I'd like to provide a fairly simple service for your startup's office environment. It involves providing a nice yet simple perk to your employees, but not something a founder would want to spend much time worrying about. Nothing fancy, nor expensive, but something almost any employee would like to have around.
My question: what's the best way to approach founders/office managers to provide this service? I'm in NYC but basically have no network here.
How do you like to be approached about these things? Assume that once you actually hear about the service, you wouldn't find it annoying or useless.
a) Cold call/email
b) I introduce myself at a meetup and within a few minutes mention my offering
c) Showing up to your office to drop-off a free sample and some information
d) None - I only deal with people I know well
e) Other
I'm not really a sales guy. But I am genuine and don't give a shyster/hustler vibe at all. Curious about which approach to take.
Above all, if I like it, see the benefit and have the money for it, it doesn't matter how you approach. Be straight up about describing it and the benefit to increase the chances of this happening.
a) Cold call/email -- call will probably go to voicemail and I might not get back to you. Email will be read and I will reply with a "no, thanks" or with interest (please note I am not at all behind on my e-mail like some people are.) I much prefer text-primary e-mails to "newsletter" type e-mails that seek to educate me before describing the product. I really like it when someone's e-mail says that they won't e-mail again if I don't respond, but it doesn't influence my decision.
b) Yes, if you meet me you should obviously describe what you do. I will want to hear more and probably make suggestions even if I am not interested.
c) Sample will work really well if it's something people want. Information without a sample has a chance of getting binned. Putting a very visible offer on the information would get more attention from me.
d) Bad idea. You don't know enough people to make this go. You need feedback from strangers.
e1) Look for partners complementary to your business. For example, if you do fresh flowers, get in with an office cleaning company who would sell your flowers as an add-on. They'd get a cut in exchange for you not having to sell.
e2) Also, despite what I said about annoying "educational" newsletters, you should definitely do that on your website/e-mail signup on your website. Some people will definitely find you, even if it's a new product category without a popular search term yet.
e3) Please promote yourself on Hacker News. What is this product/service? Tell us about it, and leave a way to contact you.