085R | Catch up with Alan and Tallis as they zero in on the key elements of a successful pitch, and the importance of uncomfortable silence, as well as a home improvement update from Jonathan and review of Monday's episode with author M.K. Williams.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Jonathan reports a wallpaper challenge/ DIY fail in his kitchen.
• • Recommendation: use drywall mud to fix blemishes in drywall after removing wall paper.
• What home-improvement projects are worth hiring out?
• MK, from Monday's episode, noticed that through persistence she has not only produced more content, and that with each release, her previous work sells even better.
• • Check out Episode 59 about persistence.
• How to build your personal brand and get start building your sidehustle and/or passion?
• Sidehustle Coaching episodes so far:
• • Episode 30: Introduction to Alan Donegan
  • Episode 56: Part 1 – meet Tallis and hear about her new business idea
  • Episode 77: Part 2 – check in about Tallis' progress and initial feedback
• Update since the previous episode:
• • Chris, from the fundraising department at the Northwestern Hospital, is interested in hearing Tallis' pitch.
• If you can't sell your business, you don't get any customers, and therefore you don't get any money.
• "Sales" is the process finding someone with a problem you can solve and explaining that you can fix that problem.
• Why did Alan struggle to sell his own business at the start?
• What is the problem that Tallis' business is solving?
• How has Tallis clarified her business' goal?
• The triad: include three points when you make your pitch.
• How do people accidentally overwhelm listeners during their pitch?
• What's the best way to start a pitch?
• Never end your pitch with Q&A.
• How can you set up a strong close if you have to include Q&A?
• At the close, it's important to actually ask the potential customer to buy the product.
• "If you don't ask, you don't get."
• What does Tallis want to ask at the close of her pitch to Northwestern?
• How did Alan help a group of students pitch for an advertisement with a really strong open?
• How to deliver a strong pitch on the phone?
• Your moments of impact as a speaker are actually when the audience is thinking.
• How does Alan get someone's attention at the start of his pitch conversation?
• • Creative intro
  • Confirm he's talking to the right person
• Tallis' product isn't right for everyone. It's important to ask questions to determine whether her product meets the need of a potential client.
• How and when does Alan suggest delivering the price?
• What part does the uncomfortable pause play in selling a product?
• Why doesn't lowering prices always equate to increased sales?
• Tallis sets a measurable goal for number of pitches and sales.
• Want a copy of MK's book? Leave a review!

Links:

DIY to FI

My $3,500 Tiny House Explained

Caboose Rental

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