In the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship, the pressure to deliver a flawless business pitch can be overwhelming. These brief moments can determine whether an entrepreneur secures crucial investment, gains retail space, or wins prestigious competitions. However, the reality is that not every pitch will be successful. For many entrepreneurs, the disappointment of a failed pitch is a valuable learning experience that can ultimately lead to greater success.
Jennifer Cairns, the founder of Lady Rebel Club, knows this all too well. Her platform empowers neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs who identify as women or other marginalized genders. Cairns has faced her share of pitch disappointments, including a particularly challenging experience when she was given a last-minute opportunity to pitch for investment in a music platform she and her husband were developing. "I wasn't prepared," admits the 51-year-old from Lisburn. "I was up against a panel of four older men, and two of them engaged in a conversation the entire time I was pitching. It was a horrendous experience. Nobody even acknowledged me when I finished, I just left the room feeling devastated."
Despite the initial setback, Cairns found a silver lining in her experience. "It taught me the importance of confidence and believing in myself and my pitch," she shares. "If I'm not confident in what I'm presenting, I shouldn't pitch it. I should wait until I'm ready and prepared." This lesson in confidence and preparation has served Cairns well. She went on to secure over £350,000 in funding for one business and is now pitching for investment for both Lady Rebel Club and a new software business.
For most entrepreneurs, the disappointment of a failed pitch is a reminder of a broader lesson. "In business, you have to fail or face setbacks in order to truly learn," says Cairns. "Not everything will work, but you have to try and adapt. That includes pitching."
The journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, and the ability to learn from failure is a crucial skill. Entrepreneurs must be willing to take risks, face setbacks, and adapt their strategies. The lessons learned from a failed pitch can provide valuable insights that lead to future success. Confidence, preparation, and resilience are key components of a successful entrepreneurial journey.
