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. Face time is critical, even with the current rage on social networks, phone texting, and email.

Elevator Pitch 351

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Social Network Networking 351

Gust

JULY 23, 2014

So even if my own mother asked me to meet with you, and you were pitching me a biotech opportunity for a $10 million investment at a $90 million valuation, I might take the meeting, but it wouldn’t be particularly useful for either of us. Now comes the really tricky part: getting me to review all that stuff you just neatly uploaded.

Angel Investor 153

Angel Investor Elevator Pitch Pre-Money Valuation Technical Review 153

SoCal CTO

NOVEMBER 1, 2010

I had a recent email dialog with the founder of a company looking for a CTO for their startup. We had several emails back and forth where he provided basic details on the concept. Was it a Startup Founder Developer Gap ? Did they really need a Startup CTO or Developer or both? Was it a case of needing Homework?

Technical Cofounder 241

Technical Cofounder CTO Hire Equity Sweat Equity 241

Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

The reality is, the vast majority of real startups are driven by people who know their market from experience and who are ready to bet the farm on it! ” Students and newbies need market research, while the vast majority of real startups are driven by people who know their market from experience and are ready to bet the farm on it.

Elevator Pitch 60

Elevator Pitch Startup Balance Sheet Forecast 60

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 28, 2018

There’s a quick litmus-test conversation any early-stage VC will have with the founder and it’s one that you should be as prepared for as your elevator pitch. Conversely many VCs believe that constraining cash can often lead to increases in creative solutions at a startup. Founder: “$250k / month.” This is a red flag for VCs.

Burn Rate 247

Burn Rate Valuation Pre-Money Valuation Dilution 247

YoungUpstarts

NOVEMBER 30, 2019

That’s over half a million new startups every month, all fighting for customers’ attention. If someone asked you what your startup does at a party, how would you respond? Write good content for your website, create helpful videos, send them useful information in your emails, and over-deliver on everything you can.

Marketing 211

Marketing Elevator Pitch Social Network Startup 211

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 2, 2012

Every serious investor, on the other hand, has a stack of these in their in-basket (email or real plastic) awaiting review, and is looking for the flaw or less-capable entrepreneur in each that predicts failure, allowing them to discard it like another piece of junk mail. Asking him to check out your website first and comment is equally bad.

Elevator Pitch 244

Elevator Pitch Technical Review Business Plan .Net 244

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 30, 2012

I hear lots of excuses from startup founders, like “I’m too busy,” concern over IP security, can’t afford an agency, and it’s too early. I’m talking about doing some real networking to test your elevator pitch, and get to know some potential investors before you ask them for money. You need to do it yourself. Give it to them.

Elevator Pitch 240

Elevator Pitch Public Relations Startup IP 240

Austin Startup

AUGUST 3, 2017

I talk to at least a dozen new entrepreneurs each week and probably review two dozen email pitches. If you contact me cold then we’re probably going to exchange a few emails before I invite you to meet in person (however, it’s worth noting that I still do take a lot of meetings this way). You want to be a sponge, not a mirror.

Technical Review 69

Technical Review Startup Texas Email 69

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 5, 2011

Every serious investor, on the other hand, has a stack of these in their in-basket (email or real plastic) awaiting review, and is looking for the flaw or less-capable entrepreneur in each that predicts failure, allowing them to discard it like another piece of junk mail. Asking him to check out your website first and comment is equally bad.

Business Plan 242

Business Plan Elevator Pitch Technical Review .Net 242

Gust

SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

Browse through the many hundreds of video answers to startup questions that we’ve filmed from the world’s leading VCs and angels. At the very least, answer ALL the profile questions, include your company’s logo, create a two-minute elevator pitch video and upload your presentation deck.

Angel Groups 159

Angel Groups Elevator Pitch Software Review Deal Flow 159

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 7, 2011

I hear lots of excuses from startup founders, like “I’m too busy,” concern over IP security, can’t afford an agency, and it’s too early. I’m talking about doing some real networking to test your elevator pitch, and get to know some potential investors before you ask them for money. You need to do it yourself. Give it to them.

PR 231

PR Elevator Pitch Public Relations Startup 231

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 21, 2018

If you are one of the thousands of entrepreneurs who need equity funding to get your startup going (no loans to repay), you are probably overwhelmed at the prospect of finding, contacting and pitching to the huge number of qualified angels and investment groups around the country. Register Internet and social media startup names.

Equity 236

Equity Intellectual Property Elevator Pitch Social Media 236

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 17, 2010

I hear lots of excuses from startup founders, like “I’m too busy,” concern over IP security, can’t afford an agency, and it’s too early. I’m talking about doing some real networking to test your elevator pitch, and get to know some potential investors before you ask them for money. You need to do it yourself. Give it to them.

Public Relations 226

Public Relations Elevator Pitch Startup IP 226

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 10, 2019

I often recommend business networking as the most effective way for a startup founder to find investors, advisors, and even key executive candidates. Here are a few of the “do’s”: Post your profile on LinkedIn and Twitter, and join in startup discussions. Nevertheless, have your elevator pitch honed, and don’t be shy about giving it.

Networking 227

Networking Accredited Investor Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur 227

Up and Running

JANUARY 15, 2018

Calculate startup costs. The good news is that startup costs are relatively low, but you will need a few things, so make sure you spend some time thinking through your startup costs. Would you rather be seen as a young startup company, or work on creating your own personal brand? The basics. Develop a routine.

Web 86

Web Design Software Review Elevator Pitch 86

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 9, 2014

. 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. There is real value in doing the key things yourself, before your startup is even started: Demonstrate thought leadership before selling a product.

Elevator Pitch 257

Elevator Pitch Public Relations Entrepreneur Social Media 257

Gust

JULY 22, 2012

I hear lots of excuses from startup founders, like “I’m too busy,” concern over IP security, can’t afford an agency, and it’s too early. I’m talking about doing some real networking to test your elevator pitch, and get to know some potential investors before you ask them for money. You need to do it yourself. Give it to them.

Elevator Pitch 158

Elevator Pitch Startup IP Public Relations 158

Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

A great elevator speech will spark interest in your business and hopefully lead to a deeper conversation. Elevator speeches are a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. What’s the difference between an elevator pitch and an elevator speech? An elevator speech is always delivered verbally—it is a speech, after all.

Elevator Pitch 118

Elevator Pitch Audience Matching Conversion 118

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 8, 2012

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. Face time is critical, even with the current rage on social networks, phone texting, and email.

Elevator Pitch 244

Elevator Pitch Social Network Startup Networking 244

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 30, 2015

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. Face time is critical, even with the current rage on social networks, phone texting, and email. Marty Zwilling.

Elevator Pitch 120

Elevator Pitch Startup Social Network Networking 120

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

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. Face time is critical, even with the current rage on social networks, phone texting, and email.

Elevator Pitch 188

Elevator Pitch Social Network Networking Channel 188

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 1, 2016

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. There is real value in doing the key things yourself, before your startup is even started: Demonstrate thought leadership before selling a product.

Elevator Pitch 120

Elevator Pitch Customer Public Relations Social Media 120

Up and Running

AUGUST 18, 2014

It can be hard to pitch your startup, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to naturally bring it up in social situations—without feeling pushy or rehearsed. But finding natural ways to pitch your startup may still seem like the most daunting task you’ve faced yet. Adapt your pitch to the platform.

Elevator Pitch 114

Elevator Pitch Private Placement Startup Conversion 114

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 29, 2013

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. Face time is critical, even with the current rage on social networks, phone texting, and email. Marty Zwilling.

Elevator Pitch 270

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Social Network Networking 270

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 28, 2013

I often recommend business networking as the most effective way for a startup founder to find investors, advisors, and even key executive candidates. Here are a few of the “do’s”: Post your profile on LinkedIn and Twitter, and join in startup discussions. Nevertheless, have your elevator pitch honed, and don’t be shy about giving it.

Networking 250

Networking Entrepreneur Accredited Investor Elevator Pitch 250

Up and Running

JULY 13, 2022

One of the most common goals among startups is to acquire funding. Many startups start off with a simple site that expands as they grow their business. For a startup, you may not have a lot of customers or reviews. As a startup, think of the value proposition as your elevator pitch.

Elevator Pitch 140

Elevator Pitch Web Design Affiliate 140

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 29, 2016

Don’t let your lack of acumen with friends and family spiral your startup into the ground waiting for someone to go first. I recommend making friends the first formal test of your elevator pitch, your investor slide deck, and your business plan, and earnestly ask for their advice (not money) early. Talking loudly is not enough.

Elevator Pitch 151

Elevator Pitch Exit Strategy Angel Investor Equity 151

Austin Startup

APRIL 15, 2017

Follow these tips to make sure your event runs smoothly and your startups look their best! Here are the instructions that I send to the people who are pitching: Be visual. It’s a good idea to preschedule a few practice sessions in-person and also encourage teams to record their pitch and send you the video to review.

Elevator Pitch 48

Elevator Pitch Video Audience Software Review 48

cdixon.org

SEPTEMBER 17, 2011

Why you shouldn’t keep your startup idea secret. I have a personal diligence rule that when speaking to people at large companies, the facts that they tell you are very useful but their opinions about startup ideas no more valuable than any other smart person’s opinions). Peter Coles. Jon Russell. Jonah Peretti. Lauren Leto.

Stealth 68

Stealth Startup NDA Cofounder 68

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 27, 2012

I often recommend business networking as the most effective way for a startup founder to find investors, advisors, and even key executive candidates. Don’t do cold calls or email blasts of your resume and business plan to potential investors. Nevertheless, have your elevator pitch honed, and don’t be shy about giving it.

Networking 242

Networking Accredited Investor Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur 242

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 25, 2016

I often recommend business networking as the most effective way for a startup founder to find investors, advisors, and even key executive candidates. Here are a few of the “do’s”: Post your profile on LinkedIn and Twitter, and join in startup discussions. Nevertheless, have your elevator pitch honed, and don’t be shy about giving it.

Networking 120

Networking Accredited Investor Elevator Pitch SEC 120

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 9, 2012

Before you start, remember that the goal of the executive summary is to provide a printed version of your best elevator pitch, to provide a positive first impression to the reader. Think of it as a selling effort, not an attempt to fully describe your startup. Here are the key components: The problem and your solution.

Business Plan 244

Business Plan Elevator Pitch Viral Lead Generation 244

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 7, 2011

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. Face time is critical, even with the current rage on social networks, phone texting, and email.

Elevator Pitch 241

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Social Network Networking 241

Hippoland

APRIL 16, 2017

Have you ever seen an investor on his/her phone emailing or texting people in the corner of a room? That is your opportunity to jump in and do an elevator pitch. A strong elevator pitch will cover something unique about you / your story / any KPIs or metrics you may have / why what you’re doing is important.

Elevator Pitch 48

Elevator Pitch Email Portfolio Metrics 48

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 3, 2011

Before you start, remember that the goal of the executive summary is to provide a printed version of your best elevator pitch, to provide a positive first impression to the reader. Think of it as a selling effort, not an attempt to fully describe your startup. Here are the key components: The problem and your solution.

Elevator Pitch 226

Elevator Pitch Viral Lead Generation Metrics 226

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 15, 2010

I’ve written about the “elevator” pitch before. All 10 startups that are part of Launchpad LA got the chance to stand up for 2 minutes. At TechStars apparently they spend the first couple of weeks making every startup practice this again and again. Tags: Startup Advice. I also did a very short video on the topic.

Elevator Pitch 315

Elevator Pitch Southern California Media Hosting 315