Why Your Startup is Struggling to Close Sales: 5 Mistakes Founders Make in Every Pitch
Many startups struggle with closing sales.
They make the same mistakes in every pitch.
In this video I break down these common errors and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Talking too much about the product, not the problem it solves.
When you focus on features, you lose the prospect's interest. They need to see how your product solves their specific problem. Start by understanding their pain points. Then, tailor your pitch to show how your solution addresses those issues directly.
Mistake #2: Overloading the prospect with information.
Keep it simple and clear. Too much information can overwhelm and confuse. Highlight the key benefits and leave out the technical jargon. Simplify your message to make it easily digestible. This helps the prospect grasp the value quickly.
Mistake #3: Not addressing objections early in the conversation.
Prospects have concerns. Ignoring them can be fatal. Address objections head-on. Show that you understand their worries and provide clear answers. This builds trust and shows that you are confident in your solution.
Mistake #4: Failing to create urgency—why should they act now?
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Without urgency, prospects may delay their decision. Highlight why immediate action is beneficial. Maybe it's a limited-time offer or the competitive advantage they gain by acting quickly. Make them see the cost of inaction.
Mistake #5: Leaving without a clear next step or commitment.
Always end with a clear call to action. Whether it's scheduling a follow-up meeting or signing a contract, make sure there's a next step. This keeps the momentum going and moves the prospect closer to a decision.
To deliver a compelling pitch that leads to conversions, remember these points. Focus on the problem, keep it simple, address objections, create urgency, and always have a clear next step.
Until next time,
Peter
Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help you:
Helping Founders Stuck at $1M ARR Scale to $10M ARR | Bespoke Operating Systems Delivered in 90 Days | Scaling Startups Without the Growing Pains | Founder @FounderFirst
3wA winning pitch is about saying the right things, Peter! Simplify your message, focus on benefits, and connect with your audience’s needs. Practice with real feedback, and always end with a clear, actionable ask.
Vice President - Commercial Services
3wPeter Sorgenfrei Another golden nugget Sometimes the prospect wants you to listen, hold their hand and potentially discuss multiple paths to help solve their business problems (or what I call the series of IFs..THENs approach). And yes, sometimes the end result is what you're offering might not be the best solution for them at this time. Many love closers for the here and now but sometimes the ones that plant seeds and nurture the relationship ends up with the larger deals down the road.
CEO @ 1B happier, xVP Reddit, Stanford grad
3wListen more than you speak. - it's a great point 🔥
High-Performance Coach 🚀 | Follow for daily science-backed tips on leading high-performing teams using mindset, habits and systems | Emergency Physician 🚑
3wClarity and simplicity always win. Overloading with details only dilutes the impact of our pitch, Peter Sorgenfrei
Entrepreneur, Father, Founder. Follow for daily posts on Business, Leadership, Mindset, & Personal Growth.
3wFocus on the needs of your client or investor. Too many founders think their product’s features sell it. In reality, the benefits are what they care about. Show how it solves a problem for them.