The Paphitis Guide To Pitching...
It’s just under a week until the Ryman National Enterprise Challenge finals. In the lead up to it, it always makes me think about pitching and how it can make even the most confident have a few butterflies in the belly.
The Ryman National Enterprise Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for children aged 11-15. I’ve been involved for five years now and in that time I have seen some talented and brilliant ideas that have made me sit up and take notice. I’m constantly delighted and surprised by the passion on show at the Finals each year and I know this year will be no different.
Pitching isn’t easy. My nine seasons on Dragons’ Den showed me that in bucket loads. But, it’s a fantastic opportunity and I, more often than not, invested in the people and their passion, rather than the person who I couldn’t connect with, even if they had an even better idea than the last person. Some of the pitches I’ve seen at the National Enterprise Challenge over the years were even better than the ones I saw in the Den!
Here are a few Paphitis Pitch Tips:
- Work as a team. As any good footballer knows, there’s not point you knowing your stuff, if no-one else in the team knows where they’re supposed to be on the pitch to support each other. Know what each of you bring to the party.
- Know your stuff. Think through your ideas and why it would appeal to people. Put yourselves in the shoes of your customers.
- Be clear. Don’t over complicate things. Keeping it simple is the key to getting your ideas across in a very short amount of time.
- Take a deep breath. Yes you may be nervous - that’s normal. Use that adrenaline to create an energetic and engaging pitch. It’s ok to be nervous. You’re human!
- Look at the details of your idea. Have a think about what questions you might be asked. Have answers ready that show you’ve thought it through.
- Enjoy it!
For more information on the Ryman National Enterprise Challenge -> https://www.nationalenterprisechallenge.co.uk/
Assistant Branch Manager
5 年And above all believe in yourself! It's all very well having a great idea, but how will you ever know its a great idea if you lack the self belief in yourself and your abilities. If you can't sell your idea to yourself, how will you sell it to others? I'll take it a step further. If you are pitching as a team then you need to believe in your team! You are only as strong as your weakest link. List your strengths and weaknesses, and do this exercise for your whole team. This way you can identify individuals that you can help, and who can equally help you! Just wanted to throw that in!
Strategy & Innovation Creator - Helping Leaders succeed in the age of AI | Thought Leader | Digital Twins | IoT | Smart Cities | Smart Buildings | Manufacturing | Data Strategies | Healthcare | AI |
6 年Great thoughts as always! I'm about to start silly season and this will definitely help me move forwards in creating an App-Store for buildings, helping others take buildings to the cloud faster than ever before. At least that's the idea! Thanks for sharing your views. Nicolas
Partnership Alliance and Channels Orchestrator | Customer Business Value Digital Transformation | Motivational Speaker
6 年Love The Great Works You Do! Once Had Issues With Pitching Also Theo Paphitis