Management Tip of the Day: Win the Pitch

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 22, 2012 Win the Pitch Whether you are vying for a highly-prized account, convincing a CFO to loosen the purse strings, or swaying a new team, you need a winning pitch. Here are three steps to compose and deliver it: Know the hidden agenda. Figure out your audience's unspoken emotional motivation. What do they want, need, or value above all else? Connect. Demonstrate that you have the answer for them: something special that solves their needs. Form your argument. Create an exciting narrative where your audience attains their desires. Don't use business-speak, but good old-fashioned storytelling to convincingly convey your pitch. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Win the Pitch: Tips from Mastercard's "Priceless" Pitchman" by Kevin Allen. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Yes to the Mess: Surprising Leadership Lessons from Jazz HBR Press Book What can Duke Ellington and Miles Davis teach us about leadership? Learn how the improvisational "jazz mind-set" and the skills that go along with it are essential for effective leadership today. With fascinating stories of the insights and innovations from the jazz world, author Frank Barrett introduces a new model for leading and collaborating in organizations that can help anyone who leads teams or works with them. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Handle Both Kinds of Conflict Take Mini Email Vacations Every Day Stop Wasting Your Boss's Time Let Employees Tell Their Own Stories about Change Change Your Culture a Few Behaviors at a Time Apply the Right Kind of Pressure to Innovators Create Raving Fans for Your Idea Demonstrate Your Credibility as a Leader Explore a New Career with an Informational Interview Reveal Your Intentions to Build Trust All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing HBR's Morning Advantage The Harvard Business Review Morning Advantage delivers the latest business ideas from beyond HBR.org directly to your inbox every morning — and it is free! Sign up today >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)