As I sit down to write this blog post, the whirlwind of emotions and experiences from stage 1 of the Enterprize Challenge in Vernon still has me absolutely buzzing. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, as I started fast and confident and then made a last-minute pivot (scary right?!) Let me break down my experience so far as a videographer navigating through this Dragons’ Den-style competition.
From the get-go, I was so pumped to showcase Sarah Smith Media! The Enterprize Challenge promised a platform where new businesses could shine, and I was ready to shine bright. Attending Enterprize Challenge workshops, writing my presentation script, and crafting the perfect pitch deck with my amazing branding painted all over it became my mission in the early days. However, as any entrepreneur knows, plans don’t always unfold smoothly.
Just when I thought I had it all figured out, ready to start memorizing the heck out of it, I realized my pitch was lacking cohesion and flow. I found myself grappling with the balance between promoting Company Brand Videos and pitching Legacy Videos. At my final pitch practice with my amazing mentor Keelan Murtagh from the Downtown Vernon Association, he confirmed my suspicions – my pitch lacked a clear direction. With less than a week to go, I made the tough decision to pivot my focus mostly to Legacy Videos, leveraging my experience in brand work to support this new direction.
Timing wasn’t great for this pivot. It was Easter weekend, and for those that have followed my journey so far, you know how much I value family, so how much Pitch work do you think I put in that weekend? I’ll be honest, not nearly as much as I should have, but I don’t regret it one bit. Hunting for easter eggs and playing Pokemon (thanks Easter Bunny) took priority.
After that, I had two days to go and I attacked those days hard! Refining, pitching to friends, refining more, pitching again, memorizing, memorizing more…then sleep. Had to get some sleep!
And then it was pitch day. My confidence overpowered my nerves and I gave nearly a perfect pitch, (I think, it was kind of a blur, but a good blur!) Drawing from my experience as a former TV host for Shaw TV, I let my passion for videography shine through. As I pitched my idea for Legacy Videos tailored to Vernon’s older demographic, I felt a connection with the judges and others in the room. They felt it. They liked it. I left the room on a high.
But amidst the adrenaline rush, doubts lingered. With 20 other innovative businesses vying for attention, the competition was fierce. This was one of the biggest, and most diverse groups of entrepreneurs they’ve had for the Enterprize Challenge! I knew I had gave it my all, and if I didn’t get through it was because my competition was just that amazing. When the call came from Community Futures announcing my progression to the finals, relief washed over me. But only for a couple minutes…I want more. That call fueled my determination to succeed further.
And that’s where I’m at now. I have a month to get ready for the final, and I know that month is going to zoom by. I face a new set of challenges for the next one. A mere five minutes to captivate both judges and a live audience at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre! It’s daunting, but I’m ready to embrace the spotlight and showcase what sets Sarah Smith Media apart.
Mark your calendars for Thursday May 9th. It’s a free event but you need to register for a ticket here!
Let’s celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and support each other as we strive to make our dreams a reality. All 21 challengers will have booths set up promoting their amazing new business and are eligible for the Peoples Choice Award. I’d be stoked to win that too(so vote for me) but I’m shooting for the top spot baby!
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