Last updated Aug 07, 2024 and written by Tom Richardson

Pitching your business: The Perfect Pitch Checklist

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Being able to pitch confidently is a vital skill if you want to take your business to the next level. To help you deliver a killer presentation (and make sure you’re prepared for it), we’ve created The Perfect Pitch Checklist. Nail these seven points to give your business the best possible chance:

Understand your audience

Ensure you know as much as possible about the business/bank/investor that you’re pitching to. This includes knowing who’ll be attending. This will allow you to tailor your presentation so that it really connects.

Get straight to the point

Be concise and talk in plain English. Only use industry jargon when you don’t have a choice or if it’s appropriate.

Keep it real

A knowledgeable audience will be able to smell uncertainty a mile off. Do not lie, and never be afraid to say “I don’t know” if you really don’t.

Sell yourself

Investors aren’t just investing in your business, they’re investing in you too. Your presentation should leave room for you to show your personality.

Know your numbers

Don’t be that person who turns to jelly at the numbers stage. Know your numbers inside-out (we’re talking profit and loss, forecasting and so on).

Be consistent

If more than one person is presenting make sure you’re all singing from the same hymn sheet. Do not contradict each other.

Know their shoe size

Why? Because you’ve got to put yourself in their shoes. Focus on the things that matter to them, which in most cases is… what can you do for them?

That’s it! Like most things in life, pitching takes practice. Try pitching to friends/colleagues first and take their points on board. You could even attend a presentation skills workshop to refine your skills. If you smash it out the park first time, great. But don’t be disheartened if your first few pitches falter – you’ve got to keep at it. Best of luck!

Do you want to #ChangeYourLife by starting a business? We can help. See here for how we can help your business start, run and grow.

By Mathew Aitken at MadeSimple