Pitching Notes

Earlier today I was working on an internal memo – it was specifically to the pitching team here at Forty Weeks. The crux of this note was about being heard.

There is so much going on with our clients; we are busy pitching  maternity fashion, nursing tanks (oh the amazing new colors for spring), a few exciting events including a Mompreneur Round table in March, and even a few new totally hush hush projects.

We are busy and there is a lot of pitching to be done. The point of my memo was not to be a “pitch away  and until you are blue in the face” cheering section, but rather to remind all that with so much exciting to talk about it was important to be heard. In other words, don’t become white noise.  Here are the rules to keep in mind:

Avoid being:

Too chatty – be friendly but get to the chase

Too familiar – be aware of the level of relationship and err on the side of too formal v. too familiar

Too much fluff – avoid the constant use EXPLANATION POINTS!!!!!!!

Too much overkill – stay away from hyperbole

Consider this:

Be an asset not an ask – make yourself a partner and real plus not another person pitching and selling

Be clear about what you offer – do not burry the lead

Be concise – like all of us, people are reading things on the fly – keep your messaging in that zone and give them ways to get more if needed

Be authoritative and helpful – establish yourself and your expertise

Be informed and use that information well – what does this person’s site or pub look like? What do they cover? What is their voice?

So nothing radical or new here – and certainly important  core concepts to keep in mind…happy pitching!