Publicity Hound Jon Merz of Albany, New York writes:
“I have an idea for a great publicity campaign for McDonald’s or Burger King that involves a joint venture with my business. The problem is, these companies say they don’t accept unsolicited publicity ideas.
“My question is this: how do I get some type of audience with them to pitch this idea? I know movies somehow partner with these big companies all the time, so there must be some system to it. I just don’t know what it is. Can you or any of your other Hounds help?”
In McDonald’s Corporation FAQs, there is a small amount of additional information… that corporate employees, franchise owners, and suppliers have an inside track. If you know anyone that fits one of the three categories above, that might be your best channel.
Through a LinkedIn connection, I started another path of inquiry. If I find out anything interesting, I’ll be sure to post it here.
Jon, have you shared your idea with anyone in Albany to get their feedback? If you can get rave reviews from trusted friends (in writing if possible), that will help you get your pitch opportunity.
IMPORTANT: Even if someone is your best friend, you might want to ask them to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). More than anything else, it says “shhhhh – this is important to me!” After the promotion goes public, they can brag they “knew about it” but it would go over like a lead balloon for Arby’s to come out with their version a week before McDonald’s or Burger King.
Good luck,
Carl
Carl, love your idea of using LinkedIn. I’ll bet lots of McDonald’s employees, manager, franchisees are there.
Apparently this idea is associated with the fast-food industry, so – if McD and BK don’t want your idea, why not pitch it to a local chain that is just as deserving of high-profile publicity?? Hey – we’ve all eaten better burgers and fries at places other than the Big Two!! So try going down the ‘food chain’ and see if a competitor will work with you. If the campaign is successful, you might make just as much money as you would from ‘having it your way’ at ‘the golden arches.’
Thanks Carl. I haven’t shared the idea with anyone yet and I would definitely want an NDA before I did so. I’ve been deliberately vague about the program, but it does need the national/international scope that both BK and McD’s could bring in order to make it truly spectacular.
I appreciate the response!
Jon
I think that McDonald’s should sell mini salad plates for $.99! Not only will it be good for they’re own business, but as well for the worlds health!
I also have an idea that i believe it will be a hit for the fast food companies but I’m affraid they will be the only ones making all the $$. Not sure how to go about it
Try connecting with McDonald’s executives on LinkedIn, build the relationship and let them know about your idea.
I was wondering if you ever made progress with the golden arches??? I too have a great idea but don’t know where to start. Feedback?
Jack, I like Carl Bromley’s idea about trying to connect with McDonald’s employees on LinkedIn. It’s the first comment under the blog post.
I just wanted to suggest sweet potato fries to go with your new veggie burger. Which is delicious.
Love this idea! And I love sweet potato fries.
I would like to pitch that McDonalds should try making KitKat or Bruncha Crunch McFlurries
Gianna, as mentioned elsewhere in these comments, it’s difficult to get through to anyone at corporate. Try sharing this idea on your social media channels using the hastag #mcdonalds
have an idea for dog lovers sell at mcdonalds they all have pets with them when visiting the drive thru or eatig out side
Many banks and other businesses with drive-up windows give free treats to people with dogs. I’m not sure if that’s what you had in mind, James.
I think it would be great if McDonalds sold sliders. Sometimes I have a taste for multiple sandwiches but obviously I can’t eat multiple sandwiches at once. Maybe sell them in a three pack. They could be Big Macs or QPs, fish or chicken. They could even mix them up. If that goes well then maybe they could spinoff with one or two breakfasts sliders.
I have a great idea for a different burger . I believe it would sell but no idea of how to go about it.
These giant chains have huge marketing budgets and consumer research departments. If you’re on LinkedIn, look up a product development or marketing specialist and contact them there. Or contact someone via the company’s social media page.
as you know Chick-fil-A now sells its sauce. I was hoping that someday in the future we might be able to find McDonald’s tartar sauce on the shelves in the grocery stores. I think it would be a great idea and. thank you.
Joan, I have a great idea for a McDonalds commercial. It has to do with my dad’s last asignment at his last career position in the National Park Service (the superintendent of C & O Canal NHP). McDonalds would be interested in using this because a significant Washington DC area historic trail was named after one of their sandwiches (which I suggested to my dad). Who would I get in touch with McDonalds to make this a happen?
I have no idea. Start at their website. Chances are good an ad agency handles all of this.
McDonald’s should start a kids menu or adult or both of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. kids would love it and so would some adults. hey it’s fast food. McDonald’s could make it extra thick so you would want a beverage too like milk.