Failure has a bad rap

It is crucial for entrepreneurs to see failure, not as the opposite of success, but as an inevitable part of the journey towards success.

You are only a failure if you don’t pick yourself up again, and learn and grow from your mistakes.

The key lies in learning to accept feedback and to implement changes based on the feedback.

While failure may be scary, it provides the impetus that propels entrepreneurs towards improvement and growth.

Failing often, and an acceptance of failure are an inevitable part of the process. Rising from failure much stronger, is the premise on which the Engen Pitch & Polish workshop and competition programme is built.

Now in its eighth year, the programme gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to fail – but not to give up – as they get constructive feedback and the opportunity to give their pitch another go.

Sponsored by Engen Petroleum, in association with Nedbank, Raizcorp and media partner, Caxton Local Media, Engen Pitch & Polish is in pursuit of South African entrepreneurs brave enough to pitch, fail, take feedback, and stand up again, all in an endeavour to perfect their business pitch, attract funding and grow their venture.

Engen Pitch & Polish combines the unique elements of workshop and competition. Not only do all audience participants learn – they also get to give feedback to the contestants.

An entrepreneur, with a polished pitch, has a greater chance of success and attracting investment, than one who has not taken risks, made mistakes and come back better than before.

This year’s programme kicked off in Rustenburg on September 2 and will be hosted around the country. It will culminate in the exclusive finale, which will be held in Johannesburg on November 30.

Entrepreneurs can look forward to both the semi-finals and finals which will be held in Johannesburg.

For a list of this year’s workshops, and to experience the magic of Engen Pitch & Polish for yourself, visit www.pitchandpolish.com or SMS 43719.