Should you pitch before your branding is sorted? Here’s my take

I was asked an interesting question this weekend:
“I’m thinking of emailing some full-time dance training schools here in Perth about putting on a mini workshop. Would you suggest I wait to have my branding sorted first, or do you think I could still go ahead?”

It’s a great question, and my answer was twofold – there are two ways to look at it depending on your situation and goals.

First perspective: first impressions are forever

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so it really depends on the relationship you currently have with these schools. If your branding isn’t aligned or polished yet, you run the risk of appearing unprepared or inconsistent—which could hurt your chances of getting a yes.

If you decide to move forward without fully established branding, make sure that whatever you present is at a high standard. Ensure your messaging is clear, your visuals are cohesive, and your communication reflects professionalism. Remember, even without the full suite of branding elements, quality always speaks volumes.

Second perspective: branding is more than how you look, here is how you can start now

On the flip side, you don’t want to wait to start building relationships while you are waiting for your branding to be “perfect”. This will mean missing out on opportunities or income.

My suggestion? Connect and start nurturing the relationship now.

Take an interest in these schools – find out what they’re up to, what their pain points are, and how your workshop could genuinely add value. Instead of jumping straight into a pitch, spend some time getting to know them and letting them get to know you. Take time to:

• Learn about their needs and goals.
• Show genuine interest in what they’re doing.
• Align your expertise with their challenges.

This approach aligns perfectly with what branding is really about: relationships. Relationships are built on emotional connections, trust, and mutual benefit.

Plant the seed before you pitch

Think of this as planting the seed. A lot of businesses are winding down toward the end of the year, so this is the perfect time to show genuine interest and align your offer with their needs. When the time is right – whether through a casual conversation or a formal pitch – you’ve already laid the groundwork.

And here’s the key: by nurturing the relationship first, you’ve already done 50% of the work before you officially pitch. The trust and emotional connection you’ve built will naturally make them more open to saying yes.

The bottom line

Branding (which most people believe is how they look – it is so much more) is important, but it doesn’t need to hold you back from starting. Relationships, trust, and emotional connections are the foundation of any successful business interaction. Whether your branding is perfect or not, focus on building those first.

You can start building a brand without a visual idenTity:

Key Takeaways

First impressions matter

Your brand should always look, sound and feel professional and polished to make the best impression, even if it’s a work in progress.

Relationships come first

Building trust and emotional connections before pitching will make all the difference. With a relationship intact, the hardest part of selling is already done.

Balanced strategy is key

You still need to make money in your business, so just make sure everything you do is the best it can be, focus on building relationships while you build your brand – you won’t need that perfect logo to secure work.