces. <\/b>Many executives in large companies juggle numerous challenges at once, causing them to become overwhelmed and spread too thin. This is an opportunity to show those senior executives what you can bring to the table: a targeted expertise in an area they see as a tricky issue. By becoming their preferred \u201cgo-to\u201d subject matter expert in the space, your value and business will quickly be viewed as a reliable source for future projects.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid to ask! <\/b>The advantage of proving your company\u2019s worth within a large organization is the opportunity to expand beyond its current scope and into other projects\u00a0throughout the corporation. If you are getting kudos on longer assignments or projects, don\u2019t be shy about asking for introductions to other colleagues. If your liaison wants to keep you\u00a0\u201cclose to the vest,\u201d ask for introductions outside the U.S. \u2013 in global corporations, where there typically isn\u2019t a conflict between U.S. and Global business units.<\/p>\n Create a road map. <\/b>Not only will this help you keep focused on the project at hand, but you can also show ongoing opportunities to the corporation that they may not even be thinking about. This will also enable you to collaborate on research & development ventures that can be leveraged in new ways.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let yourself be pushed around or give away things for free. <\/b>Remember that your work and product has real value. Never put yourself in a place to feel diminished. At the end of the day, if you value your work, they will too.<\/p>\n No matter the size, your business can easily prove its worth to large corporations by staying within your focus area. You\u2019d be surprised how appealing your company will be \u2013 and what a difference you can make \u2013 when you confidently position your niche industry expertise and targeted approach to America\u2019s corporate moguls. Never be afraid to challenge the status quo. And by establishing yourself as a specialized thought leader, you\u2019ll be invaluable to companies of all sizes!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In today\u2019s cutthroat marketplace, large companies increasingly rely on a strategic rolodex of industry experts to help them stay current. They recognize that they can\u2019t be the best at everything and small businesses can add real value in the areas in which they would like to expand. By providing critical industry and technical knowledge, necessary […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":963,"featured_media":5078,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43902],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-professional-development"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n