Win your next pitch with these 5 great ways to wow potential clients. No matter how long you’ve been in the creative industry pitching to a new client is daunting. We’ve asked people from across the design and publishing world to give us their top tips for getting your pitch through. Here’s what they said…
1. Always prepare – it might sound obvious but you’d be amazed at how many people skip this step. Make sure you research the company you’re pitching to, and if you can find out who’s going to be in the meeting, you can figure out who the decision maker will be. If the meeting is somewhere unfamiliar, plan your journey, and leave plenty of time for delays – turning up late is not an option!
“There’s nothing worse than having someone turn up to a pitch and they know nothing about your company”
2. Show them what you can do – create a website or an online portfolio and hand it over to your potential client before the meeting. That way they can prepare any questions they might have. If you can, take a hard copy too, so you can talk them through it in the meeting. Make sure you include quotes and testimonials from previous clients, success stories, and always have some references available in case they are needed.
3. Have the right attitude – you need to be positive and confident, but also know when to assert your expertise. You’re in the room to tell them why you’re the best person for the job. So when you’re pitching, explain your reasons for making decisions with confidence, and don’t get defensive if they question something.
4. Tailor your pitch – this should be simple if you followed point 1. This pitch is all about the client, so park your ego at the door, and think about what they need, and what is going to be best for their business. This can’t be a PowerPoint template, or a pitch you’ve done before. Everything has to be about the client.
5. Follow up after the meeting – the meeting is over and it might feel like there is nothing more you can do, but that isn’t the case. When you get back to the office follow up with an email, thank them for their time, and send them links to your website, portfolio and pitch. Don’t let them forget you!
Didn’t win the pitch? Say thank you with an email anyway. You need to always be thinking about your brand, you want to leave them with a positive view of you.
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