One of the most challenging parts of starting and growing a company is fundraising. It is as tough as it is because the competition is extremely strong and the process of securing funding becomes very intense. There are many entrepreneurs out there trying their best to win the attention of the investors as much as you do. How can your startup be noticed among the crowd of other promising companies? How can you win the attention of an investor in just 5 minutes? Your pitch is your ticket to success at this point, so make the most of the opportunity and prepare well. If you want to stand out from the crowd at the next pitching event, make sure to include these three key elements in your investor pitch.
Simplicity
When we talk about simplicity in pitching, it is impossible not to focus on the way Apple present their products to the customers. Their ads are nothing but the equivalent of pure simplicity. They use analogy to send the right message to the clients without to make the advertisement long, complicated or confusing. Steve Jobs is famous with his simple presentation slides and his ability to keep the attention of the audience on himself, not on a long text, written on a slide. People can’t focus on two things at a time. Make sure that your slides complement your words and don’t cover the same information. Keep the pitch simple, clear and on point. Focus on what matters and remember: often less is more.
Credibility
Credibility is essential for every entrepreneur. Building your credibility will help you not only to improve your personal brand but will increase your chances of establishing strong image of your company. Investors look for trustworthy and reliable entrepreneurs, who have strong character and integrity. Investors are to invest their time and money in your business, so they must believe in your dependability and honesty. Your pitch is the moment to prove that you have what it takes to be successful. Include only accurate and up-to-date information in it. Know your numbers and be ready to answer honestly and without hesitation to the questions of the investors, even if the answers are not as “great” as you wish to have been. For example, if your sales have dropped in the last year, do not try to hide this fact, but be prepared to explain what led to this outcome.
Emotion
One of the most famous Maya Angelou quotes is “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Every entrepreneur, who is pitching investors and trying to win new customers, must rely to this statement. Never forget that we, as humans, are very likely to be driven by emotions. Of course, when we talk about money, many people prefer to listen to their rational voice, yet if you make a person feel in a certain positive way, it is more likely the emotions to prevail the mind. Emotions are powerful. When you pitch investors, tell a story, actually – tell your story. How you have come here? What have you sacrificed? This will show them how passionate and determined you are to succeed. Make your audience feel the same excitement for your business as you do and you will not just win their attention for the moment but will keep their interest in the long run.
