The Pitch Episode 28: Don’t Let Deadlines Undermine Relationships

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A deadline is never worth sacrificing a relationship in order to close a deal. Learn what to consider before you pressure pitch and how to avoid being in a desperate state in the first place.

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Are you on a deadline? Most of us usually are! Whether it’s a self-inflicted deadline or a work-enforced deadline, be cautious that your deadline doesn’t damage your relationship with the person you are pitching. There are so many factors that are ultimately out of our control. Someone goes on vacation, has a medical emergency or family priorities shift. Whatever it is, remember that your deadline is never worth sacrificing a relationship in order to close a deal. Giving space to a person who really needs it will be appreciated in the long run. Before you pressure pitch someone up against your deadline, consider how critical the relationship is to you and rethink your lead-time with that person. If your deadline is truly finite, let the person know it’s the last time you are offering the opportunity to them because the deadline is out of your control and then let them know you’ll circle back sometime in the future with another offer when timing aligns better. I’ve closed many deals when the person I’m pitching knows my deadline is truly out of my control, but I never play that card unless it’s the absolute truth. “The Pitch” challenge today: Work on building up your pipeline of leads. The more people you are pitching at once, the less desperate you will be to meet your goals on a deadline. Desperation to close someone is so obvious, and not attractive to the person you’re pitching. Stay confidently cool by having plenty of options to meet your goals and above all don’t sacrifice a relationship for a deadline, you may need that person for your next deadline!

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