I’m currently reading a book by a revolutionary Blair Enns entitled “The Win Without Pitching Manifesto”. Blair obviously has done a lot of pitches as he displays a deep understanding of the pain and suffering that comes with pitching. His message is simple. Refuse to participate in a system that’s flawed and instead stand alone, separate from “the forces of commoditization”.
I think Blair sets out a plausible argument on why we should not join the pitch parade. But this is no easy road. Revolutions never are easy. And I think pepper has the collective stomach to handle it. (or should I say belly?)
Here’s some of what you can expect from the pitch process:
- Very little time to create a campaign without even understanding the subject
- A brief from the client that’s often brief
- No Pay
- Upsetting your existing clients by moving your entire agency to the pitch client
- Apart from the opportunity costs, you also have real costs to do all sorts of stuff like jingles, videos, research, t shirts samples (I once had an agency pitch me a campaign with their “prop” being a Tribe of Native Peoples)…cha ching cha ching cha ching
- An assessment team that could include the HR and IT Manager
- Zero response for months after pitch after “they were needing this campaign urgently to start immediately”
- Huge disappointment when you see what “won”
Why would anyone sign up for this? We all sign up willingly. Every single agency in T&T, as far as I know. So I’m pondering Mark Twain’s advice; “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Pepper is pausing and reflecting.
