Business pitches are used to generate interest and gauge support. They are meant to serve as a snapshot of your product/service, so get in and get out! Your mission is to create enough interest to secure a second meeting.
In order to avoid boring or disengaging your audience, it is recommended that you stick with ten slides or less. This may sound minimal, but it will help ensure you stick to the essentials. Having excess slides will only detract from your presentation.
Here are the 10 recommended slides:
1. Title
Present the business/company name, your name, your position within the company, as well as your contact details.
2. The Problem or The Opportunity
Outline the issue that you are addressing, or the reward you wish to provide.
3. Value
Provide details about the value of resolving the problem, or explain the benefits of the opportunity you will provide. Think: Why is it beneficial?
4. Background and Specifications
Describe the ins and outs of your project. This may be related to the technology, method, or concepts behind your solution. Focus on visual representations – the less text, the better.
5. Business Model
Outline the financial aspects of your project. Who are your potential investors or sponsors? How do you strive to gain their support?
6. Market Strategy
Explain your marketing campaign, how you will engage with potential customers, and emphasize the efficiency of your strategy.
7. Analyze the Competition
Provide a comprehensive study of the competitive landscape, and how you will stand out from the competition. The more specific examples that can be provided, the better.
8. Team and Management
Who are the key players? Consider your management team, board of directors, board of advisors, and major investors.
9. Financial Forecast
Create a three-year financial projection. Consider market sizing, clientele, and conversion rates. Avoid the top-down approach, and opt for bottom-up.
10. Status Update
Provide an overview of the current status of your project. Discuss the way forward, and how you will budget the funds that you are trying to secure.
Additional Slide:
An entrepreneur may not necessarily know when, how, or even if they will achieve liquidity. However, many may provide the two most obvious contingency plans: an initial public offering (IPO), or an acquisition. If an investor asks about your exit strategy, they are expecting more than just a stock standard answer. Take time to mull over your options, cover all your bases, and avoid disappointing potential stakeholders.
