Select one of the following scenarios:
Scenario 1: You are a budding entrepreneur with a great idea and you want to pitch it on the TV show “Shark Tank.” Your product or service should be something the Sharks will want to sink their teeth into.
Scenario 2: You’ve got a great idea you want to pitch to your leadership team.
For either scenario, there are two deliverables:
Part One: Create a 1-2 minute pitch of your idea, using the approaches described in the Weekly Materials. For this section, you may either write out your pitch or record it on video. Make sure your pitch includes:
An introduction previewing what you are going to pitch
A hook
A brief, non-confidential, description of your product or service
Any differentiating advantages your product or service offers
Financial information, such as how much your product or service sells for (for purposes of this scenario, you can make this information up)
An explanation of how you will use the Sharks’ money or your organization’s financial support (e.g., building your product, hiring more employees)
A call to action
Part Two: Considering the course materials, including the weekly lecture notes, for this week, discuss the persuasive approach(es) you used and why you chose them. For example, how did you incorporate ethos, logos, and pathos into your pitch? If you used storytelling, how did this approach help earn the buy-in from your audience?
Scenario 1: Pitching Your Idea on Shark Tank
Part One: The Pitch
Introduction
Sharks, I’m here today to introduce you to Eco-Wrap, a revolutionary food storage solution that will transform the way we preserve and protect our food.
Hook
Have you ever experienced the frustration of dealing with leaky food containers that ruin your lunch bag or spoil your leftovers in the refrigerator? With Eco-Wrap, those days are gone. Our innovative reusable wraps are not only environmentally friendly but also provide superior freshness and protection for your food.
Product Description
Eco-Wrap is a line of reusable food wraps made from natural beeswax, organic cotton, and plant-based resins. These wraps are completely biodegradable and compostable, making them a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic wraps.
Differentiating Advantages
Eco-Wrap offers several differentiating advantages over traditional food storage methods:
Financial Information
Eco-Wrap is currently priced at $9.99 for a pack of three wraps. We have projected sales of $1 million in the first year, with a profit margin of 20%.
Investment Request
We are seeking an investment of $500,000 to expand our production capacity and launch a national marketing campaign. This investment will allow us to reach a wider audience and make Eco-Wrap a household name.
Call to Action
Sharks, Eco-Wrap is more than just a product; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way of living. Join us in making a difference and take a bite out of the food storage market with Eco-Wrap.
Part Two: Persuasive Approaches
Ethos
In my pitch, I emphasized the credibility of Eco-Wrap by highlighting its use of natural, sustainable materials and its commitment to reducing environmental impact. This appeals to the Sharks’ sense of ethical responsibility and their desire to support companies that align with their own values.
Logos
I presented financial information, including sales projections and profit margins, to demonstrate the viability of Eco-Wrap as a business venture. This appeals to the Sharks’ analytical minds and their desire to invest in companies with strong financial prospects.
Pathos
I used storytelling to connect with the Sharks on an emotional level. I described the frustration of dealing with leaky food containers, evoking a sense of shared experience and empathy. By painting a vivid picture of Eco-Wrap’s benefits, I appealed to the Sharks’ desire to solve a common problem and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Overall Approach
My pitch employed a combination of ethos, logos, and pathos to appeal to the Sharks’ different decision-making styles. I highlighted Eco-Wrap’s ethical credentials, its financial viability, and its ability to solve a real-world problem. This balanced approach increased my chances of securing investment from the Sharks.