Whether wooing investors, closing deals, lining up vendors, convincing others your business is viable, and trustworthy you need to have a perfect pitch. Your pitch can make or break the business and you have only one shot at it.

Here are the requirements for preparing a successful pitch:

• Choose your words very, very carefully.
• Know your ‘pitch-to’ client. Who are your pitching to and what are their needs.
• Pitch to the right people. Are you pitching to a decision-maker.
• Craft a Call-to-Action. Direct the pitch to an end goal.
• Be Unique. Stay professional but stir-up curiosity and interest.
• Be Personable. Stodgy, begging, hungry is not the way to portray yourself/business.
• Be Informal. Perhaps share something about your life/business.
• Be concise and not too long. Have a central point and repeat it throughout the pitch.
• Avoid metaphors in describing your business, it will only degrade you and your idea.
• Don’t be a smartalec. It’s not about you. If possible, pitch a team approach.
• Define the target audience. ‘What’s in it for them’. Check out their social sites prior to pitching.
• Rehearse Often. A Pitch should never sound like it is scripted.

Creating the perfect presentation is not easy...

It takes time to prepare, time to rehearse, and time to properly present. This is not the 30-second elevator pitch. Your pitch should not be too long and bore your audience. Nevertheless, cover all of your central points (which should never be more than three). It shouldn’t be more than 10-15 slides and no more than 45 minutes long. Respect your audience’s time. If they give you 30 minutes, you have 30 minutes. Leave time for Q&A. Hint: All great pitches start with a Question!

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Please let us know what other types of articles or resources will assist you in your business. We want you to survive and thrive through these uncertain times. We’re here for you!