How to Craft the Perfect Pitch as a Creative Entrepreneur
As a professor at Berklee College of Music and a creative entrepreneur myself, I've learned how important it is to master the art of pitching.
Here are the 6-Steps I’ve used to land big-ticket projects, like:
collaborating with Illuminus Boston to turn the most iconic baseball stadium in the USA into a musical instrument
partnering with BLINK to turn Cincinnati’s Roebling Bridge into an immersive light and sound experience
scoring an award-winning short film, “Descended” by Jean Laurenz and Four/Ten Media
6 Steps to the Perfect Pitch:
What: Clearly define your project or business idea in one to two sentences. It’s crucial to communicate what you are offering right at the outset to set a clear foundation for the rest of your pitch. For instance, "Frequencies is a community-sourced audiovisual project designed to capture the essence of communal life through art."
For Whom: Knowing who your project or product is for is vital. It connects your idea to those who will benefit most from it. Ask yourself, who experiences the problem your project solves? Or who will find joy in what you offer?
Why: Discuss the need your project addresses or the unique experience it offers. Why is your project necessary, and how will it improve or enrich the lives of your audience? For example, "Frequencies allows community members to find joy and pride in their everyday moments by transforming their personal media into large-scale art installations."
Your Credibility: Share your qualifications, past successes, or unique skills that make you the right person to execute this project. Highlighting previous successful projects or endorsements can bolster your reliability.
Risk Reversal: Assure your potential partners or backers that you have thought through the risks. Explain how you plan to mitigate these risks and ensure the project's success. This reassurance can make the decision to support you easier.
Call to Action: Finish with a clear invitation for your audience to take the next step. Whether it’s investing, collaborating, or simply learning more, make sure they know exactly what you need from them. For instance, "To explore how Frequencies can resonate within your community, contact me today to start the conversation."
Conclusion:
Ready to perfect your pitch? Don't just read about it - start practicing it! Download my free workbook, "Perfect the Pitch," which walks you through this exact framework in detail. It's a must-have resource for all creative entrepreneurs. Get ready to turn your great ideas into successful projects!