“A successful sales pitch isn’t a monologue. It’s a dialogue.”
– Jacqueline Smith
Good selling is an art form, and the perfected sales pitch is no exception. So, what is it exactly?
A pitch is a sales presentation where you present your service or product, laying out in full detail why it is a perfect fit for your prospective client. The challenge is knowing how to achieve the optimal balance of capturing your audience’s attention through storytelling while introducing statistics and value propositions that drive home your service or product’s worth.
theBLOQparq (tBp) will offer an open exchange of ideas and a community filled with support for entrepreneurs and small business owners. So don’t be discouraged if you’re working out the kinks for your next big pitch. Take a deep breath and then take a moment to review these not-to-be-missed fundamentals.
Identify the Problem and Share Your Solution
Here’s where your value proposition makes its entrance. You will want to describe your offer along with the problem(s) it solves for the prospective client. Be sure to list every feature of your service or product – don’t skimp on the details! This is your chance to make a case for the value you are offering.
- 40% of individuals surveyed respond better to information presented in visual form versus written form. 40%
Tell a Compelling Story
Did you know the most successful presentations are 65 percent story-based? Humanizing your company acts as an invitation for new business prospects to connect with you. One way of accomplishing a level of relatability is to share your “why” story. Spill the details about the reason you started your company and the aha moment that sparked your product or service’s creation. Don’t forget the visual elements! They act as an important complement to the narrative you are sharing.
Engage Your Audience and Welcome Questions
When presenting, it is easy to get lost in what feels like a one-way dialogue. You’ll want to encourage engagement throughout your pitch to connect with your audience and invite questions or comments. Be actively aware of their reactions throughout the presentation. This can help you get a better read of their hesitancy and excitement, allowing you to provide a response that reiterates your business is exactly what they need.
Provide a Clear Call to Action
You’ve presented your product or service’s specific solutions, you’ve shared your “why” story, and you’ve captured the room’s attention by actively engaging them, but it amounts to little without a call to action. Now is the time to harness the energy you’ve generated and ask for the sale as a way of wrapping up the pitch. An important point to note, be sure that those next steps are specific. Do they schedule another meeting with you to begin an onboarding process? Are they signing on the dotted line that day? Lay it out for them in a clear and confident way.
Don’t Forget the Follow-up
Your conversation doesn’t end when the pitch does. If your prospective client needs more time to consider the possibilities, commit to the follow-up! Being diligent about checking in is a critical part of the equation and demonstrates your dedication to the relationship you are working to build should they choose to move forward with you.
Pitching isn’t just about the hard sell; it’s about communicating from the heart about something you’ve worked hard to nurture and build. At tBp, we understand the entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to move your product or service out into the world. When it comes to growing your brand, we believe the sky’s the limit. Our customizable micro-retail and office spaces will provide the perfect setting for you to become a master at pitching your business.