Preparing for your United Way Social Impact Incubator Finale Pitch

Debut Night will take place Wednesday, March 19th
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—   Pitching

Discover the power of talking about your business

Pitching: what comes to mind?
Shark Tank, Mic in hand on stage?

What is it really?
Talking about your business in a concise and expedient way that alerts people to what you do and makes them want to spend money with you or send clients your way.
—   The Formula

You may have more time or less time but the formula is the same.

Winging it comes after so much practice that you can recite your planned pitch in your sleep!

Have a plan, practice the plan. 
  • Introduce yourself and say the name of your business.
  • What is the problem that you are solving?
  • What is the solution you have created to solve that problem and who are you solving it for?
  • Why are you the best person to build this solution?
  • Why is now the best time to build this business?
  • Restate your name and business name.
—   The WHY

What can perfecting your pitch do for your business?

+ Help you attract customers and increase your revenue.
+ Help you establish your brand & reputation.
+ Help you build relationships and partnerships with other professionals and potential investors.
+ Help you gain feedback and insights from your target market and competitors.
— The Formula

Executing a plan

1

Introduction

Introduce yourself and say the name of your business.

Briefly share who you are. 
Do not tell your story here. 
If you do, that is the only thing that the listener will remember.
You want them to remember your BUSINESS.

2

Problem

What is the problem that you are solving?

The goal of any business is to solve a problem for a customer that the customer desires to be solved so much that they are willing to spend money on that solution.
Hook your listener with your compelling problem, let them identify with the problem.

3

Solution & Customer

What is the solution you have created to solve that problem for the specific customer you serve?

This is your unique value proposition.
Explain who your customer is and how your solution is the BEST option to solve a problem that they NEED solved.

5

Opportunity

Why is now the best time to build this business?

Is there something happening in the world that makes your solution timely?  
Explain your timeline for building your business.

4

Team

Why are you the best person and team to build this solution?

This is where a PART of your story is best.
DO NOT TELL YOUR WHOLE STORY, make them interested enough to follow up with you later!
Explain why you are the best person to lead the company.
Explain the team that you'll be building to support the work. 

6

Close

Restate your name and business name and make an ask.

It helps people remember you when you make an ask that they can help with. This ask can be ever changing. Things that you might want to ask a new connection for might be:
- a resource or introduction
- feedback on an idea
- to have a cup of coffee

Read. | Watch. | Learn. | Improve.

Watch examples, learn from the experts, keep improving!
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Growth Expert, Chala Dincoy gives us the perfect elevator pitch formula, which helps her to get more sales from every conversation. 
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The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference: Networking and brand building was the focus check out the Black Enterprise 60-second Elevator Pitch Competition Winner.
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Learn how to share the vital information about your business in a quick and effective way.
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We often learn more from watching and critiquing others, watch this video of a "Bad Pitch" and identify how you can keep from making the mistakes you see.
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Walk through what a good sales pitch looks like and get an example of a not-so-great-one. 
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—   Learn As You Grow
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The most common mistakes 

According to Forbes, the most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs are: 

Clarity

Create a clear and concise way to share what you do that anyone can understand. Don't use any industry speak or take more than a sentence or two to explain what you do.

Differentiation 

How is what you are doing different than others? Be clear about how your approach to the problem that you are solving is unique.

Enthusiasm

Pitching, especially at a networking event, is exhausting  -- but you can't let that show. Your energy communicates your commitment to growing your business.

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