Gatekeeper: how to pitch to Simon McKie of McKie & Co

Simon McKie is a partner of McKie & Co (Advisory Services) LLP. He has specialised in solving the taxation problems of private clients for more than a quarter of a century. 

McKie & Co is a flexible alternative to the taxation advisory services of the Bar, providing bespoke advice to solicitors, accountants and other advisers of private clients throughout the country and overseas, covering all of the taxation issues that face such clients. Smaller and medium-sized firms gain a private client specialist ‘partner’ whom they may call on when needed. Larger firms gain access to a source of creative advice and expert second opinion.

HOW BEST TO PITCH

Make sure you understand the client, present clearly, set out your charges without prompting and say why a client should choose you.

HOW NOT TO PITCH

Don’t ramble, generalise, use jargon, attempt to hide weak points or pretend to have capabilities you don’t. 

LIKES

Clear descriptions of what a manager can do, his performance record and his charges. A sense that he likes and understands his work and is interested in his clients. 

DISLIKES

Insincerity, business clichés, an inability to adapt a message to what has been said.