5 Tips to Get Your Pitch on Dragons’ Den CBC’s
Matt Faulknor in conversation with Deborah Aarts
- Go easy on gimmicks: Bells & whistles won’t get you past the audition unless there’s a truly solid and interesting idea at root.
- Do your homework: Faulkner is amazed at how often would-be pitchers fail to do even the most basic due diligence.
- “A good background story makes for great TV,” says Faulkner. “It ’s my job to find those stories.”
- Prove that you really need help: “We’re looking for businesses that actually need the smart money the Dragons can offer.”
- Keep your cool: Know your numbers, demonstrate passion, &
- be able to competently & compellingly pitch under pressure.
- Read the whole article: http://tinyurl.com/MattsTips
What To Do Once You Get The Chance To Be On The Den
Detailed video at http://wizof.biz/DDtips
- Done well, it ’s good publicity even if you don’t get funded.
- Dragons’ Den is mainly about entertainment.
- Be a sage on the stage: Know your market & answer wisely.
- Stay on message even if interrupted. Answer any questions, and then get back to your presentation.
- Don’t contradict the Dragons or your team mates.
- Engage in dialog: You’ll lose if you try to debate the Dragons.
- Have an example or prop to illustrate your product or service.
- Dress appropriately to your market: business, fun, casual…
- Prepare a script with important points first. You may only have 15-30 seconds before you’re interrupted by the Dragons.
- Rehearse and re-rehearse your script so you don’t get lost in interruptions. However, always answer Dragons’ questions first.
- Have Devil’s Advocates acting as a stand-ins for the Dragons during your rehearsals, trying to throw you off base.Reply to all questions with humour, facts and figures.
- Have back-up people on your team to step in with detailed knowledge on specific topics, or if one presenter is stumbling.
- Know when to seek outside opinions & advice, to get beyond the frame of reference of your friends, relatives & associates.