If, like me, you were pushed in at the deep end, you end up learning pretty quickly how to swim in agency life.
In this article I am going to give you 3 tips to pitch perfect.
First, Let's Talk Relationships
Depending on how you initially got the lead, the way you pitch to each potential client will differ. So adapt and adjust accordingly.
An example: if a prospective client reached out and contacted you, they did so for a reason - Build on it.
If they were referred to you, then they are familiar with a piece of work. Which one? - Build on it.
Once done, you have already established what it is they liked about your agency.
The most difficult relationship to strike up is those ones that came through a network, or cold calling route. This is you when have to quickly establish yourself as a trusted firm or trusted figure. Build it.
Make them sick. Make them well
This is a popular and very old adland tactic. You first identify their problems and what is it that is causing their brand or website issues.
Sometimes it could be as simple as the features or lack of. Our creative can be more minimalistic than what the client expected, but once you have identified this, use your creative to make the negatives a positive again.
It's Not Just About First Impressions
Granted, it is a well-known fact that a person’s perception can be created within the first 20 seconds of meeting you. So it is equally as important to create a strong lasting impression as it is with the first.
I know from first hand experience that pitch presentations can be daunting, but don’t let that dampen your creative spirit! Have fun with it. Something I always wanted to try was to end a presentation by passing out small bags of gum balls with a tag that something along the lines of " Let's chew on some great ideas together".
So next time you pitch at a creative agency, consider one of these three ideas and see how you get on.
Good Luck! And remember. Life is one big pitch.
