Oakville Chamber of Commerce January 27, 2017 POWER PITCHING Oakville Chamber of Commerce January 27, 2017

1. Be in it to Win It. Success begins in your head. If you decide to pitch, be all in. “We’re winning this thing.”

2. Assemble the Best Team Possible. Include the most senior leader available. Carefully consider the composition of your crew. Aim for symmetry – it’s a beautiful thing.

3. Research. Research. Research. Learn as much as possible about the opportunity – and the audience. How can you gain a competitive edge? Search for a finding that can set you apart. 

4. Listen and Learn. Confirm time, participants, and order of proceedings. Be flexible, and ready to switch it up. Remember – a great pitch is like a great conversation.  

5. Organize Your Information in a Story. Explain the problem you’re solving right off the top. Context is everything. Consider visuals — they can be powerful.

6. Deliver with Impact. Inflect down – not up. Listen — you’ll learn stuff. Be passionate — it’s contagious.

7. Curb Your Technology. Slideware and video should support – not be – your story. Less is more. Bring a hard copy of your deck in a three-ring binder.  

8. Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearsal is the key to pitch success. Learn three, five, 30 and 60-minute versions of your presentation.  Be prepared for – whatever.

9. Gear Up for the Q and A. A lot of business gets won or lost here. Prepare for the 20 most difficult questions that could conceivably be asked. Respond with evidence, experience and insights.

10. Keep Pitching. Your pitch doesn’t end with your presentation. Follow-up strategically. Be memorable. “We’re winning this thing.”

POWER PITCHING Email: jim@jimgray.com Twitter: @JimGraySpeaks PH: 647.468.0488