How To Sell Your Business To Google

More than two years ago I attended a convention for aspiring startup founders called Startup School hosted by Paul Graham and the entrepreneurs at the Y-Combinator. One of the guest speakers (also an employee at Google) that I had the privilege to meet, has a nice writeup about how to propose a business deal with Google. Since he is the le ‘azon of such deals, I would pay attention.

Highlights from the article:

Email Rules - Phones are very yesterday.

Thesis Statements - Lead with what you want.

Threats don’t work - A surprising number of people write to me saying “If you do not act in 5 days I am taking this to Microsoft . . . ” or “This note will be forwarded to Terry Semel . . . ” I am very inclined to let those proposals go.

Differentiate - Tell me right away why you guys are different and what comparative advantage you have on the market.

Google is Bottom-up - That last point reminds me that Google buying/partnering decisions are made bottom-up. Meaning, product managers and engineers are your ultimate clients.

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-E