This is a guest post by Linda DeLuca
Want to stand head and shoulders above other presenters? Want the investors to remember you? Want to have impact?
Then do one thing different from all others pitching ideas: Focus on the investors.
The best way to turn your brilliant business plan into a winning presentation is to focus on your audience first, then on your message. Will it take extra work? Yes. Will it make a difference? Most definitely.
Before you begin developing your presentation, you must know the expectations of your audience. Understanding the questions investors will ask will bring you one step ahead of others.
But if you want to really be memorable, get to know the specific investors – the very ones you will be pitching. That will give you the edge other entrepreneurs won’t have.
First, identify the players.
Find out who will be at the meeting. How do you find out? Ask.
Second, get to know them.
Google them, interview them, interview others who have pitched to them. What do you want to find out?
- What questions do they ask?
- What are they passionate about?
- What is their biggest concern?
- What pitches have been approved? Denied? Why?
Third, customize your pitch.
Craft your pitch to answer their questions while creating a story that will resonate with them.
Make your solution interesting and important to the investors, not just interesting to you.
To have impact and be memorable you must prepare. Preparing for a specific audience (your potential investors) is one secret of a master presenter.
How do you get to know your audience before you present?