Speculative proposals?

MackPaddy

Hi folks,

Ive just set up a company that builds mobile applications(iPhone).We are working on one project for a company but we are also looking for other projects.My question is,Would it be/look unprofessional to develop a speculative design for a particular company ie mock up screenshots of application-description of proposed features/benefits and submit the proposal to the company in the hope of building the application for that company?

Being new to the startup game,im just wondering how do small software companies attain new clients etc in particular,how they approach a business ie via email/phone first and then meeting?

Apologies if this question has been asked before,I could not find anything similar.

Thanks,
Pat.

MackPaddy

lol i probably didnt ask the clearest of questions-

Anyway Im going to put a nice proposal together for the company with mock screenshots etc,and hopefully it will spark the imagination and interest of someone there.I think I will send it only to their marketing department as I wouldnt want to be seen as spamming them by sending to the other departments.

Thanks for reading anyways!

P.

515

I think if it's something that is actually tailored to that company and not just a generic thing with their name put on it, then it's a great thing to do... if you can and you don't have any worry about them taking it without you.

The company should feel that you are very keen to work with them, I say do it.

stepbar

MackPaddy wrote: »

lol i probably didnt ask the clearest of questions-

Anyway Im going to put a nice proposal together for the company with mock screenshots etc,and hopefully it will spark the imagination and interest of someone there.I think I will send it only to their marketing department as I wouldnt want to be seen as spamming them by sending to the other departments.

Thanks for reading anyways!

P.

I wouldn't feel it would be unprofessional to develop a speculative design for a particular company. However, can be sure you will have to back it up with a fairly specific marketing strategy which clearly demonstrates where your application fits into the grand scale of things. You might be better partnering with a webdesign / marketing outfit (for example these guys - http://www.ebow.ie/) and approaching the company together. Just a thought.

MackPaddy

cheers for the reply folks,I thought I had asked a silly question

@515 Yes the proposal would be completely branded and tailored for that particular company- and I use their products everyday so Id definitely be keen to work with them Obviously I risk, them taking my proposal,and having another company deliver it for them,but I guess as the cliche goes "you miss 100% of the shots you dont take"

@stepbar Ive chosen this particular company as they seem very proactive in engaging with their customers,their website is top class with a big emphasis on being able to interact with their customers via twitter,facebook and flickr for example, with a customer base here in Ireland and internationally, so I think a fun and useful mobile application would fit nicely with their brand and strategy....however im really appreciative of the advice on pairing up with a marketing outfit-Its something I hadnt considered,but I see that it could be an ideal way to approach some of the larger companies.Im impressed with the portfolio of ebow I must admit,and Il definitely see if I can get in touch with them.

Thanks again!