Preparing Your Office For An Important Business Pitch

Whether you’re trying to get funding from investors or win the custom of a potential client, when it comes to pitches, the stakes are high. After all, the impression you make can be the difference between taking your ideas to the next level and missing out on valuable opportunities. Your office plays a crucial role in how other people view your company, and if you want to bolster your efforts and increase the chances of your presentation being a success, a little preparation can go a long way. So, if you’ve got an important business pitch coming up, here are a few suggestions you may want to bear in mind. Have the right equipment on hand Once you have decided what the main points of your presentation are, you’ll need to think carefully about how you are going to get your ideas across. If the meeting is taking place in your boardroom or conference room, it’s vital to make sure you have all the right equipment set up in advance. For example, you may choose to use visual aids such as PowerPoint and flipcharts to display facts and figures in an easy to understand way and to reinforce your key points. Or perhaps you want to deliver your pitch via a short video, in which case you will need to have appropriate video technology on hand. It’s also a good idea to test all of your equipment just before you are due to deliver your presentation to ensure that it is working properly and to avoid any embarrassing technical faults. Providing a handout for the audience with a short summary of your ideas can also help to enhance your message, and you may want to provide people with pens and paper so they can jot down notes if they need to. Spruce up your office When meeting with potential client and investors, first impressions are essential. The way your workplace is presented can speak volumes about your company’s culture, aspirations and work ethic. A messy, poorly kept office is bound to reflect badly on your business and may signal to others that you are unorganised and negligent in your working methods. An organised and tidy office, on the other hand, will exude an air of success and professionalism and instil confidence in your guests. Before your clients are due to arrive, give your office a thorough clean and make sure everything is in order, paying particular attention to the areas they are likely to see and spend time in, such as reception rooms and boardrooms. Ask your staff to de-clutter their workspaces and remove any confidential or unprofessional paperwork from their desks. You may even want to give your walls a fresh lick of paint if the décor is looking scruffy or outdated, and replace any broken or substandard office furniture. At the very least, you should provide a variety of comfortable seating options and a suitable meeting table. Show off your success It’s not just the pitch itself that can sway a prospective client’s or investor’s opinion of your business. Giving an important presentation at your office also provides you with the perfect opportunity to show off your success and promote your brand. After all, the aim of the pitch is to sell a product or idea that your business has to offer, so it only makes sense that your surroundings should reinforce this. For example, having a branded interior can help to make your firm more memorable and create the image of an established business. You may also want to display any awards or certificates you have achieved and have a range of portfolio samples on hand to demonstrate previous work and projects you are proud of. Not only will this help to engage your guests, it can also serve to gain their trust by showing them what you are capable of achieving. Let your employees know It is also wise to let your employees know when you are due to deliver a pitch. Let’s face it, the last thing you want is someone interrupting you half way through the meeting to tell you you’ve got a phone call waiting. Try to give your employees and colleagues advanced warning so they know when you will be busy - and remind them again shortly before the meeting. You should also make everyone aware of the time you have booked the boardroom or conference room for to avoid any disruptions. Another important thing to bear in mind is that your clients could have chance encounters with any employee who works for your company, so make sure that everyone is clear about how they should greet guests and conduct themselves more generally. Encourage your workforce to dress appropriately and act in a professional manner when clients and investors are on site, as this will help to give an overall positive view of your business. You may also want to let your staff know the names of the clients and give them some background information. Stock up on refreshments Sometimes, it’s the small details that can make all the difference. If you want to leave a favourable impression and make your guests feel welcome in your office, don’t forget to stock up on refreshments. Provide a selection of hot and cold drinks and an assortment of snacks to keep your guests refreshed and help them maintain concentration. By providing refreshments, you will also show potential clients and investors that you care about their needs and have great attention to detail. Bear in mind that you may want to assign a member of staff to offer beverages so you can concentrate on delivering your pitch. By giving yourself plenty of time to prepare your office and notify your workers, you should be able to leave a favourable impression and increase the chances of your presentation being a triumph. For inspiration on how to impress clients and deliver a winning business pitch at your workplace, why not browse our collection of high-quality office furniture and presentation equipment today?

June 29, 2016 | View: 401 | Categories: ROOT