Pitch Your Idea To A Client Successfully
The art of pitching an idea to a potential client is a healthy mixture of promoting your company expertise while making it all your lead. A lot of highly talented teams can struggle with the process of pitching. Indeed, while pitching is typical behavior in the business world – many recruiting experts argue that a job interview is very much about pitching yourself as the most suitable applicant for the job – it can be difficult to show confidence and performance without sounding too cocky. Being successful with your business presentation and proposal – whether public or private – is all about making a good impression? The first impression occurs even before you arrive at your pitching appointment. But learning to create a lasting positive impact is a delicate art to master.
Maximize CREATIVE insight to get your message across
The old days of the black and white presentation slides are long gone. If you want to start with a WOW effect, you need to roll up your designer’s sleeves and build a pitch deck that looks magnificent. You can learn a lot from talented public speakers, such as Steve Jobs, who managed to change the market’s views of Apple with only one presentation. One powerful photo is a lot more effective than text. Besides, your choice of colors can also make your presentation more appealing to viewers.
Don’t come as you are: PREPARE
Pitching is nothing more than a business meeting, and, as such, you should treat it with professionalism. You can’t afford to turn up unprepared. If you want to maximize your chances of impressing your potential clients, you need to practice your speech until you feel confident. Try to avoid any mistakes, such as sounding nervous or speaking too fast. Additionally, it is helpful also to train yourself to use the relevant technology during your presentation. If you’re pitching via a video conference settings, for instance, go through a few trials with your colleagues first.
Never leave without a FREEBIE
When you’re pitching in front of a live audience – aka you’re traveling to meet potential clients – you can’t come empty-handed. It’s common practice to leave marketing promos at the end of your presentation. However, you need to remember that if you’re part of a long list of pitchers, you won’t be the only one bringing presents. Therefore, make it useful instead of valuable; you can win your client by offering something expensive. They expect business value. You could prepare USB flash drives with a copy of your presentation slides and other info for the attendants.
Plan your FOLLOW UP move like a pro
Last but not least, most companies don’t decide in the aftermath of a pitch. Some can need up to several months before choosing a partner. Therefore, you need to find ways of keeping in touch after your presentation. The follow-up process after a pitch is crucial. A friendly email that includes a recap and details the next step is standard practice. You can also send them content about your brand or about similar projects to keep them interested.
Pitching is a challenging process. If you are going to help your business to succeed, you need to not only become a confident public speaker but also master the many steps of the pre- and post-pitch period. However, at the heart of a good pitch, there is a good business idea. Your pitching process doesn’t replace the power of your ideas.