Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

The CMU Sales Challenge is a competitive event designed to help students develop and refine their sales and public speaking skills. Open to students of all majors and members of sales-focused organizations such as Pi Sigma Epsilon, the challenge provides a platform for participants to showcase their abilities in a real-world sales environment. To prepare, students review the grading rubric and practice their pitches in the days leading up to the competition. The challenge emphasizes the importance of communication and connection, as sales is not only about making deals but also about building relationships. With a $500 prize for first place and $250 for second, the competition motivates students to perform at their best while gaining invaluable experience in professional sales. 

The sales competition challenged CMU students to showcase their persuasive communication skills through multiple rounds of pitching to corporate partners. Participants were grouped at tables with four to six students and one corporate representative. In the initial two rounds, each student delivered a 60-second elevator pitch, which was evaluated and scored by the corporate partner. Advancement to the final round was determined by these scores. The top-performing students then presented their pitches on stage in front of all corporate partners, competing for the highest recognition. 

The competition experience 

Q: How did you prepare for the competition? 
A: "I prepared by going over the grading rubric and making sure my pitch met each criterion. I practiced my pitch for about 5-10 minutes each day for four days before the competition." 

Q: What was the most challenging part of the competition for you? 
A: "The most challenging part of this competition for me was overcoming my nerves when talking in front of everyone." 

Q: What strategies did you use to build rapport with the buyer? 
A: "To get the buyer’s attention, I liked to start with either a question or an interesting fact about myself. It’s important to always start a pitch with some type of hook." 

Skills and takeaways 

Q: What key sales skills did you develop or improve through this experience? 
A: “The competition allowed me to overcome fear and become more comfortable speaking in front of people." 

Q: How do you think participating in the challenge will help you in your future career? 
A: "The competition made me more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. I can bring this skill into the workplace when looking into leadership roles, giving presentations, and talking to executives." 

Reflection and goals 

Q: What was your biggest takeaway from this experience? 
A: "You can do anything you put your mind to. Be confident and authentic in who you are, and you will succeed. Never try to act or be someone you’re not." 

Q: What advice would you give to someone preparing for their first sales competition? 
A: "Make sure your pitch hits every point on the rubric. And most importantly, practice and become confident in your pitch!" 

Final thoughts 

Overcoming nerves was one of the biggest challenges for competitors like Kierra Ryan, but preparation and practice proved to be key in building confidence. Ryan tackled this challenge by carefully reviewing the grading rubric and ensuring their pitch met every criterion. She dedicated 5-10 minutes each day for four days before the competition to refine their delivery. Despite initial nerves, Ryan found that starting with a strong hook, such as a question or an interesting fact, helped engage the corporate partner and ease anxiety. The experience ultimately helped her grow more comfortable speaking in front of others, a skill that she recognized as invaluable for future leadership roles, presentations, and professional interactions. In the end, her strategies ended up earning her 1st place in the senior division. 

The ability to stay composed, engage an audience, and deliver a compelling pitch builds confidence that translates into future career opportunities. Whether presenting to executives, leading a team, or networking in a professional setting, the skills gained from this competition serve as a foundation for success. With preparation, practice, and authenticity, any challenge can become an opportunity for growth. 

Ryan’s biggest takeaway? Confidence and authenticity are crucial to success, and with practice, anyone can overcome their fears.