Whether you’re managing a large corporation, a medium-scale business, or a small start-up, pitching to influencers, partners, investors and customers requires a strategic and tailored approach. Getting your pitch right can distinguish your business angle from other market players and disrupters.
In Australia, we have a tendency to be humble about our successes, relying upon the quality of the product or service to ‘sell itself’. However, this isn’t enough. To make your pitch stand out from the rest, you need to communicate your ideas with passion and confidence to secure business seed funding.
Research shows that the first 20 seconds of a pitch will make or break the audience’s interest. This is the ‘elevator pitch’ — the crucial moment where you distinguish your business from the rest. Here are my top 5 tips for getting your pitch right and secure business seed funding:
1. ARTICULATE YOUR VISION WITH CONFIDENCE
When you stand in front of people you are selling to, you need to articulate your vision and approach clearly, confidently and concisely. Use succinct, simple language; avoid obscuring your message beneath unnecessary jargon or complex technical terms.
2. TELL AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY
From the written word to the spoken word, you need to tell an unforgettable story that captures the listener’s attention and holds it. Think about what makes your approach distinct and different. To tell a story that stands out from the crowd, leverage originality and flair, and align your story to the key outcomes and strategies of your organisation.
3. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Tailor your material and presentation to the requirements and expectations of your audience. This will ensure that people understand who you are, what you’re trying to achieve, and how your business specifically can help to solve a problem. A personalised approach will drive an emotional connection and deeper engagement with your audience.
4. STEP UP AND DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF
Australian leaders have a tendency to be modest — but to successfully ‘sell’ your ideas, you need to talk confidently about your achievements. You need to explain exactly how and why your business is relevant to the market. Don’t be shy about your successes; present them with confidence.
5. BE GENUINE, ENGAGING AND ENTHUSIASTIC
It all boils down to this: you can’t fake passion. To create an outstanding pitch, you need to be passionately and wholeheartedly dedicated to your cause. Self-belief, passion and drive are fundamental to this. If you truly believe in yourself and your ability to bring others on board with your business, they will believe in it, too.
Read the full article in The CEO Magazine.
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Gemstar is the perfect growth partner for you individually, and for any business wanting to expand across ASEAN and Australia. Register to our Masterclasses, YoungGems, and other programs, or ask us anything at hello@gemstar.global or simply call us at +61 (08) 6381 9110.
