2015 Business Pitch Contest Winner

By: Stan Washington
Date: April 20,2015

My day began at five something in the morning as I loaded up a van with goodies for the event. Not knowing what to expect, I was extremely excited! When the crowd arrived I was even more elated because I was now in "my crowd!" I asked the crowd "Are you ready?" and they all yelled "YES!"

We started with ten contestants, but many more jumped in as they did not want to be shown up! This was a business pitch competition and the contestants only had 30 seconds to wow the crowd. We heard business pitches about dress making to bath products, to preserving historical music to technology.

When the smoke cleared one winner emerged, Scott Stewart of Project Tech Teens filled every last second with eloquence. He was able to excite us about his service while letting us know how to get in contact with him. He explained the benefits and we were excited. All of this in 30 seconds? Absolutely!

He took home the grand prize of a trip to the Cincinnati Jazz Festival, Mike Epps concert tickets and a Marketing Plan from Honor Services Office!  He was elated! Tickets were compliments of Chicago's R & B 106.3.

Shelby Moore was there along with Victoria Cook and Dan Duster.

Our winners for small business awards for 2015 are:

Rod Thomas of Cajun Fryer and Grill

Rod supplied the tasty morsels we had during the event!

Dr. Porter was there helping people understand how to have healthy hair through science.

What does hair have to do with this event? She is part of our community and we bring a community of people together to help.

For those who are interested in writing a book, L Marie was there. She was / is the editor of our book series and is available to those who NEED to write a book to put in words their expertise. She is tough but passionate!

Evie Burke served with me on the board of ICF. I am proud to see where she is going!

Great event full of great people. Remember to take GOD with your business!

Honor Services Office - Business Pitch Contest 2015

Why did we choose to have a Business Pitch contest?

We wanted to develop a contest that would actually benefit your business. By entering this contest, it brings fresh eyes to your business and you can couple telling people about the contest with any special offerings you may have.

What is a *Business Pitch?

You have 30 seconds to tell a compelling story about your business that the audience can clearly understand. Be careful what you say because the audience will be your judge!

What should I say?

When writing a business pitch, consider the nine C's:

• Concise. Keep the pitch succinct with as few words as possible.
• Clear. The pitch should be easily understood by a layman, rather than filled with acronyms and industry terminology.
• Compelling. What problem does your business solve, and what can you do for your target audience?
• Credible. Spell out what makes you qualified to do what you do without using buzzwords like outside the box or synergy. Using credibility-driven words like certified will help sell your business.
• Conceptual. Keep your pitch broad; don't go into too many details.
• Concrete. The pitch should be tangible and easily grasped by your audience.
• Customized. Each target audience is different. The pitch should be tailored to the listeners.
• Consistent. No matter how many versions of your pitch you have, they should all convey the same basic message.
• Conversational. Start the conversation, and hook your target. Keep it casual. Don't try to close a deal in the pitch

After I enter the contest what should I do?

When you enter the contest, most of the work has been done for you!

•             Purchase any one of the books for sale during the event on April 18th 2015 at Chicago State University.
•            Deliver your business pitch within the allotted time and within rules.
•           Get the crowd involved for they will be your judges!

How will I be judged?

The entrant with the most votes by audience applause wins. 

What are the prizes?

The contestant with the most votes wins up to $1000 in prizes and cash. Cash availability is subject to book sales and will not be finalized until up to four (4) weeks after the event. All cash prizes are subject to cancellation at the discretion of Honor Services. See Rules for more details.

Tell what you Sell - The Catch, You only have 30 Seconds!

Some call a pitch an ELEVATOR SPEECH, others call it a MEANINGFUL INTRODUCTION. Whatever you call it, this is your chance to tell people about your company and what you offer!

The goal is to get the audience to understand what the business is about and what it can do for them. The purpose of an elevator pitch is not to close a deal or a sale; rather, it's to make the audience want to continue the conversation. Your pitch should contain salient, intriguing details about your company rather than dry figures.

When writing an elevator pitch, consider the nine C's:

• Concise. Keep the pitch succinct with as few words as possible.
• Clear. The pitch should be easily understood by a layman, rather than filled with acronyms and industry terminology.
• Compelling. What problem does your business solve, and what can you do for your target audience?
• Credible. Spell out what makes you qualified to do what you do without using buzzwords like outside the box or synergy. Using credibility-driven words like certified will help sell your business.
• Conceptual. Keep your pitch broad; don't go into too many details.
• Concrete. The pitch should be tangible and easily grasped by your audience.
• Customized. Each target audience is different. The pitch should be tailored to the listeners.
• Consistent. No matter how many versions of your pitch you have, they should all convey the same basic message.
• Conversational. Start the conversation, and hook your target. Keep it casual. Don't try to close a deal in the pitch

WAYS TO EMPOWER MY BUSINESS SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2015 

CHICAGO STATE LIBRARY AUDITORIUM

Great Tips for Your 30 Second Business Pitch

Date: April 11, 2015
By: Stan Washington

“Instead of killing your neighbor try saving them” were the words that perked my ears to listen on. Perking the ears to make the audience listen to more is very important! You could be on an elevator with the right person someday and the ride is only 30 seconds. What will you say? How passionate are you?

Some call a pitch an ELEVATOR SPEECH, others call it a MEANINGFUL INTRODUCTION. Whatever you call it, this is your chance to tell people about your company and what you offer!

The goal is to get the audience to understand what the business is about and what it can do for them. The purpose of an elevator pitch is not to close a deal or a sale; rather, it's to make the audience want to continue the conversation. Your pitch should contain salient, intriguing details about your company rather than dry figures.

When writing an elevator pitch, consider the nine C's:

• Concise. Keep the pitch succinct with as few words as possible.
• Clear. The pitch should be easily understood by a layman, rather than filled with acronyms and industry terminology.
• Compelling. What problem does your business solve, and what can you do for your target audience?
• Credible. Spell out what makes you qualified to do what you do without using buzzwords like outside the box or synergy. Using credibility-driven words like certified will help sell your business.
• Conceptual. Keep your pitch broad; don't go into too many details.
• Concrete. The pitch should be tangible and easily grasped by your audience.
• Customized. Each target audience is different. The pitch should be tailored to the listeners.
• Consistent. No matter how many versions of your pitch you have, they should all convey the same basic message.
• Conversational. Start the conversation, and hook your target. Keep it casual. Don't try to close a deal in the pitch

It’s not “your” pitch that’s important here, it’s “their” need being filled. Don’t make it all about you rather make it about your audience. Start off with a strong headline, ask questions, get the audience involved.  Show what value you bring. Practice, but don’t parrot! Having a canned response sounds phony! Know what you are going to say but tailor it to the occasion.

By executing a great pitch you could be on your way to wonderful opportunities with that unexpected meeting.