Pitch Zoo – December

Earlier this week was the December Pitch Zoo event.  We went through what has taken place at Pitch Zoo the past two years (2nd year review), discussed the future (improvements), and Regina practiced her pitch for Riscamagine.

As for the future, here is some of the feedback discussed:

• People want to “See It First” before they come to Pitch Zoo. Possible solution: provide a video online of people pitching.  There are already pictures of Pitch Zoo events online, and there are links to examples of pitch videos (but not from Pitch Zoo).
• Continue to try to make it more welcoming (i.e. to “Pump You Up”)
• Moderate better. Continue to improve the moderation of the feedback so that people don’t feel like they are in a “meat grinder”.  Also, explain the mentor whiplash issue and that there is advice coming from various perspectives.
• Have a past pitcher talk with a new pitcher for coffee; provides a support to the new pitcher
• Have seen improvement in the people that have pitched multiple times
• At the start of each Pitch Zoo, reinforce the guidelines for the audience when giving feedback. i.e. educate the audience about providing feedback
• Possibly have a “Theme” Pitch Zoo events — e.g. all craft beer pitches, or for only investors pitches, or for only customer pitches, etc.
• Have a fictitious pitch day where people that don’t have their own ideas can practice pitching any idea.  However, don’t want to try to replicate what ToastMasters is doing.
• Get feedback from past pitchers about how they felt when pitching. For example, what was their stress level?  What could make one feel more welcoming? etc.