[View the story "How do you perfect your pitch? #YFEchat" on Storify ]How do you perfect your pitch? #YFEchat
Read the Storify of our 10/9 #YFEchat: Ever needed to make a pitch, whether it be to investors or to a potential end user or customer? Show up to the chat Tuesday for some peer-to-peer mentorship.
Storified by YFE · Sat, Oct 13 2012 11:23:07
Young Female Entrepreneurs hosted a Twitter Chat Tuesday with hostess Sandy Sidhu (@Sandy_Sidhu).
Sandy Sidhu, #YFEchat Hostess for Perfecting the PitchYoung Female Entrepreneurs is thrilled to bring you another #YFEchat after the success of our last hosted with CNN International’s Leadin…
Our topic was “Perfecting the Pitch” with 10 questions revolving around: how to pitch then drilling down specifically into what/who you are pitching with topics like investors, sponsors, press, customers, and partners.
Five out of Ten #YFEchat Perfecting the Pitch QuestionsYFE published the chat questions prior to tweeting them out at #YFEchat for the first few months after the chat’s founding, but stopped a…
Read on to check out a few of the tweets that came in for each of the questions. We left Q10. blank for you to answer yourself in the comments. Get involved!
Q1. Tell us about yourself in 140 characters. Then, in another tweet, tell us when was the last time you pitched something & what it was #YFEchat
Q1 We haven’t popped our pitching cherry yet ;-) #yfechatBalance & Life
A1. The last time I pitched was a few weeks ago about to a stylist about doing something for Toronto Fashion week. It was a success #yfechatAngie Tingas
A1 In early start-up mode, our pitches so far are to explain our business to friends and fam. I’m here to learn from all of you! #YFEchatAndrea Merlano
A1. The LAST time I pitched was to write content for a blog that offered a large variety of content. I emphasized my flexibility. #YFEchatLauren Huston
Q2. When pitching anything, how do you initiate the conversation? Via email, phone, at an event? What does the process look like? #YFEchat
Q2. When pitching anything, how do you initiate the conversation? Via email, phone, at an event? What does the process look like? #YFEchatYFE
@imperfctconcept @yfentrepreneur I think the biggest point about pitching is just doing it. Try it and see what happens #YFEchatCarrie Smith
I pitch advertising space to local businesses in #SpringTexas. Typically the conversation starts in person at an event #yfechatMelissa Jebril
A2 – I prefer to pitch in person so that I can properly articulate what I mean get instant feedback from the person’s body language #YFECHATSachkia Barnes
A2. The process is VERY client-centric & has to make the perspective client feel as though they’ll get very particular attention. #YFEchatLauren Huston
A2. Depends what I’m pitching and how well I know who I’m pitching. Email and phone usually work best #yfechatMarissa Vicario
A2: Depends on the company or publication. If they are located in the same city then in a one on one meeting. Otherwise and email. #yfechatImperfect Concepts
Beside personal contact at an event, email is my next favorite format. #YFEchatReardor
Try and try again RT @jenniferdonogh: @laurenhuston its so hard to find a person accessible by phone today! #yfechat #yfechatOlga Valentin
A2: I think most people are forced to pitch via email but all prefer in person or on a call of some sort #YFEchatMartice
@jenniferdonogh It depends on the person, most of the time yes. And I find video calls covert to higher closes then phone calls. #yfechatStacey Harris
Communicating in real time is key! RT @OnDemandStacey: A2. 100% of my biz is online so most often we use email and the phone #YFEchatCarrie Smith
@yfentrepreneur "Stalking" people over Twitter is great for making a soft pitch and making a connection #YFEchatCarrie Smith
@nikiandlola that’s a good approach, you get to start the conversation online and then when you meet the ice is already broken. #yfechatSandy Sidhu
Use Skype to follow up. RT @olga_valentin: @SandySidhu never used Skype (yet) to pitch but #YFEchatOlfaT
Q3. When is it appropriate to use a slide deck? Do you ever use them? Side note- are you a PowerPoint or Keynote fan? #YFEchat
Q3. When is it appropriate to use a slide deck? Do you ever use them? Side note- are you a PowerPoint or Keynote fan? #YFEchatYFE
A3. I try to avoid slides if possible! If I do use them, it’s for visuals, not content. No one wants a slide read to them out loud. #yfechatJules Taggart
A3. I don’t use slides. I find that people listen more w/o slides. I make them but hand them out after my pitch/presentation. #YFEchatLauren Huston
@laurenhuston yes people can get distracted in caught up in the slides and miss the whole pitch. #yfechatImperfect Concepts
A3: Never show a deck the 1st time around. Save that for a more formal mtg. If you can & it’s the right setting, show on an iPad. #yfechatJuliette D-F
Never was a groupie for slides. They’re not included in my arsenal. Leave slides for conferences not for building relationships. #YFEchatReardor
RT @reardor: Leave slides for conferences not for building relationships. #YFEchatJules Taggart
A3 – I find that slides do help. It makes it much easier for persons to identify with what you are pitching. #YFECHATSachkia Barnes
A3. I love converting my Powerpoints into PDFs. Will include in a pitch for new client to summarize my offering #yfechat #yfechatOlga Valentin
I use mine too, super convenient RT @BlkGirlBigWorld: @finishurbroc why the preference for an iPad? light and gets the job done? #YFEchatCarrie Smith
@finishurbroc show slidedeck on an ipad … that’s really interesting idea #yfechat #yfechatOlga Valentin
My business requires that people see and touch what I’m selling. When pitching, I provide a sample of the product. #YFEchatJust Alandria
If given a choice, I would rather demo my product or service on the iPad verses some slide deck. #YFEchatReardor
@laurenhuston from my personal experience. I like to have things in hand so I can follow along. Makes it easier for me to digest. #YFECHATSachkia Barnes
@yfentrepreneur Counter-question would be: when is it not appropriate? Not clear on where this came from. #YFEchatDanya Steele
Q4. When you get a NO on a pitch, what is your next steps? Where do you take it from there? #YFEchat
Q4. When you get a NO on a pitch, what is your next steps? Where do you take it from there? #YFEchatYFE
@yfentrepreneur A4 Follow Up kindly and keep the door open (social media!), reassess and move on to the next! #YFEChatTiffany
@yfentrepreneur A4: It all depends on the reason for the no. If it is budget or timing, I might follow up a few months later. #YFEchatJamie Gillenwater
A4 – Depends on the no, usually I follow up with a thanks for your time and sometimes I ask why. #yfechatStacey Harris
@yfentrepreneur A4. I will use it as a learning tool, and make improvements before my next approach. #YFEchatTristan McFarland
A4. I know that people sometimes need multiple exposures to say YES so I keep that in mind. I ALWAYS keep the door open. #YFEchatLauren Huston
A4. I put a note in my calendar to follow up in 45 days. A lot of times "no" just means the timing is wrong. #yfechatJules Taggart
@yfentrepreneur When you get a no, use it to learn. Ask for critiques and really listen! #yfechatErica
@yfentrepreneur say I understand, you don’t have to know but please consider #YFEchatCarla LaNaee Bean
A4-Take it as a learning experience to come up with something better for your next pitch but maintain those relationships! #YFEchatShakia
A4: I love feedback. If its appropriate, I ask for it when I get a NO. Helps me when preparing for the next. #YFEchatJust Alandria
#statistics RT @laurenhuston: @JulesTaggart @rachelnykim It often takes up to 6 exposures for a "yes!!" :) #YFEchatrachel kim
Q4 #yfechat I move them to a designated list in my CRM – keep in touch but don’t bother them too much – their needs may change in the futureMelissa Jebril
RT @Beverly_Davis: A4. No doesnt mean your pitch is not good, just not a fit. Do more research, find the right fit & move forward. #yfechatSandy Sidhu
A4: We all hear that we will get 1,000′s NO’s but all prepare us for that 1 YES! #YFEchatMartice
A4. I ask " What is your hesitation?" To invite my prospect back into the conversation and uncover questions/concerns #YFEchatQBOnline_Sales
A5: never give up! The squeaky (kind) wheel gets the grease! #yfechatJamie
A4: Most times, spending more time building relationships and understanding the org will turn that "no" into a yes. #YFEchatChop Art
Q5. Who do you look to for solid advice when it comes to pitching investors?
Q5. Who do you look to for solid advice when it comes to pitching investors? #YFEchatYFE
@yfentrepreneur pitching services to investors or pitching for investors to invest in ME? I’ve done both! #YFEchatLauren Huston
@yfentrepreneur someone with at least one IPO? #YFECHAT #kiddingrachel kim
A5. I look to people first. Ask for advice from those who have already done it, know the challenges and opportunities. #yfechatJules Taggart
a5. Two of my friends are investors. I seek advice from them all the time. One is my mentor and has been really helpful. #yfechatImperfect Concepts
@SachkiaBarnes definitely! talking to people who have ‘been there/done that’ goes a long way #yfechatSandy Sidhu
A5-other entrepreneurs who have already been through the process #YFEchatShakia
A5. I look to older, wiser mentors that I’ve gained from networking/previous jobs #yfechat #yfechatOlga Valentin
A5: I look to my mentor OR others that have pitched similar ideas OR others that have pitched to my intended investor #YFEchatMartice
A5. Honestly? My parents…2 brilliant Wharton School of Business grads. For a 3rd opinion, I’d ask @realDonaldTrump :) :) #YFEchatLauren Huston
A5: I’m a newbie, so I keep a circle of women that are in similar arenas to get feedback from. #YFEchatJust Alandria
@j_gillenwater it helps. I’m able to talk to trailblazers and get honest, open feedback. #YFECHATJust Alandria
@BlkGirlBigWorld absolutely! learning from someone else’s experience can spare you mistakes and give you an edge, both good things! #YFEchatAndrea Merlano
Q6. What books, articles, or programs have you used? #YFEchat
A6-At my university, we have a Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation that I’ve used for guidance as well as my professors #YFEchatShakia
Q6: oddly enough, the Art of War, and Who Stole The Cheese. Plus my Six Sigma manuals. #YFEchatJust Alandria
@BlkGirlBigWorld @SandySidhu @laurenhuston 4 Hour Workweek is a must read. I have a crush on Tim Ferris *blush* #yfechat #yfechatOlga Valentin
@BlkGirlBigWorld @laurenhuston I loved Crush It. I think that and 4 Hour Work Week is what really motivated me to take the leap! #yfechatSandy Sidhu
@yfentrepreneur A6. I read Forbes, YFS Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine. #YFECHATTristan McFarland
Mine is too! RT @olga_valentin: A6: My Google Reader is pretty intense … I scan alot of different mags & blogs every day #yfechat #YFEchatShakia
RT @kalinder: @yfentrepreneur A6: Practicing at small pitch contests helps when it comes time to make the "big ask". #YFEchatImperfect Concepts
@yfentrepreneur A6: Just thought of one! "Damn Good Advice" by George Lois. It’s full of great ideas for creative professionals! #yfechatJamie Gillenwater
@yfentrepreneur i read entrepreneur, forbes and psychology today #YFECHAT on top of the tabloids and style mags ;)rachel kim
@HBEliveshow what are some of your faves? I really enjoy BlogcastFM and The Rise To The Top #yfechatSandy Sidhu
A6. I forgot to mention @rockstarpodcast. That’s a great one to check out (at least for my industry)! #YFEchatLauren Huston
@laurenhuston The online blogs of Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc and etc are great resources too #YFEchatCarrie Smith
@YFEntrepreneur A great ebook for newbs like me who want to start pitching brands/sponsorships http://www.rockstarblogging.com/ #YFEchatCarrie Smith
@olga_valentin Entrepreneur Women’s Success Secrets, Social Triggers Insider, Startup Nation, Chris Ducker and of course YFE #YFEchatHBEntrepreneurs
a6. Celebritze Yourself (book) The art of Pitching (book) & then I have friends who work in publications I practice pitch them lol #yfechatImperfect Concepts
A6: I heart Entrepreneurs magazine, Inc and because of the nature of my business, I have to read the weeklies in news. #YFECHATSachkia Barnes
Q7. You’re a blogger and want to begin pitching sponsors- what should your audience look like before making the call? #YFEchat
Q7. You’re a blogger and want to begin pitching sponsors- what should your audience look like before making the call? #YFEchatYFE
A7. In my opinion, it’s more about what the sponsors’ audiences are like. I need to know about THEM to know if they’d be interested #YFEchatLauren Huston
Demographics, uniques, social media numbers and past work with other brands to show they trusted us. @jenniferdonogh #YFEchatOlfaT
I agree RT @JulesTaggart: A7. Engagement trumps size. If you have 10K followers but no engagement, sponsors will move on #YFEchatShakia
Q7: tough question. I think it’s different for every blogger #yfechatJamie
@yfentrepreneur A7. Your audience must have a well-defined relevant customer relationship to the potential sponsor. #yfechatKaren Linder
A7. sometimes it’s not about similar audience but a matching esthetic, that way you can grow audiences both ways. #yfechatAngie Tingas
Q7: I would suggest that you have been blogging for at least a year before you pitch sponsors… #yfechatJamie
A7: Know exactly who your audience is & have a genuine voice that speaks to them. Dont approach/work w/ brands that don’t fit that. #yfechatJuliette D-F
@jenniferdonogh @yfentrepreneur In order of priority: demographic, soc media interaction, raw #s. #yfechatKaren Linder
#YFEchat A7: I use specific examples to illustrate our customer loyalty- people going above 7 beyond to evangelize the brand & experienceMartina Welke
Q8. You want to get the word out about your business in the press: is it best to hire a PR rep or do it yourself? #YFEchat
Q8. You want to get the word out about your business in the press: is it best to hire a PR rep or do it yourself? #YFEchatYFE
a8. I do suggest making connections with small PR start up or even going to a college campus and getting PR majors to help you. #yfechatImperfect Concepts
Q8: As some1 in PR I want to say hire the professionals. But it also depends on your location, access to the media + target reach. #YFECHATSachkia Barnes
A8: DIY! As YFEs in the digital age, we should be our own marketers. #yfechatJuliette D-F
A8: I do it all myself :) the tools are free… FB, twitter, pinterest… it’s FUN! #yfechatJamie
@yfentrepreneur I do it myself. I want the passion about what I do to he evident. Hard to show that through someone else. #YFECHATJust Alandria
A8. PR depends on the product and the particular market, and the rate of growth you are expecting. #yfechatAngie Tingas
Similar Q re: Q8 #YFEchat – if you want to paint your house/fix your car/cut your hair/sew your clothes. Hire someone or DIY? Able vs ExpertChristine Perkett
A8. Good PR on that note is worth it’s weight in gold if you get it. #yfechat. We’ve hired PR and our press has been great.Angie Tingas
RT @JulesTaggart: A8. Work on your story first… If you have a killer story, you can sell yourself all day long. #yfechatLynette (Lynn) Davis
@nikiandlola you’re welcome. I search gift guide last week on twitter several publications are looking. You might want to pitch =) #yfechatImperfect Concepts
Q9. How often do you initiate a sale, going out to pitch your product/service to your customers? Is this in person? Over the phone? #YFEchat
Q9. How often do you initiate a sale, going out to pitch your product/service to your customers? Is this in person? Over the phone? #YFEchatYFE
a9. Since college is back up. I do speaking events at colleges and it helps to pitch the student with shopping my store saves money #yfechatImperfect Concepts
@yfentrepreneur Q9. I try the 10-3-2. Call 10 people, Make 3 appointments, add two names… 5 days a week… catch up on weekends. #YFEchatHBEntrepreneurs
A9. This is mostly done online for me & I’d say that it is a few times per day. #YFEchatLauren Huston
@yfentrepreneur A9: We try to offer a seasonal special at least 4 times a year, usually advertised on our blog + services page #YFEchatKatie Moore
A9. Daily. As long as there are women starting businesses and looking for a good resource, I am beating the streets to find them. #yfechatJules Taggart
Now it’s your turn! Tell us how you would answer #10! Q10. You want to partner with a brand or a fellow YFE on offering a service or doing some cross promotion. Do you have all of the details prepared in advance, or come with just an idea? #YFEchat
