When it comes to business, pitching is extremely important, but you don’t need to be an extrovert brimming with confidence to succeed. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country would class themselves as introverts, so you should never let your personality type set you back or make you feel anxious about taking the next step in business. Here are some tips for introverts to make a great first pitch:
Preparation is key
Nothing is more important when you go into a pitch than preparation. You need to have relevant information to hand, nail down the facts and figures and be prepared for the questions you may be asked. If you prepare well you stand a good chance of impressing the people you are pitching, also.
Being well-prepared will make you feel less exposed and vulnerable when it comes to the time where the investors, partners or panel asks questions or delves into the details of your pitch. Take time to research the people you are pitching to, as well as learning your presentation and gathering all the information you need about your own product, service or business.
Be yourself
There’s nothing wrong with being an introverted person and you don’t need to be the life and soul of the party to do well in business. Don’t try to be something you are not and do your best to sell yourself and showcase your personality; many of the traits linked to introverts are actually hugely beneficial for working in the world of business. Just because you’re not outgoing and loud doesn’t mean that you can’t perfect a pitch. It’s important to portray an air of confidence in business. Don’t expect investors to have confidence in your business opportunity without the confidence you portray in yourself.
Presentation
Presentation is really important, so take your time, speak slowly and clearly and illustrate each point with clarity. Stress the important points, invite interaction with the panel or individual and maintain eye contact. Keep your presentation concise, make it interesting and unique and keep calm. If you start to feel flustered, take deep breaths and think before you speak; if you haven’t got an answer to a particularly tricky question, be honest and move on.
The way you present yourself is also really important, so pay attention to detail, ensure you look smart and professional and make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing.
Smile!
Smiling is a really quick and effective way of breaking the ice and it will make you feel more comfortable and confident instantaneously. When you first get to your meeting, introduce yourself, shake hands and maintain eye contact.
Have conviction
It’s really important that you are able to convince the person or people you are pitching to that what you are saying is right; they need to believe in you and what you are offering. Have conviction and confidence in what you say and sell yourself; this can be really hard if you naturally self-deprecating, but now is the time to shine and you’ve only got a few minutes in a pitch, so you have to take your chances when they come along.
Be passionate
It’s important that you can show that you are passionate about what you are selling or offering. You don’t need to shout it from the rooftops, but you do need to be able to demonstrate that it means a lot to you and you’re determined to succeed.
About the Author
Richard is a writer based in Manchester, England and focuses on successful business techniques and oral health. Currently he is working with the dental professionals at Harley Street Orthodontics.
