Bad pitches of good ideas — whether for new business, internal projects, or investment — are frustrating, both for those making them and those hearing them. Unfortunately, there are few mechanisms for feedback. Decision-makers have neither the time nor process to critique those who pitch to them. And for those who are pitching, losing the deal is often the only sign that something went wrong. This not only leaves good ideas homeless, but it doesn’t improve anyone’s lot: those hearing pitches continue to hear bad pitches, and those making bad pitches continue to fumble.
Survey: What Makes You Accept or Reject a Pitch?
Your answers will help inform a better approach.
January 02, 2020
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Summary.
The tools we use to be efficient and independent, collaborating in the cloud and not always in the same office, have reduced the opportunities for people to project chemistry together in pitches – which by extension, reduces their ability to build chemistry with their audience. Additionally, the more transient workforce of the gig economy has increased the roles of temp and contract employees within organizations, resulting in more pitches being made by ad hoc teams. We survey HBR readers who hear pitches about what those pitching can do to reduce these barriers.
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HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Presentation Skills Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Presentation Skills. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Inspire your audience with confidence and poise.