I run an ad agency which collaborate with universities in implementing advertisements into their year book. Basically I run the whole print production, getting advertisers to advertise in the year book, basically everything.
I already have 1 University which has collaborated with my company in this concept of inserting advertisements into year book which in return with the fees received from the advertisements placed in the year book we’ll be able to subsidize the cost of the year book and then some. So it’ll be a win-win for Universities in cutting cost as they doesn’t need to pay anything for the year book and to advertisers which will be able to reach their targeted teens demographic.
My previous success of getting co-operation from University in accepting this concept was largely due to I have a cousin who works in the university’s student council department therefore I was able to run it easily. Now that I’ll like to expand this concept further to other universities (without any insider’s help) I’ll need a really solid presentation during the face to face meeting with other universities management.
I have compiled a list of information, introduction of our company, how does this concept benefits the university, how it’s going to be done, what my company will be handling and what minimal effort is required from the university for the presentation. However I have rather limited experience in presentations which I really hope to get advice on, particularly on the procedures/steps in presentation.
Such as:
1) Meeting the management, make any small talks prior to the presentations? (Would it be a good idea and if yes what sort of small talks should I get into when meeting the university’s management student council)
2) After small talk, do I introduce my company directly via verbal or is it recommended that I do a print ups as well so they can read as I speak
3) Is it recommended that I print up the information (introduction, benefits, what we provide etc, what we won’t do such as credit card ads is strictly not allowed etc) and hand it to them and then go through point by point with them verbally?
What is the common procedure/steps needs to be taken and consider in order to ensure a good presentation. I want to go in the presentation more of in a position of a partner/friendly rather than proposing a business idea (corporate)
What should I do to win the hearts of the university management and establish a friendly business/partner relations with them.
I’m hoping to write up a contract which will be mutually beneficial to both parties such as university management will get the final say on whether the ads gets put up or not, and more importantly can I state/request this collaboration to be at least 2 years minimum and not just a 1 time thing.
Lastly since I’m running the company alone and doing basically everything, I’m not sure meeting the university management as well as advertisers with the title of C.E.O or President of the company is a good idea. Due to several reason, I’m quite young, my lack of experience my convey any unprofessionalism etc. I hope to be advised on a suitable title for my job scope when meeting university management as well as advertisers. Something high ranking but if I screw up a little it doesn’t affect the impression towards the company heavily. Maybe Business development director? Project executive? etc.? My brief job scope will be meeting universities in getting approval of this concept and meeting advertisers in presenting our concept and convincing them to advertise with us in the year book.
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Jay’s Answer: A great presentation is short, and focused on your prospect, showing specifically how you can help them. Keep to your time limit, leaving lots of time for Q&A.
Hand out paper after you talk, otherwise they’ll be looking at the paper and not at you. If you can help it, don’t use Powerpoint – tell a compelling story about using your services. Your handout can go over the actual numbers. You want them to want to know more about you.
Don’t read to them what’s written. That’s a waste of everyone’s time. You can refer to it, but don’t use it as your script.
You’re not at a meeting to make small talk. Before the meeting, do your homework about the university. Perhaps start the meeting by relating a recent university event to your business – it’ll show that you’ve done your homework.
Your goal for the meeting is to get them interested to find out more and for them to be open to a formal proposal.
