Practice Your Pitch

Congratulations, you “got the meeting”!

The support of investors, strategic partners or sales representatives is critical to your success.  Make sure you have what it takes to keep the attention and interest of your audience.  Fine-tune your presentation skills and be prepared to answer real objections and questions.  Practice makes perfect.

Need help?  We will critique your presentation and help you refine your “Pitch”. 

My team and I have pitched, presented and heard some of the most innovative ideas over the last decade – we know what works (and what doesn’t)!

Cheap, fast and enlightening – Money Back Guarantee
Book a Critique ($35 US):

Once purchased, we contact you to schedule your pitch.  Using our presentation platform or yours, we play the role of your potential investor, partner, affiliate, sales rep or customer.  After your presentation is completed, we will ask some pointed follow-up questions.  Consider this your “dress rehearsal”.

Includes:

• 15-20minute Skype, Web or Phone presentation (it is recommended that you use the same method planned to pitch your real prospects)
• 15-20minute real-time Q&A.
• Documented Written Follow-Up (weaknesses,  strengths and suggestions).
• Once your presentation is refined to the point that we can endorse your opportunity, we’ll give you a written letter of support and identify the strengths of your concept (we may even be able to make some introductions for you).
• We’ll also post your company in our “opportunities” section (here and on our forums) with direct contact information.

This is a friendly service.  We’re not here to offend you or challenge your ideas.  We’re not “mean” for our own entertainment (don’t expect the “Shark Tank”…but you should treat your presentation like the “real thing”).  The goal through our formal Pitch Critique process is to make sure your sales pitch is efficient, clear, engaging and factual.  Your sense of confidence will make the difference in your ability to close the deal.  It is our aim to build you up (not tear you down).  Our critique process is designed to be a positive exercise. 

Note: Everyone hearing your presentation will have signed a non-disclosure, non-compete.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PITCH:

• Make memorable claims and back them up with examples, facts or relatable anecdotes.
• Stimulate all 5 senses whenever possible (verbal or media).
• There is no rule about which order obstacles, relevance, solutions or business potential have to be in (or whether they have to be included in the “pitch”), just make sure you are prepared to present and answer questions about all of them.
• Your credentials matter – you should know exactly how equipped you are to respond to a “yes” (and be prepared to get/allow help where you might need it).
• Your pitch shouldn’t answer every question – save something for your audience to ask you.
• Know your competition and the market (like the back of your hand).
• Know SOMETHING personal about your audience/customers…and what motivates them.
• Speak clearly and confidently – avoid passive statements
• Smile  – even if you aren’t visible to the listener (they can tell when you’re smiling)

Keep it as simple as possible for your clients.  Technology should be consistent the tools they already have (live meeting, phone, web browser)…and it is best to avoid requiring them to accomodate YOUR preferred method of communication (you should conform to theirs).

INSTANT ACCESS
Their office or yours (in person)
FreeConference.com (phone and web conferencing – some free tools)
GoToMeeting.com (web conferencing – paid subscription)

OTHER
Skype.com (chat, voice, video and desktop sharing)
YUGMA.com (Free Skype Plugin for desktop sharing; paid version allows annotating)
Webex.com (requires a browser plugin – web conferencing – saves your presentation in a libary for access by anyone)
NOTE: I personally prefer to use Skype for the initial conversation, then have you direct me to any alternative web presentation you prefer. I look forward to hearing from you – Mark Mahar