Five questions your “elevator pitch” must answer:
- What is your product or service?
- Who is your market?
- What is your revenue model? More simply, how do you expect to make money?
- Who is your competition?
- What is your competitive advantage?
What your “elevator pitch” must contain:
- The Introduction
- Keep it simple; don’t waste time with your bio!
- What is the name of your company?
- Who are you?
- What is your role at the company?
- The Description
- Your goal: The investor understands your product!
- Describe benefits; not features
- Business value; not technical specifications
- Draw an analogy: “Unlike our competitors….
- Use a metaphor
- Focus on the single most important benefit
- Why will customers buy your product?
- Why is your product unique?
- The Hook
- Grab the investors’ attention; make them want to know more!
- What makes your company special?
- This is a phrase or word that strikes a chord in your listener.
- The Close
- Keep it simple
- What stage of development are you in?
- How much capital are you seeking?
If you have time left….
- How will you use the capital?
- What are the key milestones you will hit?
- Delivery Matters!
- Show your passion!
- Smile & make eye contact
- Use tone, volume & pace for emphasis
- Don’t distract with gesticulation or fidgeting
- Dress code: When in doubt….business casual
Research the elevator pitch on the internet to get additional ideas and watch videos of similar presentations!