🐎 Opportunity knocks #32

Are you just one email away from good news? (Pitch muscle) + A new list of opportunities to seize!

Keva Epale

Nov 15, 2024

👋 Hello, Creative! I hope November has been good for you so far.

Despite the cold weather and the layering of pullovers to match the season’s vibe, this month is a revealing one.

Before jumping into this week’s list, I wanted to talk about pitching or crafting the perfect email for a new opportunity. I tend to apply when I see an opportunity that fits my skills and vision while also challenging them. What matters most is that it aligns with my goals, values and vision. This month has been all about pitching. Not only do I dedicate an entire chapter to this topic in my upcoming book, but I have also been pitching to potential clients, guests, ventures and collaboration ideas.

When you write, you are trying to draw a clear line to the heart. Sometimes, you hit just at the center, and other times, it can be slightly off. But it’s all worth it. Keep sending those appointed emails… and they will hit the target.

There are effective pitching roadmaps, but I have never followed them. I might find some interesting, but once, I start writing, it doesn’t matter anymore. Firstly, my focus is on who I am writing to. Secondly on the intention of the message. And finally how to convey my concept, motivation, and DNA—while showing how I can be an asset and serve. Pitching is a dedicated exercise that demands presentness and involvement! One you can’t do on autopilot (despite what some internet gurus might say about automating it with AI, for example*).

The moment you spend answering that offer, person, contest, agency, or startup is one of intentionality. When you are aligned on values, your pitches are done with ease, and regardless of the outcome, there’s no regret. You even have enough goodie joy to smile at a “No” and move on. Years ago, I might have asked for feedback, especially from agencies. But now, It doesn’t matter anymore. The best feedback is to ask yourself: were you convinced you were the most relevant person for that opportunity? And did you outline clearly your motivations, goals, concepts, etc? If yes, what is yours will never pass you by. In the meantime, you are sharpening your pencils, refining your words and aligning your intentions with what lies ahead.

* You can still use AI to make corrections or adjustments. I am not anti-AI.

To be persuasive we must be believable;
to be believable we must be creditable;
to be credible we must be truthful.
Edward R. Murrow

✦ Did you miss the last post? It was all about takeaways.