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   ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  ? If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"