Vusi Thembekwayo | How to pitch your business

Summary

This video script outlines a masterclass focused on the traits and practices that set successful entrepreneurs apart. It features pitches from various entrepreneurs, each given a short time to present their business idea, problem it solves, and their ask from the audience. The facilitator offers feedback on effective pitching techniques, emphasizing clarity, confidence, storytelling, and stating clear asks. The session highlights the importance of presenting with conviction and connecting with the audience through personal and brand stories, ultimately aiming to help entrepreneurs refine their pitches and achieve high growth.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The video script is from a masterclass focused on helping entrepreneurs become high-growth and high-scale by sharing insights and debunking myths.
• 💡 Entrepreneurs are encouraged to articulate their business idea within a minute, explaining the problem they solve and why their product or service is needed.
• 🌐 The script emphasizes the importance of making a clear 'ask' at the beginning and end of a pitch to ensure the audience knows what is being requested.
• 🌱 One entrepreneur's pitch involves a sustainable biodiesel product made from waste plastics, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits.
• 📉 The same entrepreneur faces challenges with licensing and legislation that limit production capacity, illustrating the hurdles that can be faced in the industry.
• 💼 A second pitch involves a financial support system for students, aiming to provide them with the funds needed for meals and other necessities, not just tuition.
• 👗 A fashion brand pitch targets plus-sized women and has experienced success in attracting a broader audience, necessitating a diversification of the brand.
• 📈 The fashion brand's success has led to the need for increased production to meet demand from customers outside the initial target market.
• 📸 The fashion entrepreneur is seeking a photoshoot to help grow the brand's following and sell directly to customers, bypassing high commission rates from retail spaces.
• 🎤 The masterclass also provides feedback on pitching techniques, including the importance of body language, owning the stage, and telling a compelling brand story.
• 🔑 The script underlines the power of storytelling in pitches, suggesting that a strong narrative can resonate with the audience and leave a lasting impression.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the master class?

The main theme of the master class is to share knowledge on how to become a high-growth, high-scale entrepreneur and to break down myths and ideas related to entrepreneurship.

What is the format of the pitch session in the master class?

The format involves each participant having 90 seconds, preferably 60 seconds, to present their business idea, the problem they are solving, and why people should buy from them. The audience then decides who they want to support.

What is Cinzia's business idea and what problem is she solving?

Cinzia's business idea is to produce biodiesel, an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol and diesel, using waste plastics. The problem she is solving is providing a cheaper and eco-friendly fuel option.

What challenges is Cinzia facing with her business?

Cinzia is facing challenges with licensing and legislation, as the government caps the production capacity, limiting her to producing a maximum of 240 liters of biodiesel each year.

What is the unique selling proposition of Cinzia's biodiesel product?

The unique selling proposition is that the biodiesel is not only cheaper and environmentally friendly but also non-toxic, biodegradable, and beneficial for engine maintenance, prolonging engine life.

What is the main ask from the participants at the end of their pitch?

The main ask is for the audience to visit the participant's website, invest money, and support their business idea.

What advice is given regarding starting a conversation with an ask?

The advice given is to start and end the conversation with the ask, without justifying it, and to be clear and audible in stating what is wanted.

What is the second speaker's business model and how does it differ from traditional financial services?

The second speaker's business model involves providing financial support to students, offering loans with a fixed interest rate, and ensuring that every employee can manage their finances regardless of their financial history. This differs from traditional services by focusing on financial inclusivity and support.

What issue does the third speaker face with her fashion brand?

The third speaker faces the issue of diversifying her brand to cater to all sizes, as her fashion brand has attracted a broader audience than initially intended, including thinner women.

What is the primary goal of the third speaker's pitch?

The primary goal of the third speaker's pitch is to gain support for a photoshoot to help grow her fashion brand's following and to sell directly to customers without high commission rates.

What advice is given by the professional speaker for effective pitching?

The advice includes not overstating or apologizing, moving forward on the stage, finding the place of power (light), owning the stage, stating the ask clearly at the beginning and end, and using a compelling story to humanize the pitch.