Pitch Testimony

Ken Robinson

Managing Partner, Ark Advisors (pitch consultant)

"Will is a consummate professional. Whenever he was at the helm of a pitch, the strategy was smart, the work was on-brand, the pace and content of the meetings were tight, and the team was always well prepared."

Andrew Benett

CEO, Arnold

"Will not only drives the process, leads the strategy, and frames the story of a pitch. He is also constantly infusing each part of the process with ideas, and inspiring everyone else on the team to do the same."

Gary Leopold

President and CEO, ISM (Boston)

"Sometimes the smartest thing you can do in a new business pitch is bring in a fresh set of eyes. When those eyes happen to be Will Burns', we've found the perspective to be invaluable. He has a special gift for new business and he's really helped us to dramatically better tell (and sell) our story."

Cindy Kenyon - “The Letter”

OnPoint Consulting (then pitch consultant)

I can personally vouch for Will Burns’ pitch consulting abilities. For Arnold Worldwide, he architected a successful entry into a $300MM account review for RadioShack. A review in which Arnold had not been invited. Once he convinced us to include them in the review, he went on to lead the agency to win the account - ultimately beating Deutsch, Carmichael Lynch and Chiat Day. From uninvited to victory. From dark horse to the championship ring. How? It all started with something hereinafter referred to by RS staffers as "The Letter." A formal, typed, two page letter with no accompanying creative samples, no agency pitch book, no fancy packaging and no reel. Sure, he mentioned Arnold’s credentials. But the essence of what made the letter great and why he succeeded in getting Arnold in the review was because he not only challenged us but he inspired and entertained us. He offered ideas that challenged our convictions and inspired us to think about things...differently.

Talk about a one-two punch. And for the record, Burns never asked me to write this post nor recommend him and Ideasicle. When I read about Ideasicle's new agency pitch consulting services, I couldn't help myself.

Postscript: After the victory, the client sent Will the letter back framed with a “Lucky 21” theme (Arnold was the 21st agency in the pitch). Click the picture to expand.

Ed Eskandarian

Chairman, Arnold

“Will did an outstanding job for Arnold's new business effort. A great example was RadioShack. Through his analysis and provocative letter to RadioShack he not only got us into the pitch, but was instrumental in Arnold winning the business.”

Darcie Shively

Planning Director, Apple

“Will Burns is one of those people I love to work with who cuts through marketing bullshit. He aims to deliver nothing less than the goosebumps of a great idea. And then the rest is up to you.”

Matt Lindley

Director of Innovation, SapientNitro

“Will Burns is a smart guy who makes other people better. He creates an environment that gets at the core of a problem quickly and bubbles up a solution (or a series of solutions) in equally short order. Rare skill. I'm a fan. I have the Will bobblehead.”

Phil Reilly

Chief Brand Officer, Arnold

“He does it all ... developing, challenging and honing the strategy, creating a compelling pitch narrative, getting to great creative work ... all the while keeping the team motivated and focused. Oh, and did I mention he wins?”