Question: How can I get a big-name entrepreneur to publicly endorse my product / service?
Question: How can I get a big-name entrepreneur to publicly endorse my product / service?
Offer Equity
"A company's equity is one of its biggest assets to incentivize others to add value to the company. Sometimes granting a big-name entrepreneur a piece of the equity pie can pay enormous dividends in public exposure for your product or service."
@DougBend
Build the Relationship First
"It's much easier to ask for an endorsement from someone you already have an existing relationship with. When I was working on my book proposal I was able to easily garner endorsements from some very big names in the business world. These are all people that I've known for years and have never before hit up for a favor. Focus on the relationship first. "
@lkr
Personalize Your Message
"First off, you have to build a quality product. Second, you have to personalize your message to that big-name entrepreneur. Third, find a mutual connection to that person to gain better access to them. Fourth, write a personal note and pick a product that you know they will really like. For instance, if its apparel send them the colors of their favorite team or school."
@jasongrill
Ask Them to Mentor You
"By asking a big-name entrepreneur to mentor you, they'll learn the ins and outs of your business and share best practices with you. The more they know about your business, and the more they offer you actionable advice, the more they'll believe in and stand behind your business. They'll start to make introductions for you within your industry, as well as advocate and evangelize for you."
@DoreenBloch
Give Rather Than Ask
"Big-name entrepreneurs get asked to endorse products all the time, so you need to set yourself apart from the rest. First find commonalities and provide value before asking for anything in return. Perhaps find a recent article they've written and engage them in discussion, or find a way to add value to one of their existing ventures. Then you can suggest that they take a look at your product."
@aradmand
Have Them Help Develop the Product
"Get them to create or help develop the product/service. Then it's no longer just an endorsement. Its theirs as much as it is yours. For example, 2014 Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi is designing a Skechers running shoe to his own specs."
@phildumontet
Ask Them for Feedback
"In my experience, most entrepreneurs have a number one company that they remember and refer to others to fulfill the other person's specific needs. So pick someone who will value and benefit from your product, then do what you can to get an introduction and ask for their feedback. Your job is to create a fantastic product they will love and then get it on their radar."
@dhassell
