We’re all asked to “pitch” things every day.
Ourselves – to make new friends, find partners, or to get a job.
Our products to customers.
Our company – to establish relationships, partnerships, or opportunities.
Despite their importance to all aspects of our lives, weak pitches are the most common.
Weak pitches focus on others being the wrong choice, hoping that this will lead to us, our product, or our company looking better.
“Tell us about your burger” should not be answered with “I’ll tell you one thing, we don’t use that pet-grade beef that Company X is using…”
(Even if it’s true)
The pitches I love, the pitches that catch my ear, and the pitches that I have had the most success with – they emphasize how I/we/it are different, without the association or arrogance of “being right.”
“We prioritize grass-fed beef because top-quality ingredients are important to the customers that love our product and to us.”
Additionally, I think confidently stating what you are not, emphasizing difference, not rightness, further strengthens the pitch.
“If you love the Company X burger, ours may come off as less juicy. They make a good burger, but we were willing to trade some of the extra flavor for the characteristics that value.”
I’m not right.
They aren’t wrong.
We’re just different.
By not needing to downplay others, it shows a level of confidence and identity that few possess.
It becomes a strong pitch in a world filled with weak ones.
Not right or wrong, just different.
Iterations 