For those of you who are getting ready to pitch your product or idea to a person of influence or a panel of judges – remember that perfecting a short presentation is a fantastic opportunity to fine-tune your objectives for your business.

Getting ready for the Pitch

  1. Know your audience. Research the panel so you understand what they can do for you and your business.
  2. Be sure you know what you want out of this meeting. Do you want a licensing agreement? Do you want a book deal? Do you want to have your product manufactured? Do you want a partnership agreement? Are you willing to sell your design or concept outright? Or, is this primarily an opportunity to gain information and experience?Consider what it is you want to walk away from this meeting with and make that objective the focus of your pitch.
  3. Anticipate tough questions from the panel and be prepared to answer with solid, well thought out responses to the following questions:
    What makes your idea/product unique?
    Why does this idea/product need to be in the marketplace? Ideally, what do you want to happen with this idea/product?
  4. Come in with business cards printed with your name and all your contact information. You can get these printed very inexpensively and it presents you in a much more professional light. They can be very simple- Name, email, phone number. If you have photos or samples to leave behind, be sure they have all your contact information attached to the product or photo sheet. Do not expect the panelists to have paperclips, rubber bands or staplers to attach your business cards to your products.
  5. Do your homework! Know for absolute certainty that there is nothing like your idea/product in the marketplace. If there is- address it straight on and be prepared to differentiate your idea/product clearly and confidently.
  6. Dress appropriate to your audience. You will be critiqued on your physical presentation as well as your oral presentation. You are an artist and you want the panel to take you seriously as an entrepreneur and a businessperson. You must feel comfortable yet confident and professional. Now is not the time to wear high heels or Spanx for the first time! Wear something that makes you feel powerful and confident- not self-conscious.
  7. Bring a pen and professional looking notebook, not a single piece of paper.
  8. Practice. Practice. Practice. Make notes. Fine tune, delete, edit. Keep it focused.

The Pitch

  1. Breathe. This is your moment. Be yourself! You will be just fine.
  2. Go slow but be passionate. Give the panel time to absorb what you are saying. Don’t rush it. What may seem like a long silence in your mind is not that long to the listener.
  3. Tell them your name and your story. Only include relevant information that directly relates to your experience in developing this idea/product. Tell them specifically why you have the insight to invent this idea/product and why you are uniquely qualified to bring it to market.
  4. Specifically point to how and why you see a void and a need in the marketplace for your idea/product. Give examples of your research. Do NOT include references or investigations using family and friends. It is not objective. If there are similar products/ideas out there, confidently explain why your idea is different and better!
  5. Be prepared to answer questions. Remember- you are the subject matter expert about your idea/product. The panel is there to determine if they can bring your product/idea to market- they need to see if they can make a profit. Be prepared for their questions and answer calmly and with thoughtful consideration before you answer. Take a breath before you answer so you don’t jump right in without thinking about your answer.
  6. Never take any of their questions or critiques personally.
  7. Thank the panel for their help, their advice and consideration. Get their contact information before you leave the room. Smile on your way out!

After the Pitch

  1. Congratulate yourself! You have just done something most people do not have the nerve or the tenacity to do! This is a giant step forward in your exciting journey!
  2. Go someplace quiet immediately afterwards and write down EVERYTHING you can remember that was said and who said it. Do NOT count on your memory in 15 minutes after you have called your BFF! Write down everything they suggested, whether you agree with it or not. These women are experts in their fields and you will be well served to heed their advice. Think for a few moments on their advice and suggestions and write down a few of your own thoughts while everything is fresh and your adrenaline is pumping. Believe me, your mind will be racing with ideas on what to do next. Write them down.
  3. Write each panelist a handwritten thank you note. You may choose to write an email as well, but the handwritten note is a must. The thank you may be short and sweet. If you feel you left something out of your presentation or you want to address a specific point that a panelist brought up- a follow-up email is an excellent time to do so.
  4. Take action! Do not be paralyzed by indecision or because you are overwhelmed. Make a To Do list and be sure you DO something every day on that list towards making your dream come true!

The Creative Connection (TCC) is a nationally recognized event coming to St. Paul,  MN September 15-17th.  TCC is a conference AND MARKET celebrating creative women and entrepreneurs from all over the country. TCC is the only conference that promotes the business, the blogging and the creative side of both handmade and food. Over 100 industry experts, entrepreneurs and authors will make up the panels, roundtables and speakers that will not only inspire but smartly educate all attendees. TCC is also providing a unique opportunity  to pitch your product/idea to women of influence in several industries. Be sure to sign up for this amazing event!