By Anna Brindley
Shows about entrepreneurs always catch my attention. Since I have a friend and mentor on an upcoming episode of “Millionaire Mom” on TLC, coming up, I’m especially interested in this season’s episodes.
Thanks to DVR technology, I am actually able to watch this show – once the children are snug in their beds, of course. The first episode covered women who have products in the beauty category. It was nerve-racking to watch because I truly want all of the gals to win. I get nervous for each of them as they participate in their contests.
In the premiere episode, each one of the contestants had excellent products. I suspect that was the “price of admission” – a basic requirement in the casting. But when it came down to the final two women, who were competing for the chance to partner with HSN, I could tell they earned the opportunity in large part to their ultra-refined pitches. When everything else is equal, and the judges are impressed with all products, it’s how well you articulate your purpose that makes the difference. In the end, Presentation is Everything.
So how did it end? Out of all the contestants, down to the last contest between the final two, the best presenter is the one who won. Amongst all the sellable products emerged a single individual who was able to sell herself. This is a lesson I have had to learn over and over.
Even when I was in the food and beverage industry (granted, as a a waitress and a bartender, but a very experienced one!) I remember that concept being drilled in repeatedly. A customer will eat or drink with his or her eyes first. If you served a drink where the whipped cream was perfectly swirled and the cherry perfectly placed on top in a sparkling glass, the customer would “like” the drink even if the taste was unexceptional. Why? Presentation is Everything.
It is a good lesson to practice, practice and practice your pitch some more. Even though the show makes me want to squirm, the lessons are there for the taking. Tune in on TLC Friday nights. http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/homemade-millionaire/
Think Tank Society (tm) Blog 
I saw the show as well, Anna. Assuming the product is first-rate, presentation is everything. That episode also reinforced the importance of the ‘elevator speech’. The initial 3 contestants had–what was it–three minutes (?) to make their pitches to the board. The worst pitch got cut. That’s the ultimate Survivor test. So tought to master, that elevator speech.
Which contestant was your friend?
Rick, my friend is Carissa Brown and her company is http://www.carissarose.com. She will be on the Dec. 3rd episode!
I enjoyed your blog very much. Yes, in business and in life “Perception” – what you refer to as “Presentation” – is everything!