Thursday, September 28, 2006

Dragon It Out: or, "The Audience Was a Failure"

Just another thought re Dragon's Den:

One of the most important lessons to pick up from DD is the need for a crisp, clear message. When you're pitching to someone, it's your obligation to make yourself understood. If your target market doesn't understand your message, it's your fault- not theirs.

It is in the nature of venture investors to be a little snooty - okay, arrogant - with some of the people who ask them for money. Several "pitchers" on Dragon's Den were (quite naturally) annoyed with that dismissive attitude, and accused the five investors of not understanding their concept.

To their credit, the Dragons usually accepted that criticism. But they pointed out it was not their job to understand - it was the pitchers' job to be understood.

To all the pitchers, innovators and marketers in this world: accept the feedback. Hone your message.

Only a rogue like Oscar Wilde can get away with saying, "My play was a complete success. The audience was a failure."

No comments: