Have you ever been in a position where you had a lot to talk about but just can’t speak up?
Well, that makes the two of us!
I’m Sameer Ahmed Khan, the CEO of Social Champ. You know, when most people hear “CEO,” they picture someone super polished and confident, and I guess I fit that bill!
But let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy journey to get here. I’ve had my share of pitch disasters, which taught me a thing or two about how to write a pitch that actually gets people excited.
After years of grinding, I’m about to share everything I’ve learned about pitching. These tips have helped me think differently, so I think they might just do the trick for you, too.
Let’s get started!
Run an Extra Mile
With the competition today, you must forget about cookie-cutter pitches. To truly stand out, ditch the mediocre and embrace extraordinary preparation. Success seldom arrives effortlessly. To outshine the crowd, you must exceed expectations.
As I’ve witnessed myself, putting in average effort yields unremarkable results. The key to impactful presentations lies in rigorous preparation coupled with dedicated effort. This equals remarkable pitches that win, which translates to pitches that resonate, leaving a lasting impression and securing those deals.
A well-prepared pitch goes beyond the essential information. Consider incorporating an example of you going the extra mile, like in-depth research tailored to your audience or crafting a presentation that directly addresses their needs. By investing this additional time and effort, you’ll be well on your way to delivering pitches that leave a lasting impact.
Demonstrate a Growth Mindset
Having a growth mindset is critical, no matter your age or industry. As a CEO, I’m always on the lookout for people who aren’t just thinking about the job they’re applying for today but are also envisioning their future with us. It’s all about that drive to learn and evolve, which really shines through in a person’s character. So, whether job hunting or aiming to improve yourself, embracing that eagerness to grow can make all the difference.
Use Your Experience
Your journey is one of a kind. The challenges you’ve navigated are yours alone, and that’s what makes your experiences so valuable. Learn how to write a good pitch and make it about yourself. You might lose your way if you compare your path to someone else’s. Remember, no matter how big or small your experiences are, they count. Whether making a pitch or just getting through the day at work, try to keep all the learnings in mind so that whenever you need help, your experience can be your guiding light.
Dress to Stand Out
You might not be a fan of judging people by their looks, but let’s face it: appearances matter in this world. That’s just how it is, and it’s something we’ve got to deal with. Your outfit does make a difference, though I’m not saying you should always be in a suit or never dare to dress down. Sometimes, not dressing up can actually work in your favor.
Picture this: You’re at an event where everyone is suited up, and there you are in your pajamas. You’d definitely grab some attention, right? But, all jokes aside, I’m not suggesting you wear pajamas to a major event. I’m just saying that the way you dress can really help you stand out. So, think carefully about what you wear on an important day.
Take Yourself Seriously
If you don’t take yourself seriously, no one else will, PERIOD!
Whatever you do in life, always be confident and have some faith in yourself. When people don’t take themselves seriously, it shows in their personalities. So, when you’ve got something to pitch, own it, no matter how absurd it might seem. If you’re not feeling your idea, why should your boss?
As a boss, I’m all about hearing what my team has to say. And guess what? I’m practically forced to listen when they come at me with confidence. And between you and me, that’s led to some pretty awesome results.
Use Emotional Intelligence
If you pitch to computers, you can be as dead as a doornail in terms of emotion as long as your logic and data are solid. But with humans, it can’t work like this. People think that by learning how to write a business pitch, they don’t have to focus on emotions—well, they’re wrong!
It’s surprising how many intelligent people miss the mark because they forget to tap into their emotional intelligence. I get it; not everyone is naturally emotional or empathetic, but giving it a shot won’t hurt.
Getting emotionally involved isn’t a bad thing. In fact, when you’re presenting to humans, connecting on an emotional level can be your strength. And if you play your cards right with that emotional intelligence? Boom, you’ve clinched the deal before you even realize it.
Act Consciously
When I say you’ve got to stay sharp while making a pitch, I’m not just talking about avoiding a tipsy presentation—though, obviously, that’s rule number one. What I mean is keeping tabs on your thoughts, feelings, and the room’s vibe. Make sure you’re saying what you intend to, without any extra nervous chatter spilling out.
Now, if you’re like me, and yes, I’ve been at this public speaking gig for a while, those jitters never fully disappear. Every time I’m about to step onto that stage, my stomach does somersaults. But here’s a little trick I’ve learned: Focusing on my breathing! It helps me keep my head clear and my words intentional. Give it a shot next time you’re in the spotlight; it might do the trick for you, too.
More No-Brainer Tips
Other than the things I mentioned earlier, there is more you need to do to stand out from the crowd. If you were wondering, why didn’t I mention the generic advice that people usually give?
Well, it’s precisely because they’re everywhere. But don’t get me wrong—just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re not crucial. So, let’s dive into some of those no-brainer tips that, honestly, still deserve a spot in the spotlight.
-
Be Confident
You ever feel like everyone around you just oozes confidence? They walk the walk and talk the talk, you know? Here’s the thing: confidence isn’t about being better than anyone else; it’s about revealing the awesome person you already are.
Sure, you can learn new skills, but confidence is what sets you apart. It lets you face challenges head-on without that pesky voice of doubt holding you back. Imagine nailing that presentation or crushing that job interview because you truly believe in yourself.
People pick up on confidence. You start attracting opportunities and conversations you might have missed before.
Bonus tip: Building confidence takes practice, but even small wins matter. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small.
-
Be Creative
Creativity is your best friend when it comes to being different. Think about it—your creative spark can really make you shine in a sea of sameness. Even if someone else has a similar idea, the way you bring it to life is all you. So, keep those creative juices flowing and whip up something unique. When you start throwing fresh, inventive ideas at your boss, they can’t help but notice your drive. And imagine mixing that creativity with a dash of confidence. You’re set for a level-up.
-
Be Prepared
So, you know how to write a pitch, you’ve got this killer idea and the confidence to match, and boom—your boss wants to hear it. But hold up, thinking that’s all you need is a big mistake. Just having an idea won’t cut it; you’ve got to be ready for any curveball questions thrown your way. Start prepping as soon as that idea lights up in your brain. Start by learning how to write a pitch and dive deep into research about your topic. Walking into that meeting fully prepared is equivalent to going into battle with armor on—you won’t be knocked down easily.
Take Away
Kicking things off with a different way of thinking sets you apart. Once you start looking at things from a new angle, you will stumble upon fresh methods and ideas. For anyone aiming to make it big professionally, evolving is critical, often requiring a unique perspective and vision.
Speaking from my experience as a co-founder at Social Champ, I’ve met tons of people worldwide. And let me tell you, only a handful truly made an impression on me. I can count on one hand the times I’ve been blown away by someone’s ideas and personality.
I’ve taken these insights to heart and incorporated them into my own approach, so I’m living proof they work. But remember, everyone’s journey is unique. You’ve got your own stories and insights, so take these tips for a spin and tweak them as you see fit.
If you’re looking for more guidance or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to book a meeting with me!