Its All About The Pitch!

You're at a very nice business event - dinner, lunch, conference - with dozens, even hundreds, of business moguls.

Some are Emerging Growth Moguls like you, seeking to build up their rolodex and make key connections.

Others are Financial Moguls - Angels, VCs, private equity players - seeking the next great investment.

You scan the herd of major and minor moguls carefully, keeping a keen eye out for your prey.

These business moguls move quickly from one group to the next. So you've got to be fast, stealthy and agile in approaching them.

A couple of Moguls from Big Corp, Inc are there too. You've been dying to form an alliance with Big Corp, Inc in order to vault you into an industry leading position, stifle your biggest competitors, and provide some growth financing you're so desperate for.

Hooking Your Prey

You step into the crosshairs of Business Mogul Barbara B. Bigtime. She's the Executive VP of AllThatYouNeedToKnow at Big Corp., Inc. Yea this woman's the major player you've been gearing up for.

Your eyes meet as you walk confidently toward her.

She extends her hand and says:

"Hi. I'm Mogul Barbara B. Bigtime of Big Corp. It's nice to meet you."

So far, so good.

Then she says,

"So what exactly does your company do?"

How many times have you heard that question?

Frankly, Emerging Growth Mogul, it's the classic opportunity to present your elevator pitch. And for you moguls unfamiliar with "the pitch", it should be no more than about 30 seconds.

That's about the time it takes for the average elevator ride - hop on it, ride it, hop off it!

Moguls living in say New York, Chicago, LA or other cities with 100 story skyscrapers polluting the landscape, perhaps have a bit more time. But you get the point.

Emerging Growth Mogul - Do You Know What You Do?

But I've found that many emerging growth moguls just can't get to the point very quickly. I can't tell you the number of times I've been left dazed and confused by someone's pitch to me about their biz.

Take me to the mental ward ... PLEASE!!!

Frankly, I've also left my share of people confused and bored as hell with my unfocused and lengthy pitches. And honestly, I still must get better.

Somewhere within most interviews I conduct, I ask guests to give their pitch. Some have been precise and very clear with their message.

Others would probably still be talking, weeks or years later, if I had allowed it!

So here's my quick advice for pitches:

• Look your prey in the eye with confidence
• Practice, practice, practice!
• Stay focused on the uniqueness you offer - "highest quality", "industry leading" and "customer oriented" are over-used bullshit phrases that mean nothing!
• Keep It Simple
• Be enthusiastic and exciting!

If they're interested, Moguls will usually ask for more information.

Now that you know the deal, good luck with Barbara B. Bigtime!

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