I haven’t pitched more than a hundred times, but I’ve learned a few things from the number of times I have pitched, and I’m happy to share a couple of tips.
1) When you’re pitching, find ways to make it personal and connected to whoever you’re pitching to. You can do this in two ways. First, you’ve got to interact with the clients before the pitch. Second, you then take something you learned from that interaction and bring it up fluidly during your pitch.
While presenting a rebranding strategy for Mexico tourism, I overheard the judges talking about how much they loved ultimate frisbee. During my pitch about Mexico I mentioned all the activities one can do in Mexico including ultimate frisbee. During the pitch one judge tweeted at me “you had me at ultimate frisbee.” He was sold.
Why did he choose to tweet at me? Because I had managed to get a one-on-one with him before the presentations started. I noted to him that we had tweeted at each other a few times in the past and it was nice to meet him in person. Just something simple.
If you can manage to get a one-on-one with any of the board, the judges, the skeptics, anyone who will be hearing your pitch, don’t pass the opportunity up.
2) What you’re actually selling is passion. One thing I’ve seen ruin team pitches? No passion. When you’re pitching with a team, smile, nod in agreement with whoever on your team is talking, and show some movement to indicate your excitement. Passion sells. Show your support and encouragement.
I’ve had clients say they chose my team to work with over others because others didn’t believe in their pitch, didn’t bring the energy, didn’t hold each other up.
Stay Positive & Succeed With Preparation And Design
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