Hitting the Right Pitch
- May 13, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23, 2022
When to propose a project:
People act on ideas that stimulate them naturally. Whether someone is looking for connection or not, the right thing at the right time clicks. What makes an option the right fit? Trust. It is a gut feeling, an instinct based on observations.
Give people a reason to accept offers: context. Be aware of how work is done on both sides of the intended team. If a chance arises to provide value, research to give a relevant proposal in appropriate situations regardless of presentation medium.
Four things to know before pitching:
1. Personal Background
How did the people involved get to where they are now?
What experiences might influence perspectives the most?
In what ways can individual contributions be beneficial?
2. Company Mission
Why do the businesses concerned do what they do?
What interest would theses businesses have in participating?
Does the concept align with missions?
3. Role in Company
Where do positions fit in general structures of companies?
Who makes decisions for all aspects of moving forward?
Will there be any conflicts or advantages within professional relationships?
4. Call to Action
What is the plan and when does it take place?
What is the best outcome of carrying out call to action?
What is the worst thing that could happen?
Preparing for contingencies in plans is kind of like jumping into bed with someone so to speak. When people have really fucking good sex it is cause they actually put effort into pleasuring each other. But there are cases when time for fun is limited to a quickie.
How to shorten a proposal into an elevator pitch:
Explain what makes each person the best for the job, relate to ultimate goals, solve possible problems, and be clear about intended results.
Ever made out with someone before they even said their name? That is how the fuck to come through in an elevator pitch. People go with what feels good to them in the moment. Making people feel good about engaging in their ambitions is motivational. People get turned on by the thought of going somewhere with someone else when they are ready to take the next steps.
The tricky balance: Be a tease, but do not lead anyone on. Communicate to develop a relationship. Set clear boundaries. Follow up with managing expectations.
Is getting together a good idea?
Whether an elevator pitch is a one night stand or something more is up to chemistry. Either it is there or it is not. It is good to know when to feel a situation out and when to walk away. Many people think a proposal is about talking someone else into doing something. But a pitch is just about seeing the potential of hitting it off.
Asking for a commitment during an elevator pitch is like asking a stranger to get married. Maybe try asking for a light date instead? Time together is the biggest factor that not only makes elevator and general pitching different, but also impacts shared outcomes.
Conciseness is the fastest way to go from less talk to more action if there is only a small space to make a difference. The more room there is for open communication the more room there is to develop trust.
Sometimes it can be good to be talked into decisions to do something different. But project proposals are not just unilateral decisions. A pitch is asking explicit permission to carry out an activity with someone else. The thing about consent is no one needs to be talked into anything if it is the right thing to do. Offers that are truly beneficial for all involved will make people feel like they are ready to get naked with their dates.
Post based on personal experience.
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