Council Post: How To Go After Relationships With Big Companies

Being an auto detailer-turned-serial entrepreneur can feel like a whirlwind. What started as simply a method to pay the bills has evolved into an award-winning facility. Admittedly, I have always dreamed big. Even when I was alone, working on those first cars, applying protective film to finishes and correcting worn-out paint jobs, I knew that someday I would rub shoulders with giants. Today, I am proud to say that through hard work, courage and always dreaming big, I have established relationships with organizations like Tesla, Google and XPEL. While there is no surefire way to ensure these kinds of associations, here are some tactics that have worked for me.

Pursue the newest trends in your industry to learn new tricks.

Customers want what they want. And it’s important that you stay on top of providing the latest services and amenities. In the time I have owned and operated my company, I have seen numerous detailing products and practices materialize. I know that my clients demand the best for their automobiles, so I pursue the best products and services. I took part in XPEL’s professional training and installer program, and I’m honored to offer that service. Perhaps there is an organization out there just waiting for you to take its training and make the first steps toward a rewarding partnership.

Don’t be afraid of a ‘Hail Mary’ inquiry.

Robert Browning wrote that we should have a reach that exceeds our grasp. Just because something seems impossible doesn’t mean it is. Initially, I thought connecting with Tesla was a fool’s errand and sending an email was probably pointless. I was too small and unimportant for the likes of Elon Musk. However, the organization offered many avenues and routes of connection to those fearless enough to look.

It can be scary foraging new paths, but stick to your mission and your company’s vision. It will fortify your confidence and keep your course true. Forget about reason, and consider your dream business partner. I bet they have a “contact us” page. Why not drop them a line right now?

You need a good online presence.

I was very flattered to take my services to the Google head office in my country. But what was even more flattering was finding out that Google found me on Google!

Now, more than ever, it is important to have a healthy and active online presence. In other words, you and your organization need to provide ample utility to the average user of your website. Have you thought about the keywords you use in your advertising? Have you ensured all information is accurate and up to date? Do you provide links to useful resources? Is your website fun? Have you given your audience what they are looking for?

Improve and adapt connection strategies.

When I’m not running the day-to-day operations of my business, I am traveling and learning about new business opportunities, emerging industries and technological innovations impacting the globe. This is one of my passions, and it keeps me engrossed with other dreamers and big thinkers.

You too can draw insight from your interests and refine your connection skills. For example, I am currently working on a clean energy project, and so much of the initial effort has to do with connecting with the right partners. I knew I needed to find a happy medium between the ways I prefer to connect and the ways others prefer to connect in order to get the project off the ground. I have learned to adapt my approach to best suit my current situation, and so should you. Don’t be distraught if a client prefers DM over a formal email; it’s merely a new method of connection.

Monitor the companies and trends that suit your organization’s unique vision.

Media monitoring services are impersonal and often superfluous for smaller organizations. I want and need tailored information, so I solo monitor. This is my business, which means I follow my chartered course. I know there is information out there that will help me, so I simply set out to find it and consume it.

Use the tools at your fingertips, such as social media apps and news alerts, to make this easier. These applications can help you stay aware and on top of industry trends that directly impact you. And this is something you can easily do for yourself. You’re probably already doing it with your interests and hobbies. Now just alter your target.

I learned many lessons from my time in the military that I frequently apply to business. I learned situational awareness: Leaders are alert to the company’s environment. I learned discipline in following a plan: This is your organization’s mission, and it will help you when you are lost and in foreign territory. Lastly, I learned to update my tactics often and without sentiment. Not everything is going to work, and there’s no advantage to feeling bad about it. Dust yourself off, and learn from your mistakes. Then try something new. And if you’ve been thinking about the big fish out there, try these tactics for yourself.