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Sales & Marketing
How does a small business network with larger companies?
I want to start an e-business which can compare prices of products from different online stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Who should I approach in such companies to convince them to let me list their products and prices on my website? This is similar to Orbitz, Expedia, etc., except it is for consumer products. I can't figure out who to contact in such companies about this and convince them to let me list their products on my website.

Asked by divsh
Posted: Tuesday, November 06, 2007  |  Found in Sales & Marketing


More answers by Lena West
Answer by Lena West
<P>The first thing I would do is see how your idea is different from other sites already in existence that are similar to what you are trying to build.</P>
<P>I can think of three without having to do a web search:</P>
<P>http://www.shopzilla.com </P>
<P>http://www.froogle.com </P>
<P>http://www.shopping
.com </P>
<P>How do you plan to compete with these companies? What makes your website different? What will make people use your website versus using Google's website? Why would companies want to list their products on your website as opposed to Google's?</P>
<P>I urge you to focus on those questions first and then when you have solid answers, proceed to connecting with someone in marketing or business development at the companies you mentioned.</P>
<P>If you don't have a solid point of differentiation, I'm afraid you might not generate much interest.</P>
<P>Good luck!</P>
Lena West is the CEO and Chief Strategist of xynoMedia Technology , a New York-based firm that helps high-growth companies leverage the power of social media, blogs, podcasts and online communities.


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