NEWARK, DE – This past month, I’ve pitched my nonprofit, Inspire Youth USA, more times than I could ever imagine. Whether that was in a classroom, conference center, my dorm, or parking lot, each time went completely different.
At the University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship Fall Pitch Party, I had 90 seconds to tell the rich, detailed story of Inspire Youth. My first draft went too deep, overselling who we are and what we do. I quickly realized that if you try to say everything, no one remembers anything. I had to find that sweet spot.
I spent hours rewriting and practicing my pitch, over and over again. I FaceTimed friends, pitched to whoever walked by, and repeated that process. But there’s one thing I noticed: it was never truly perfect. And honestly, pitching will never be perfect, no matter how much you prepare.
Earlier this morning, I was invited to attend a Business Networking International (BNI) meeting. I was surrounded by other motivated business leaders who all had a pitch of their own. Watching everyone go around the table and give their 30-second pitch, I realized how different pitching looks to different people.
The art of pitching doesn’t lie in memorizing a script. It lies in knowledge. The ability to know a topic so well that you can adapt it and still speak with confidence. Pitching isn’t about using buzz words or perfect delivery; it’s about showing others why what you’re building matters and why they should believe in it with you.
The more I’ve pitched, the better I’ve gotten at it. That’s what the Horn Pitch Party introduced me to. That’s what the BNI meeting enforced. And that is the true power of pitching as an Entrepreneur. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being confident not only in your product, but in yourself.
Winning second place was an incredible experience, and I’m beyond grateful for it. But what I’m most proud of is what came after: finding new ways to express myself and my passion for Inspire Youth, learning to adapt our story to any audience, and realizing that every pitch is another opportunity to share the impact we’re making at a young age.
And that, is what pitching truly means.
-Gavin
