One quick question that will transform your pitch

I’m ramping up my networking this month. Last week I went to an in-person meeting in St Albans to meet a group of mostly new people, and the night before was hit by this question.

“What the F*** do I wear?!”

My business hun wardrobe is one of my ongoing struggles as a business owner.

I typically describe my day-to-day style as Cool Mum.

I can often be found in a brightly coloured cardigan, a pair of wide-fit trousers and a comfortable trainer.

I love buying second-hand clothes.

I’m obsessed with bright colours - pink is very much my colour of the season.

I’d choose trousers and trainers over dresses and heels ANY day.

But when it comes to looking when I’m representing Present With Grace I find it tough to strike right balance between professional and authentic.

I enjoy public speaking, but when all eyes are on me the fear of someone thinking, “WHY is she wearing a knitted purple roll-neck?!” is enough to throw me off, making my voice wobble like jelly.

On the morning of the networking meeting I had a couple of outfits to choose from.

I wanted to wear something colourful.

I HAD to be comfy.

And I also wanted something that had a bit of ‘wow’ factor without being too 'inyaface'.

My outfit of choice?

A second-hand M&S dog-tooth suit over an over-sized bright pink vintage shirt.

SURE, I looked like I was channelling a cross between Austin Powers and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

But the MOMENT I slipped that suit on I felt like A MILLION DOLLARS, BABY.

My pre-networking nerves (yes, I too get nervous before meeting strangers) vanished and as I made the journey from Dalston to St Alban’s station I had a total stride in my step.

That energy carried me through the journey to the venue right up until the point when I had to stand and deliver my pitch.

One small change to my appearance = one BIG difference to my pitch.

With my shagalicious suit on, I felt like I could rule the world.

That feeling inside influenced how I stood. I slowed down when I spoke. My tone of voice was upbeat and calm.

And in a room full of 14 people, at the end of the meeting, 8 said "Yes please!" to taking the next step to working with me.

Putting the suit on was worth it.

When you’re preparing for your pitch, it’s not JUST about what you say.

The way you communicate about your business is EVERYTHING.

Your business will live or die on the strength of WHAT you say and HOW you say it.

When you get ready to pitch, whether it’s in the room or online, ask yourself:

“What can I wear that will make me FEEL like I am a total business bad ass?”.

Whatever the answer, put it on and notice the difference your outfit makes in how you deliver your pitch.

Don't underestimate the power of HOW you present yourself.

Your pitch is your mic drop moment.

Make it count.

Pitch Audits are coming back

Very soon the doors to my 1:1 programme, Step Up to Stand Out will be OPEN!

A Pitch Audit is the perfect way to try-before-you-buy.

After her Pitch Audit, Sarah booked a discovery call with someone straight away at her next networking meeting.

“Grace turned my approach to networking on its head. For so long I’ve seen myself as a ‘words person’ and not very good at actually talking about my business. From now on, I’m putting as much effort into my verbal pitches as my written ones.”?

- Sarah Matthews, Copy Writer.

In 60 minutes we’ll re-write your pitch so your message is clear, concise and drives action.

All you have to do is pick your outfit.

A handful of Pitch Audits will be available from NEXT WEEK to book.

Want to make sure you don’t miss out?

Email me and I’ll put your name at the top of the list.

[email protected].