When pitching for partnerships, warm, direct introductions are
always best. In most cases, that won't be possible so the next best
thing is to contact the right individual directly.
Many global brands will have a licensing department that you can
contact directly through their website, but be sure you know
exactly whom you want to speak with.
Use Linkedin, Twitter, and search engines to find people in the
company including:
- Licensing department
- product manager
- marketing manager
- PR
Call or email these people directly if you can - don't be
afraid o step outside the corporate world and get to know them as
individuals. Do they have a personal blog or small project website?
Do they have any connections in common?
You want to develop an internal champion for your idea. This
person may not be in licensing, and may have alternative motives
(like a promotion). Don't count on this person "selling your idea"
- often different departments don't talk to each other - but the
more internal champions you have, the more likely you'll get a
face-to-face meeting.