links for 2009-04-24

10 things to make the pitch process easier

Following on from a piece I read the other day about delivering the perfect pitch, I thought I’d jot down some things that I find help the actual process go smoother too. Love to hear any more you might have to add….

10. Get started on the research right away
9. Don’t just rely on the net, get primary research if you can
8. Get the team who is pitching involved from the off so they feel more confident in the ideas they’re presenting
7. Ask questions if unsure on the brief. Don’t guess but at the same time, use your initiative where you can
6. Don’t just do PowerPoint for ease. Is it the best way of getting across your ideas in the time you have?
5. Look for a story throughout the pitch. A narrative makes the whole thing much easier to follow, make it flow and build it into your action plan
4. Agree your theme/idea early and stick to it. The rest of the time should be working out how you explain the idea simply and right through to measuring results
3. Allocate roles that suit people’s skills. Nerves often come from people presenting stuff they aren’t sure of
2. Rehearse, then rehearse more, then rehearse a bit more. Don’t just read through the pitch, get some people you trust to critique and help you with delivery
1. Win or lose, you’ve worked bloody hard as a team so have confidence in what you are presenting. Relax. Let the adrenaline kick in and try to enjoy it

links for 2009-04-23

The Apprentice ep5 – a lesson in getting your hands dirty

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During tonight’s episode, Kimberley got the chop and rightly so (despite my dislike of Lorraine’s bulldog chewing a wasp face).
Kimberley, the self defined marketing expert ridiculously denied posessing either any creative talent or presentation skills tonight.

The lesson? Managers need to get their hands dirty and if you sell yourself as an expert, you better be prepared to deliver come crunch time.

{Nick/Margaret watch: Classic Nick “They took logic and tortured it until it screamed” – absolutely brilliant}

links for 2009-04-22