Tips for effectively pitching yourself and/or your business from the advisors at LaunchNET Kent State.

1. PITCH PERFECT
CAPTURING THEIR HEARTS
LaunchNET
Kent State University
Powered by Burton D. Morgan Foundation

2. What we do:
 Assist KSU students, faculty/staff on
innovating ideas
 Free & Confidential Service
 Mentoring
 Sponsor events & workshops
 Connect clients to NE Ohio entrepreneurial
resources

3. What is a pitch?
 Presentation 30 sec – 90 sec
 Persuasive – tells a story to solve problem
 Short summary
 Defines a product, service, organization or
event
 Includes value proposition
 Suggested flow

4. Successful pitches:
 Know their audience
 Clearly explain problem
 Communicate your difference
 Communicate your advantage
 Are enthusiastic
 Practice

5. Skills needed:
 Qualitative – write out your pitch, have a goal
 Creativity – not overly technical, have a hook
 Analytical – who is target audience
 Confidence – believe in your story
 Presentation – practice and video yourself

6. When do you use a pitch?
 Career Fairs
 Interviews
 Resume, cover letters, LinkedIn
 Personal websites
 Networking events
 Student organizations
 LaunchNET Elevator Pitch Competition

7. Perfect pitch components:
 Problem
 Solution
 Target market
 Competition
 Team
 Financial summary
 Milestones

8. Hands-on exercises
 Message mapping
 15 second pitch
 Personal branding
 30-60 second pitch

9. Tips
 Target audience – craft pitch to them
 Goal oriented – what is your desired outcome?
 Have a hook – get listeners attention
 Concise – 30-90 seconds
 Clear – low on overly technical terms
 Tell a story (short) which solves a problem
 Smile and have fun!