{"id":72341,"date":"2016-06-30T11:53:29","date_gmt":"2016-06-30T09:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/entrepreneurship-release-pitch-a-phobia\/"},"modified":"2016-06-30T11:53:29","modified_gmt":"2016-06-30T09:53:29","slug":"entrepreneurship-release-pitch-a-phobia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/entrepreneurship-release-pitch-a-phobia\/","title":{"rendered":"Entrepreneurship release: Pitch-a-Phobia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Entrepreneurship release: Pitch-a-Phobia<\/a>: <\/p>\n

\"PP2016-PR-Pitch-A-Phobia-Allon-Raiz\"<\/p>\n

Pitch A Phobia – Allon Raiz Photo: Raizcorp<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

PITCH-A-PHOBIA\u2026 And how to overcome it<\/strong><\/p>\n

Imagine this scenario: You\u2019re ready to pitch your well-practised polished business pitch or idea for an innovative business to potential investors and\/or partners, but at the moment of delivery, you suffer from acute vocal paralysis. No sounds, only terror \u2013 pitch-a-phobia.<\/p>\n

Is there a cure? Sure. It\u2019s called \u2018systematic\u00a0desensitisation\u2019 and is based on the principles of behaviour modification, which means that by using basic learning techniques you can change your current conditioning. That\u2019s a win for the pitch-a-phobics.<\/p>\n

As an entrepreneur, it\u2019s particularly important for you to overcome this fear as you are always pitching, in one form or another. Whilst a certain amount of nervousness is healthy, this fear can be debilitating. The only way to overcome \u2018pitch-a-phobia\u2019 is by confronting it using a hierarchical system where each level is a small step towards overcoming the fear. \u201cYou cannot go from zero to hero in 60 seconds, as you will fail, and the fear will intensify. You have to take small steps, each systematically reducing the fear,\u2019 explains Bronwyn Echardt, Project Manager at business incubator Raizcorp, who herself has used this system to overcome her own paralysing phobia.<\/p>\n

Tips to create your hierarchy:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Remove any excuses of why you cannot pitch<\/li>\n
  2. Remember you are not trapped nor being targeted, this is part of the entrepreneurial journey<\/li>\n
  3. Evaluate the opportunity costs of not pitching<\/li>\n
  4. Practise a relaxation technique that you can utilise just before the pitch<\/li>\n
  5. Begin with your pitch written on cue cards in bullet point form only \u2013 this is to trigger your memory \u2013 you are not saying a speech<\/li>\n
  6. Pitch into a recorder \u2013 listen, tweak and repeat<\/li>\n
  7. Pitch to one person who will offer constructive criticism and feedback \u2013 tweak, practise, repeat<\/li>\n
  8. Present to a few close and trusted companions and take in their comments \u2013 tweak, practise, repeat<\/li>\n
  9. Pitch to work colleagues with a Q&A section \u2013 tweak, practise, repeat<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The evidence points to the reality that you are developing a tolerance for pitching and overcoming your fear. This is a gradual desensitisation process \u2013 you may even begin to enjoy it\u2026<\/p>\n

    The big moment arrives: time to present to the panel<\/strong><\/p>\n

    It\u2019s a cinch: you\u2019re word-perfect; you are overcoming your fear; you\u2019re ready to enter the ring confidently with your polished pitch. You are aware of your body language, clothing and you know your business intimately and are ready to answer questions on your experience, expertise, the business, how you are going to make money, and how the investors will see a return on their investment.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s time to take a deep breath and deliver your polished pitch. The annual ENGEN Pitch & Polish workshop and competition is an ideal opportunity to overcome your fear. The hosts of this programme, Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank, Raizcorp and SAfm, as well as local partner NYDA, provide entrepreneurs with a platform to take their business to the next level. Their advice is to be yourself and be honest if you don\u2019t know something. If you make a mistake, fix it, smile and keep going.<\/p>\n

    With every pitching opportunity, remember to listen to the feedback, tweak, practise and yes, repeat. Repeat, being the most crucial step to overcoming pitch-a-phobia.<\/p>\n

    For more information on ENGEN Pitch & Polish visit www.pitchandpolish.com.<\/p>\n

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    Source:<\/strong> MyPR<\/a><\/small>
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