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8 Replies Last post: Jan 15, 2008 1:00 PM by aii-3.com

Small Engine that could ... but

Jan 14, 2008 2:12 PM

Click to view aii-3.com's profile Start-up aii-3.com 4 posts since
Jan 14, 2008
Hello all.

I suppose my question is not new. Perhaps the situation may be.

I own a highly specialized IT consulting firm that is one technology focused shop. The software is used in risk analysis, statistical calculations and is in 98% of the fortune 1000 companies.

The question or rather request for insight is, how does a small practice like mine, can get in front of the sr. executives who are the decision makers? To add to the problem, almost majority of big corporation use HRM to control vendors (third part HR services). It is very difficult to become an approved vendor. We have often stated that we do not want any special consideration, just an opportunity to compete on merit. Letters, brochures, personal reputation (of good performance) just take you just so far. What am I missing?

Any insight, suggestion, tidbit is most welcome.
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Click to view DomainDiva's profile Mogul DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
1. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 14, 2008 3:03 PM
You have a business rules software module and you are trying to sell it to whom?

Paragraph two implies that fortune 1000 companies are using your/the software, paragraph three asks for help in becoming an approved vendor. So I am not sure just where you are in development or market share. Is anyone using your software?

Is your product priced to compete? Do you need a deployment team to manage the application on site? Is your solution part of a relational database?
Click to view aii-3.com's profile Start-up aii-3.com 4 posts since
Jan 14, 2008
2. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 14, 2008 3:21 PM
Hi, thank you for your reply.

Actually we specialize in software called SAS. An example would be an IT consulting firm that specializes in, let's say, Oracle. We are specialist in SAS. This software is used by almost 98% of fortune 1000 companies. We do install, configuration, architecture, etc.

My request for insight was towards, how one gets to the sr. decision makers to allow us to provide services (approved vendor). This is where we hit the wall, especially when these corporations employ HR management companies who won't put you on the list so we could offer services.

Regards.
Click to view DomainDiva's profile Mogul DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
3. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 14, 2008 3:29 PM
in response to: aii-3.com
Then start contacting the HR management companies.
Click to view aii-3.com's profile Start-up aii-3.com 4 posts since
Jan 14, 2008
4. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 14, 2008 3:41 PM
in response to: DomainDiva
Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
5. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 14, 2008 4:35 PM
Just a tidbit. Do you have a Marketing and Business Plan??
How long have you been in business??
LUCKIEST
Click to view aallc01's profile Authority aallc01 26 posts since
Jan 9, 2008
6. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 14, 2008 6:28 PM
I understand your issue. I represent a telecom contract negotiations company and face similiar issues. You have to understand that CIOs get inundated all day long with calls from people like us. The best people to work with is the CIO's admin. They can usually direct you to the exact person who needs your service.
The other issue is your network. Have you sold your services elsewhere. If so, get recommendations from old clients in email form. Send the a recommendation along with your email describing your services. I can not say it enough, people will do business with people they know or with those that are recommended by people they know. Your network is critical
Call me to discuss. I do this all day long with great success.
Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
7. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 14, 2008 6:47 PM
Are you listed as a SAS Consulting Partner (and part of the SAS Alliance)?
Click to view aii-3.com's profile Start-up aii-3.com 4 posts since
Jan 14, 2008
8. Re: Small Engine that could ... but Jan 15, 2008 1:00 PM
in response to: Lighthouse24

We were given approval very recently and are in midst of getting set up.


aallc01, I will certainly be calling you and yes we have done projects and I thank you for that suggestion.

Much obliged.