It's not about asking the investors to do something for you.
It's about telling them what you can do for them competently in English.
It's about the problem that your product solves, and how your product is truly unique, as a-matter-of-factly.
It's about showing them there’s a market for what you’re offering clearly and simply.
In as little time as possible, you need to convince investors that they should risk their money on you.
Composing yourself with confidence, speaking English eloquently, and oozing with self-esteem should have them nearly begging for your product.
1. Make sure your presentation is up-to-scratch along with the product you're selling
There is nothing worse than a thrown-together presentation given off-the-cuff, not only will you lose the audience's attention, trust and interest but you'll also waste everyone's time.
Even if your product is not yet built, show mock-ups. It’s amazing what a visual representation of your product and your business can do for the overall effectiveness of your pitch.
Keep your pitch short, sweet, and to the point, use English that will reach everyone's understanding. Practice your pitch on someone outside of your company, and ask them to repeat what they think your business model is back to you and ask you questions. I’ve done this technique many times, and it’s always an eye-opening exercise to hear what people repeat back to you.
2. Highlight your business model
Your business model tells the audience how your idea will convert into being sales. The best way to communicate your business model is to show them an example of it.
Prioritise the most important things you want to share and stick to those pieces—and take a nice big breath before you speak. Believe me, it will help you deliver a more compelling and thoughtful pitch in English.
3. Talk about yourself and tell them about a previous success story
When possible, open your pitch by telling a real customer story that addresses the problem your product or service solves in the marketplace.
Avoid using buzzwords and tech talk when you tell your story. Instead, use real names and real customer challenges. Keep it simple and realistic. In the end, what people will remember after they walk away from you are the stories you tell, so it’s important to have a few compelling customer stories ready to share.
It’s important to know that investors invest in people first, and ideas second.
So, don’t be afraid to show off and tell them about you and your team’s accomplishments—especially if those accomplishments relate to what it takes to start and scale a venture. Tell the investors why you are the right people to lead this venture.
5. Talk about your figures and statistics
You want to see investors take out their phones and begin calculating numbers. This is a good sign—it means they want to see how you think, and see if it matches a.) what you’ve indicated as your total revenue numbers, and b.) what they know about your industry.
So even include important numbers and revenue statistics from previous sales, success stories and wins.
Good luck!
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