Dress the part and pitch perfectly

We all like to say that appearances aren’t everything, but first impressions are important. The way you look speaks before you do, particularly for entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business or business ideas.

Raizcorp spokesperson, Bronwyn Echardt shares tips on dressing the part:

When you dress to pitch, imagine you’re going for an interview at a top corporate company, and have to make a positive impact on your interviewer. Evening wear and elaborate outfits are not suitable, but refined and simple clothing will show your audience how serious you are about presenting your pitch.

First impressions count – before you start your pitch, the investors will have already come to some conclusions about you based on your appearance, so it has to be absolutely suitable for the event.

Echardt goes on to explain what men and women should or shouldn’t do.

Dressing to pitch for women:

• Try and refrain from showing any part of your undergarments. Make sure you are suitably covered. This goes for cleavage as well.
• Choose jewellery that won’t shake, rattle and roll as you make your presentation.
• Miniskirts are a big no. Anything above the knee should not be worn.
• High heels are fine, as long as you can walk confidently and won’t stumble.
• Avoid chipped nail polish, lipstick on your teeth, laddered pantyhose, untidy hair and wearing too much perfume.
• When applying makeup – go for natural tones rather than loud colours.

Dressing to pitch for the men:

• Ensure your fly is always zipped up.
• Trousers must always fit perfectly and be secured with a belt.
• Shirts should always be tucked in and not hanging out.
• Aftershave should be worn very subtly.
• Deodorant or antiperspirant is very important, your nerves will make you sweat and this will keep patchy underarms at bay.
• Shoes must always be polished and clean.

If you are interested in making that pitch perfectly, visit www.pitchandpolish.com for more information.