How do you market your product for a company?

How much risk is there in presenting your product or product concept to a larger company that is more established and competes in the same market?

• How much risk is there in approaching competitive businesses that you see a potential partnership which would benefit both parties?  How easy is it to "steal" the concept, idea or strategy?  If I had a company that has a terrific product that I think would be better if partnered with a larger, more established company is it risky to show or share your product with them?

• Answer:

  This is a valid question, and it is likely that the answers you receive will range widely.  S.W.O.T. analysis would suggest that there are inherent dangers in sharing proprietary intellectual property, a risk you can mitigate with competent legal counsel and confidentiality agreements.  But this is really a strategic question not a legal one. Conversely, it begs the question:  Where would Microsoft be today had Bill Gates been unwilling to share MS-DOS with IBM during the early stages of his entrepreneurship?. My personal experience mentoring entrepreneurs is that with appropriate care, sharing can be a valid tool to elevate outside visibility.  Stay under the radar when the risks exceed the potential values, but don't cower.  Passion for and evangelism of your product is an important quality in an entrepreneur.