How To Build The A-team: What I've Learned From Pitching New Business http://ift.tt/2nbSg2N You could create a big swirl of activity, ask for advice from everywhere, and gorge on GrubHub into the wee hours. But if you cast the wrong set of characters, you’ll spend a lot of money and time without actually getting any closer to your goal. In my time at a media agency, I’ve led a lot of new business pitches. And there are a ton of similarities between the two challenges. The pace is fast and furious: you’re putting together a new team, crafting an entirely new business plan, and getting a go-to-market strategy ready at the drop of a hat That means that at the end of the day, it all lives or dies with your team. You’ve got to obsess over personalities and talent - and ensure that you’re bringing different skills and point of views to the table (even if they annoy you along the way). With that in mind, here’s who you really need to bring onboard for your venture – and how to manage them to bring out their rock star qualities. The Expert: What could possibly go wrong - they know everything, right? But this is the person that makes you wonder if you can actually know too much about something. Adam Grant calls them “prisoners of their prototype” who cannot break away from the tried and true. These are often the same people who are highly risk adverse. Their expertise is often based on past experience, not where your customer and competition is headed. Be careful not to let best practice trap you into conventional thinking. Instead, learn the rules well from them so you can break them effectively. The “Idea” person: Turning a dream into a reality can be soul-sucking. But that inspiration is what centers the team. If this is you, be tough on yourself. The first iteration of an idea is never the best one. Use radical honesty to your advantage. Don’t fall for the shiny object – like the logo or cool prototype – and think you’re all set. If your focus is on the surface instead of the strategy behind it, rely on your team to help you create a bullet-proof plan. The Instigator: This is the toughest and most important to cast. They need to be universally respected so that the rest of the team doesn’t shut down, get too defensive, or seethe inside when they start getting peppered with uncomfortable questions. They are the pressure test for your strategy. Respond with grace and energy. If you’ve picked well, confidence will stay strong and you’ve made the first important step toward a successful launch. Business via Forbes - Entrepreneurs http://ift.tt/dTEDZf November 28, 2017 at 01:18PM
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