Elliott Frisby is the founder of Hampshire’s premium corporate entertainment supplier Monkeynut Entertainment. He also heads up leading audiobook supplier Monkeynut Audiobooks and Monkeynut Sound. Here he talks about applying the basics from creating a record to improve your business pitch.
Every time our eyes meet, this feeling inside me Is almost more than I can take. Amazed by Lonestar. What a song! Still a first dance at many weddings. It has every ingredient to take you on an emotional journey leaving you wanting more. From that instantly recognisable intro , gracefully moving to the opening first line that summarises the perfect romantic experience to the crescendo leading to the chorus which then opens to the huge climax that says LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY! What a chorus! - it’s the perfect record so what do you do when something is perfect? You repeat the format , change a few words and give it to the listener as verse 2! The same applies when pitching your business.
I attend many networking events and I’m always astounded by how monotone people sound when pitching their business to me for the first time. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t want someone jumping up and down shouting listen to me, quite the opposite, but if you have the opportunity to tell me about your services then I want to be excited enough to learn more. I want to pick up on your energy and passion when you talk about your product. If you’re struggling to do this then I would highly recommend listening to Amazed and applying the format to your pitch as that song, and format, is going nowhere.
If you are struggling then here are a few points to get you going. Should you wish to talk about this further then you can always contact me via the Monkeynut Entertainment website or Facebook.
Writing the song = Writing your pitch
What do you have to say? Make it interesting, make it thought provoking, make it short and to the point.
Edit the lyrics = Edit your content
One of the biggest tricks I learned when I developed my producing and songwriting skills in Nashville TN was the importance of removing unnecessary lyrics. I guarantee that if you take out everything that doesn’t need to be there, you will have a much clearer message.
Rehearsals = practice
Say it out loud, read it to your friends, even strangers and see if they ask questions and want to know more. If they do then you’re on your way to a good pitch. I often practice my pitches to my rear view mirror. (Shhhh that’s our secret!)
Find a good singer / backing band = Are you the right person to pitch?
Of course you are! Or are you? I would seriously ask yourself this question. Successful networking is learning about the people around you but you will have the opportunity to tell people what you do and potentially make a sale either directly or from a third party so make sure you have the right person putting across your key points.
Producing the record = add light and shade to your pitch
A good producer will serve the song that’s given to them rather than producing a cold half arsed session or, on the other side of the spectrum, a selfish overindulgent record. Sometimes, that’s being in your face, sometimes it’s discrete and humble and sometimes it’s simply one girl and her guitar. Whatever the mix, a good recording will have an atmosphere, it will be performed in a way that will draw the listener into what the lyrics have to say, it will crescendo when it needs to and pull back at the right moments to let the listener breathe. If you don’t already then I would really advise adding light and shade to your pitch. It will take your networking to a whole new level.
Distribution = Stay in touch with your new contacts
So you have the perfect record ( pitch ) it’s now time to get it out there. If you throw it in peoples faces then you’re most likely going to put them off your product. Instead, stay in touch using your social channels, comment on their posts and show support to what they are doing. This is a much more organic way of getting yourself out there and you’ll probably find that people will return the support.
I hope this has been helpful to those of you struggling with your pitch. If it hasn’t then all is not lost. Simply pour yourself a nice glass of full bodied merlot, sit back, turn up the stereo and listen to Amazed by Lonestar.
Monkeynut Entertainment provide premium corporate entertainment in Hampshire and its surrounding counties. For more information visit http://www.monkeynutuk.com