Clever Pitch Trap in a Father’s Day Card

I never saw it coming.

My 14-year-old daughter hands me her Father’s Day card.

On the front there’s a beautiful, artistic, hand-drawn rendition of my nickname.

Without thinking, I flip it open.

Inside? One word.

Our attack word.

We’ve devised a long-form strategy game where the goal is to catch each other off guard.

It’s an ongoing mix of strategy, creativity, and deception.

I’m usually on high alert, especially when she’s standing next to me, but I did not expect a sneak attack in my Father’s Day Card.

She got me.

“I could have written you a standard Father’s Day card, but I decided to do this instead.”

As a communications coach, I’m bursting with pride.

As a player in our strategy game? I’m practicing my evil laugh while plotting my revenge.

And it gets me thinking about your Elevator Pitch.

Because her card was personalized, fun, and interactive.

Can you say that about your pitch?

Personalize

Pitch Strategy #1: Don’t be fooled!

You pitch isn’t personalized for the person standing next to you.

Instead it speaks directly to the top-of-mind problem of your ideal client.

That’s how you cut through the noise.

When you directly name their problem they’re trying to solve, that’s personal.

It will resonate with them or someone they know.

Clear away the clutter and make it personal.

Fun

Pitch Strategy #2: Make it Fun!

Tell a story.

A client success story.

Good stories get great leads.

But this is marketing, not true confessions.

Choose your story based on something universally exciting about your work.

That makes it fun!

Interactive

Pitch Strategy #3: No Monologues

Monologues don’t lead to productive conversations.

You want them to ask a question or tell a story.

But: A question to clarify what you do isn’t enough.

“What do you mean by that” means you’re not being clear enough.

You want them to ask questions that show they’re interested in the problem you solve.

That sets the stage for a second conversation!

A Perfect Pitch

And that’s exactly the kind of pitch you want: personalized, fun, and interactive. Cut through the clutter, grab their attention, and get them thinking.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Have you ever been caught off guard by a clever twist, like my Father’s Day card?

Or maybe you’ve got some tricks up your sleeve to make your pitch more engaging.

Drop your stories or questions in the comments below. I read every one!