Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 4, 2019

This message, usually called your elevator pitch, should be a short and compelling description of your your startup, that can be delivered with conviction in the time it takes to ride up an elevator with a potential investor or partner. Develop and practice your business vision and story.

Entrepreneur 261

Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Angel Investor Incubator 261

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 29, 2019

I recommend the elevator pitch -approach instead, which you probably learned in dealing with busy investors, where the person calling the meeting is asked to summarize the purpose, value and recommended solution in the first minute or two.

Elevator Pitch 312

Elevator Pitch Technical Review Dividend Leadership 312

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 29, 2020

First, get their attention with your elevator pitch. They will be judging his aptitude, his character, and his passion. Others can be present for effect, but deferrals to team members for answers are a sign of weakness. Start with the problem and your solution. These are your hooks, and they better be covered in the first 30 seconds.

Technical Review 295

Technical Review Elevator Pitch Angel Investor Startup 295

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2020

As an aspiring entrepreneur, one of the most important things you need is a memorable “ elevator pitch ,” to communicate your startup value proposition and leave a great first impression on friends, investors, employees, and future customers. I recommend that a good elevator pitch is not just for riding with someone in an elevator.

Elevator Pitch 317

Elevator Pitch Intellectual Property Cost Technology 317

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Additionally, you need to be able to communicate the essence that story and value to investors in a couple of sentences – your elevator pitch. After a good elevator pitch or initial presentation, investors will ask for your formal business plan and financial projections. Lack of clear objectives/goals.

Software Review 265

Software Review Due Diligence Elevator Pitch Startup 265

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 11, 2023

I still hear too many excuses for not working early on the elevator pitch, like wanting to fly under the radar, don’t have the team together yet, or can’t afford an agency. Craft and hone your elevator pitch early. In fact, you don’t need a third-party public relations agency at this stage.

Elevator Pitch 315

Elevator Pitch Public Relations Social Media Startup 315

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 10, 2012

Additionally, you need to be able to communicate the essence that story and value to investors in a couple of sentences – your elevator pitch. After a good elevator pitch or initial presentation, investors will ask for your formal business plan and financial projections. Lack of clear objectives/goals.

Software Review 250

Software Review Due Diligence Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur 250

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2019

Start by developing an “elevator pitch,” that you can deliver in thirty seconds to hook a potential customer or investor. Present at trade shows and network with your ten-slide pitch to build your following. Prepare your marketing story for customers and investors.

Intellectual Property 235

Intellectual Property Elevator Pitch Harvest Technical Review 235

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 15, 2018

This should be obvious, but much of what passes for “a story” these days are things like elevator pitches or product descriptions that have no characters at all. It’s even acceptable to make up a place with a “what if.” Every story needs a main character.

Elevator Pitch 211

Elevator Pitch Technical Review Boston Sales 211

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 9, 2011

Additionally, you need to be able to communicate the essence that story and value to investors in a couple of sentences – your elevator pitch. After a good elevator pitch or initial presentation, investors will ask for your formal business plan and financial projections. Lack of clear objectives/goals.

Software Review 246

Software Review Due Diligence Elevator Pitch Early Stage 246

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2021

Here is my outline of key deliverables that could convince me that you are a cut above the “average” entrepreneur that approaches me with nothing but a dream and a prayer: Personal video introduction with elevator pitch. Successful startups are all about the right people with the right stuff.

Elevator Pitch 390

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Due Diligence Angel Investor 390

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Develop an “elevator pitch” as an initial path to your goal. An elevator pitch is a problem-solution summary that anyone can understand in a sixty-second ride up to their office in an elevator. Avoid fuzzy goals, like making big money or being a market leader.

Elevator Pitch 347

Elevator Pitch Incubator Matching Business Plan 347

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 20, 2016

It starts with having a vision and an ability to get the message across in your elevator pitch, in a written business plan and one-on-one with potential investors. They look for passion and optimism and more importantly, the willingness to listen, learn and get things done. Able to communicate on every level.

Sweat Equity 152

Sweat Equity Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Software Review 152

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 8, 2020

I still hear too many excuses for not working early on the elevator pitch, like wanting to fly under the radar, don’t have the team together yet, or can’t afford an agency. Craft and hone your elevator pitch early. In fact, you don’t need a third-party public relations agency at this stage.

Elevator Pitch 312

Elevator Pitch Public Relations Marketing Social Media 312

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 22, 2013

Can concisely explain the unique, compelling value of the proposed venture in written terms and in oral presentations (elevator pitch), recognizing that some investors rely more on one than the other. Here are some key ones they look for: Talks and writes well. Listens before answering questions. Networked and connected.

Technical Review 273

Technical Review Intellectual Property Angel Investor Elevator Pitch 273

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 3, 2010

Additionally, you need to be able to communicate the essence that story and value to investors in a couple of sentences – your elevator pitch. After a good elevator pitch or initial presentation, investors will ask for your formal business plan and financial projections. Lack of clear objectives/goals.

Software Review 239

Software Review Due Diligence Elevator Pitch Startup 239

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 6, 2013

Creating and documenting scripts, like your elevator pitch, for key interactions help you and your team maintain focus. By maintaining basic mental stability and physical fitness, and preparing yourself intellectually you will function more effectively and successes will grow. Prepare to say the right thing.

Elevator Pitch 303

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Matching Leadership 303

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 18, 2012

Can concisely explain the unique, compelling value of the proposed venture in written terms and in oral presentations (elevator pitch), recognizing that some investors rely more on one than the other. Here are some key ones they look for: Talks and writes well. Listens before answering questions. Networked and connected.

Technical Review 294

Technical Review Intellectual Property Angel Investor Elevator Pitch 294

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 7, 2023

I challenge every entrepreneur to see how many of these priorities they can integrate into their new technology solution elevator pitch. Highlight the mashup use of existing friendly interfaces, and use of existing data in a new solution.

Elevator Pitch 272

Elevator Pitch Social Network Agile Technology 272

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Shy introverts may be great technologists, but they won’t be entrepreneurs until they learn to nurture relationships with friends and family, practice their elevator pitch and respectfully ask for funding. Waiting for someone to give you a gift with no specific objective is likely to be a long wait.

Sweat Equity 274

Sweat Equity Elevator Pitch Startup Equity 274

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 19, 2014

Practice your “elevator pitch,” and end it by asking for the order. If you set around quietly waiting for someone you know to offer you money to fund a startup, you will probably have a long wait. On the other hand, if you open every conversation with “I need money,” you won’t have any friends or any money. Be upbeat and respectful.

Technical Review 266

Technical Review Elevator Pitch Due Diligence Startup 266

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 20, 2021

Nevertheless, have your elevator pitch honed, and don’t be shy about giving it. Back on the positive side, I like to say, especially for us introverts, that networking is more about listening that it is about talking. Don’t forget your enthusiasm, and have fun, but remember your manners! Marty Zwilling.

Accredited Investor 357

Accredited Investor Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur SEC 357

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 30, 2013

First, get their attention with your elevator pitch. They will be judging his aptitude, his character, and his passion. Others can be present for effect, but deferrals to team members for answers are a sign of weakness. Start with the problem and your solution. These are your hooks, and they better be covered in the first 30 seconds.

Angel Investor 256

Angel Investor Technical Review Elevator Pitch Matching 256

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 13, 2022

Offer to give your executive presentation, but he may want just the elevator pitch. Keep your big guns, the business plan and financial model, in your holster but visible for backup. Put your ear to the ground before charging ahead. Listen, and follow his lead with confidence and enthusiasm.

Elevator Pitch 316

Elevator Pitch Angel Investor Venture Capital Business Plan 316

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 29, 2012

Creating and documenting scripts, like your elevator pitch, for key interactions help you and your team maintain focus. By maintaining basic mental stability and physical fitness, and preparing yourself intellectually you will function more effectively and successes will grow. Prepare to say the right thing.

Entrepreneur 286

Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Matching Leadership 286

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 7, 2013

Practice every step, including the elevator pitch to get the first meeting. Remember you only have one chance for a good first impression. Don’t try to talk your way to a deal before you have the documentation. Use friends, family, and angels, if possible, to get a product, revenue, and customers first before the VC connection.

Venture Capital 252

Venture Capital IPO Elevator Pitch Initial Public Offering 252

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 3, 2013

Practice your “elevator pitch,” and end it by asking for the order. If you set around quietly waiting for someone you know to offer you money to fund a startup, you will probably have a long wait. On the other hand, if you open every conversation with “I need money,” you won’t have any friends or any money. Be upbeat and respectful.

Technical Review 273

Technical Review Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Due Diligence 273

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 15, 2020

I challenge every entrepreneur to see how many of these priorities they can integrate into their new technology solution elevator pitch. Highlight the mashup use of existing friendly interfaces, and use of existing data in a new solution.

Technology 412

Technology Elevator Pitch Social Network Agile 412

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 18, 2021

Work on your elevator pitch. This is a concise, well-practiced description of your idea or your startup, delivered with conviction to start a relationship in the time it takes to ride up an elevator. If you are active in helping others with what you know, they will be much more open to help you when you need it.

Elevator Pitch 351

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Social Network Networking 351

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 26, 2012

An "elevator pitch" is a concise, well-practiced description of your startup and your plan, delivered with conviction and enthusiasm, that your mother should be able to understand in the time it would take to ride up an elevator. A good elevator pitch is not just for an elevator discussion.

Elevator Pitch 283

Elevator Pitch Startup Differentiation Distribution 283

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 23, 2023

A great selling proposition is one that you can use as a kickoff in all your investor and customer presentations, including your elevator pitch, executive summary, website, and customer collateral. Do include some quantification. Make it ready to play in all media. Too many new businesses try to be everything to everyone.

Intellectual Property 240

Intellectual Property Elevator Pitch Algorithm Social Media 240

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Smart entrepreneurs develop quick elevator pitches for their ideas, good product and business stories, and are eager for the opportunity to communicate and learn from feedback. As an introvert, I lose energy quickly working a room full of people, while my extrovert friends come away from a social gathering more fully energized.

Elevator Pitch 364

Elevator Pitch Matching Business Model Technology 364

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 2, 2012

An Executive Summary is a one page elevator pitch of the whole plan (may be separate from the plan), which gives an investor a net perspective on the key business parameters. You can bet that if he ever sees a real business plan from you, it will go to the bottom of the pile. Send the plan without a summary.

Elevator Pitch 244

Elevator Pitch Technical Review Business Plan .Net 244

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 7, 2023

Whether it be in the context of a five-minute elevator pitch or a more formal presentation to professional investors, the projected use of funds should be summarized and prioritized into three “chunks.” You should always be prepared to mention a plan B, if possible, to grow more slowly by reinvesting initial earnings over time.

Elevator Pitch 228

Elevator Pitch Salary Angel Investor Viral 228

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 27, 2010

Can concisely explain the unique, compelling value of the proposed venture in written terms and in oral presentations (elevator pitch), recognizing that some investors rely more on one than the other. Here are some key ones they look for: Talks and writes well. Listens before answering questions. Networked and connected.

Angel Investor 241

Angel Investor Technical Review Intellectual Property Elevator Pitch 241

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 22, 2012

First, get their attention with your elevator pitch. They will be judging his aptitude, his character, and his passion. Others can be present for effect, but deferrals to team members for answers are a sign of weakness. Start with the problem and your solution. These are your hooks, and they better be covered in the first 30 seconds.

Technical Review 243

Technical Review Elevator Pitch Angel Investor Matching 243

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Unfortunately, most elevator pitches, product descriptions, and marketing messages are abstract, and include no characters at all. Weave a real person throughout your message. People remember people, with associated emotions, whether that main person is you, someone you know, or a customer you lost.

Elevator Pitch 363

Elevator Pitch Restful Audience Technology 363