In yesterday’s SaaS Founder mastermind, we ran a hot seat about a fascinating topic: Entering a new market.
The context: Making this happen via ‘the gorilla’ in this space that’s controlling the market business-wise and politically.
The challenge: They have extreme demands in the negotiation, wanting 100% exclusivity without willing to make any commitments.
Whether this is about partnership or selling directly, it’s a scenario many startups face: The challenge of winning big logos without being squeezed in the process.
So how do you go about it? Here’s the thing:
The first reaction is being impressed. If only we could get to work with that logo…That’s a dangerous starting point. They know it – and often abuse it.Â
So, are all these requirements not signs of a bad audition and a potentially lousy marriage? Is this a customer/partner you get energy working with?
We need to remember to look at things from a position of strength.
- What do they secretly desire that you can uniquely offer them?
- What happens when they don’t get to work with you?
- What’s that worth to them?
In other words – you have options to position yourself in a way where you’ll become incomparable to the alternatives. That’s negotiation power.
Don’t get blinded by ‘their size’ or ‘their brand value.’ You’d start off on the wrong foot. With that – no one wins. If it doesn’t feel good at the start, you’ll likely end up in an even uglier divorce.Â
Work with partners and customers where there’s positive energy
- People that deeply understand the value you’ll bring to them
- People where you work together out of mutual respect
- People where you’re on the same wave-length
Question for you to reflect upon:
Are big logo’s winning you – or are you winning them?Â
 Be Remarkable
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