In these difficult times for the economy, it is more important than ever to be effective in your business pitch. You don’t want to go unprepared. With a quick search, you can find plenty of rules to write the perfect business pitch. Yet, a few are constantly forgotten.
We prepared 7 points – many times underrated – to help you to stand out from the competition.
1. What’s your greatest accomplishment?
This is a fairly common question at job interviews. This is a question of vital importance, and a tricky one. In fact, it isn’t the accomplish itself that matters to the person in front of you, but the “why”. Why is it important? Why should they care?
When you’re pitching, you should, somehow along the way, answer this question. Your audience needs to know you. Talking about what you consider your greatest accomplishment tells your audience what truly moves you and what you value the most.
It also says a lot about your personality and personal characteristics. What do they need to know about you?
In case you feel you didn’t accomplish anything you truly wanted, talk about the things you hope to accomplish in the future.
Keep in mind that they want to know what separates you from all other pitchers and why.
2. Why?
As we mentioned in the previous point, the “why” is a key point. You talk about your business. You say what you do and how you do it, but what people want to know is why. Why did you enter this business field? Tell them why did you choose that specific technique? Reinforce the reason why do you want their support? Why should they care? Always focus on why?
The answers to those questions show what matters to you, and your audience wants to know what that is.
3. Words
Before you start writing down your business pitch, choose the words that matter. The ones that will inspire your audience. Use powerful words, but avoid using superlatives or hyperbole. Once you have your words, build your pitch around them.
To make sure your words will have the desired impact, you must study your audience first. The more you speak to their needs, the greatest chance of making them interested.
4. Energy!
Put some energy in your pitch. Show your enthusiasm. How will your audience be excited about your ideas if you’re not?
5. It’s a conversation, not a monologue
Avoid long monologues. You’re not reciting poetry; you’re talking to real people. Make your pitch a conversation, connect with your audience. A long monologue is boring, and it will leave your audience fed up in no time.
One of the easiest ways to connect is telling a story — an involving story, relevant to your presentation. Avoid jargon and tech talk. Keep it simple and as personal as possible – a generic pitch is not convincing. Your audience needs to feel you’re talking, especially for them.
6. Smile
Smile. It is the most common advice concerning public speaking, so why most of us forget to smile while pitching? The answer is quite simple: we want to look professional.
There is this old, outdated idea of the serious, distant businessman. Well, it’s time for a change. That idea has to go away. Be warm, polite, and build a relationship with the audience. That’s what makes you a good businessman or businesswoman.
7. The best business pitch is an invitation!
You want more than simply dump data on them, or ask for money. Invite them to connect. There are so many options nowadays. Invite them to see your company, meet the space, or connect with some of your staff. Use all the tools Internet allows you today. There are so many ways to keep in touch or know more about a person or company!
The little things are what create relationships.
Those people in front of you are the ones you want at your side to reach your goals. Always keep that in mind.
Less pitching. More conversation.
“Tell me a bit about yourself.” At the end of the day, this is what you need to do. Who are you? Why are you there? How can you help them? This is personal. This implies a connection.
A pitch is, after all, a conversation. It is about people getting to know each other and knowing how they can establish a relationship.
Cátia is a psychologist who is passionate about helping children develop and train social skills.
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