Before the boat leaves the dock To launch an effective pitch, some homework and preparation are essential. Often, we get so pumped by a request to present capabilities or creative solutions to a prospective client, we neglect to ask ourselves if this is business we really want. If we know someone within the organization, we try to gather information. We talk to people in the business community to find out if the organization is viable and if it pays its bills - we look for people who can vouch for the credibility of the company. Additional points to evaluate include whether the business can lead to a long-term relationship or offers a high profile opportunity.
Chemistry is an important factor along with work philosophy.
Many creatives welcome a smaller account that does not involve a competitive pitch. For others, a whopper of potential revenue is the deciding factor. Once the intelligence work is completed and it is determined that the prospect is worth pursuing, it's time to focus on preparing for the pitch. In most cases, the preparation time is relatively short, estimates range from a few days to six weeks. Most creatives confirm that talking with the prospective client is the key to a killer pitch.