1. PERFECTING THE PITCH Key take aways

2. THE PITCH - WHY ARE WE HERE? Lets save! Make me look good gang! My boss is here and I have selected you

3. WHO IS THAT? Make sure to introduce everyone you have brought along and why they are there. They have to add value, otherwise you are wasting resources. Does the client want to pay for wasted resources?

4. READY TO TALK BUSINESS You are leaving the informalities behind you and start to talk business. How do you make the transition. Many times it is done by thanking the client for the chance to pitch. Why is this not a good idea? Because you make it about you and not about the client. Just talk business or kick off with a “Lets get started”.

5. ATTENTION SPAN OF YOUR AUDIENCE  The first part and the conclusion of your meeting/presentation are crucial. That is what people will remember  Note that this is in general not the time where you show your expertise  Get your most important points you want to share across in the first few minutes and when you conclude  In fact, for every slide it is recommendable to start with the outcome and then explain how you got there rather than the other way around  Conclude with actionable next steps, What needs to get done to move forward?

6. CONTENT How Engaging Engage with all of the audience via eye contact and participation in discussions Sincere Speaker has concition and enjoys the subject Body language, calm and supportive of words Pause when needed, do not pollute air with words in order to buy time to think. It can emphasize your most crucial points What Clear Actionable Concise Kick off with your key points Relevant Anything that can be answered by client with “So What” is probably not relevant in the perception of the client The client already knows you are the expert. That is why you have been invited. Talk tangible and relevant stories to which people can relate.

7. ARE YOU READY? How often did Peyton Manning throw that ball? How often did you practice your presentation out loud ?

8. INTERESTED? Are you interested in the CNBPA?CNBPA  Become a member  Join an event  Become a sponsor  Speak to an engaged business crowd Then please visit cnbpa.ca or contact Sebastiaan Postma postmasebastiaan@gmail.com postmasebastiaan@gmail.com We also have a LinkedIn group called Canadian Netherlands Business and Professional Association (CNBPA)LinkedIn group

9. ABOUT THE CNBPA The Canadian Netherlands Business and Professional Association The Canadian Netherlands Business and Professional Association (CNBPA) provides a networking forum for business people and professionals with Dutch interests to interact on a regular basis, discuss common business issues and to promote the economic and social interests of its members.