Recently I was asked to speak at a non-profit organization regarding entrepreneurship. The Director of the organization searched and found us, after Googling: “Virtual Work”. However, once I accepted the request to speak, they still needed several things from my company to present to their board; which I presented right away. So what if you want to be the aggressor and pursue a corporate client? What do you need to prepare for your big pitch? First you need to be beyond passionate about what you do. That means you should be able to talk, write and do it for hours, just because you enjoy it. Why become an entrepreneur, if you’re doing something you don’t enjoy, right? When you’re passionate about your business, it will translate in your pitch and your Corporate client may be just as enthused as you are to get started working with you. Next you need the logistics. Once you pitch to a Corporation, if they’re interested, the first thing they may check out is your website. Is your website on point? Are there loads of grammatical errors or typos? Is it pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate? Do you have press coverage you’ve received on your website and testimonials? Next you’ll want to make sure at the very least you have these four bullet points to pitch successfully to a Corporate client:

• Media kit – I can’t tell you how many media kits I’ve received that are full of useless information. Make sure your cover/folder is representative of the type of business you run (i.e. a wedding planner wouldn’t want a sterile or bland cover). May sure you only include a few key items that speaks to the clients needs, not a lot of
• Case Studies – Show the client that you’ve “Been there, Done that”. Be able to demonstrate case studies that outline how you’ve helped other clients and make sure you’re as honest and open as possible with your presentations in this area.
• Great Presentation – If the Corporate client asks you to visit with them in person, or virtually are you ready to present? Make sure you already have a powerful and attractive presentation to put your best foot forward. Make sure you arrive early if you’re presenting in person to check the equipment and make sure everything is in working order. Don’t forget making a good presentation also involves the way you speak and how professional you’re dressed. I don’t think mini skirts or sagging pants are going to make the sell.  Great presentation involves representing the “Total” business package.
• Practice makes perfect – Make sure you practice your pitch or speech several times before your meeting or phone call. You need to be able to field questions that may come up in the meeting. Use empathy and put yourself in the clients shoes, so that you can best answer their questions.

Are you ready to pitch your business to your first corporate client, but need a bit more guidance? Schedule your “Business Consultation” with me and I’ll walk you through every step and even help you prepare your media kit. You can schedule your 1 hour session here.

This is Shilonda Downing, signing off for Virtual Work Team LLC!

P.S. Here’s a video to help you get started blogging for Corporate clients here.