For many arts organisations, actually getting to make your case to a potential investor is a key moment that can create a lot of anxiety. After rebuttals from PA’s and all the corporate lines of defence that prevent you from getting in front of the right person, you are finally facing an appointment where you get to make your pitch. Here are a few basic rules to help prepare that killer pitch:

Same approach. Same results…
When preparing for a pitch don’t go back to the pitch you did last time that didn’t work, and change a few small pieces here and there and hope that it will do the job. It won’t. You need to think through what you will present and how you will present it.

Think of an organisation as an individual… 
Each organisation you will pitch to is different. They have different characteristics, different clients, different wants and needs. Through your network of contacts and via new technologies, access to information is easier than ever. This means that most organisations will expect you to be very well briefed and to be able to establish a link between your product and their interests very quickly.

Relax…you know your product… 
Often you will be making the pitch in an unusual environment far removed from the dusty corners of your arts organisation’s office. It can be intimidating to be faced with a group of people who don’t know ‘your’ world, but don’t be put off by this. If you have put the time and effort into preparation and finely tuned your messages, you will know exactly what you are selling for what value and, by virtue of the fact you are there, they must already be interested.

Mind your language…Business people always think that artists use strange and elaborate words, and artists are often confused by the three letter acronyms and confusing terminology of business jargon. The truth of the matter is that we all use our own language in our workplaces and amongst our peers but when you are pitching it is vital that you use straightforward language that can be understood by all.

The performance of your life …
Many of the skills that you see on the stage can be directly translated into the approach that will work for your pitch. An actor uses techniques to hold the audience, to draw their focus to where it should be and to engage people in what they are saying. Work with your colleagues in the arts to learn more about these skills and how they can be applied.

If you have been invited to make a pitch for private investment in your cultural organisation, we are happy to help you as you develop your approach. We look forward to hearing from you!