Create the Perfect Pitch It’s about selling yourself and selling your idea. It's essential that start-up entrepreneurs cover these elements in a pitch: What is the problem you're solving? Who is this for? Who is the customer? How are you going to market it? How are you going to sell it? What makes this unique? Does it stand out? Is it interesting in some way? Make sure you have strong, supported responses, especially for any crucial questions. Remember, ‘hope’ doesn’t pay the bills! So when asked about expected growth, the answer isn't that you hope people will buy your product. You have to model the likelihood that customers will be into it and be confident in your analysis. Furthermore, don't take forever to answer. Get to the point. Only answer in one breath and stop talking- short answers will help the judges do their jobs better. You have 10 minutes to impress There are three stages: 1. Beginning - Excite and Enthuse Don’t be predictable and boring… Your credentials… High expectations… 2. Middle – Engage and Ignite 3. End – Recap and Reward They remember this bit last so a key point… Power, polish and professional… Leave your judges feeling positive… You have the solution… How not to do it! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0fllNE1pQA The Elevator Pitch • • • 35 seconds Describe the problem (you know that people have a problem with…) Give a scenario (here’s what people tend to do now…) • Provide the solution! (my idea does this…) Just in case it didn’t sink in! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq0tan49rmc A few other things to remind you about: • • • • Eye contact Judges inclusivity You only have one chance to make a lasting impression Smile! People do business with people they like!