Put the OOMPH back in your pitch

I always find November a bit of a slog. Summer was ages ago and it’s too soon to start winding down for Christmas. It’s dark, it’s cold, the desire to be under a duvet is strong.

When my energy dips I have to work much harder to speak with confidence when I’m pitching my business.

The belief in myself still exists, but I have to lean in to more of the presenting techniques I’ve learned to help me radiate the energy I need to attract people I love to work with.

Last week I was meant to attend a brilliant sales training event but was struck down with a stomach bug.

I’ll spare you the gory details but it left me on the sofa for four days, eating spaghetti hoops and never letting a hot water bottle out of my sight.

I was disappointed not to be able to go to the event. I knew a big dose of inspiration and new people would help energise me through to Christmas.

However, as I sipped hot Ribena and sunk further into my pink fluffy dressing gown I found that not being able to be at work gave me the space to think more clearly about…work.

Now that I’m out the other side I feel, dare I say it, grateful to have had this period of hibernation inflicted on me.

The chance to pause, be cosy and rest has undoubtedly done me some good. I am a more confident, self-assured version of myself because of it, and I can bring this energy into my pitch over the coming weeks.

If you are feeling like you’re not bringing your most fabulous, confident self to the room when you pitch your business at the moment, why not try it yourself?

No, don’t self-inflict a bad tummy.

Create your own hibernation period and see who emerges from the other side.

5 tips to hibernate to put the OOMPH back in your pitch

1. Protect the time - Block out an evening, a day or a weekend in your diary for your hibernation time and keep it free from plans. That time is yours to keep.
2. Get cosy - Blankets, tracksuit bottoms, fluffy socks, dressing gowns, hot water bottles, knitted jumpers. If it’s soft to touch, put it on.
3. Watch your favourite childhood film - What was the film you watched 100 times as a kid? There’s something so comforting about watching a film where you know exactly what’s about to happen, and seeing it with grown-up eyes might lead you to inspiration.
4. Keep the time unplanned - Try to go with the flow as you hibernate and tune into exactly what you need each moment. The open space will help you to clear your mind, which ironically could be what you need for new ideas.
5. Enjoy it guilt-free - If you are a productivity-obsessee like me, give yourself permission to enjoy your hibernation time. Put the to-do lists away and remind yourself that this time to rest will help you be more productive when you re-emerge into the world.

If you try a hibernation period, let me know how it goes and how you feel afterwards. I’d love to know!

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