Learning how to clearly and concisely pitch your business is important – whether you are getting a loan, looking for investors, or even securing contracts and relationships. Use the work you’ve done in business planning to create a presentation.
Here’s how:
- Figure out your “elevator speech” – describe yourself and your business in 30 seconds or less.
- Share the problem you’re solving with your business – and what makes your solution a good one
- Narrow your value proposition down to 1-2 sentences
- Prove that actual people need and will buy what you’re selling
- Know your numbers – what you’re charging, how much it will cost you to produce, what your operating expenses are, and how much money you think you will make over three years.
- PRACTICE SAYING IT ALL OUT LOUD
- You can write down points on notecards, make a powerpoint presentation, write on a whiteboard – whatever it takes to remember the important parts
- If you stumble over something, then change how you say it. You should appear natural, speak in a way anyone could understand, and be confident.
- Try it out in front of people. Friends, family, youtube – whatever it takes to feel comfortable.
- Finally, narrow it down to 5 minutes. If you can’t describe your service, your customer, and your finances in 5 minutes, it may be a sign you should go back and clarify what you do, who your customer is, and how you are going to make money.
Get help with your presentation:
- Launch & Grow class series – In-person or virtual 7-week class
- Smart Start for Veteran and Military-Connected Entrepreneurs
- Work one-on-one with a business coach
- Apply for Impact Pitch, held in the Spring each year.
