9 factors that transform a good pitch deck to a great one
Catching and retaining the attention of potential investors is a bit like charting an obstacle course. How can you win over a host of investors who are viewing scores of pitch decks the whole day? Is your product or idea viable and exciting enough, are you able to explain your business clearly enough, is your pitch motivating enough – these are the obstacles to be overcome.
Your pitch deck can’t just be good; it has to be outstanding. It has to not just stay the course but be decisively ahead. Making this transformation means some specific factors have to be addressed.
Let us examine the 9 factors that are sure to help you.
Answer the “why now” question
The topmost factor for the success of a pitch is the timing of your product. Can you explain why the problem your product aims to resolve is relevant now? Can you further explain why the solution/product you are launching suits the market environment now? This provides compelling proof of the need for the product at the moment.
Tell a genuine story
Having a genuine story helps to hold attention. The sure-shot way to bring authenticity to your pitch is by narrating a customer story. Explaining in simple terms how a customer challenge is resolved in the market place with the help of your product or idea always hits the nail on its head. Refrain from using jargon or too much tech-talk and your target audience will definitely walk away with a vivid image in their minds.
Be ruthless: Prioritize, edit repeatedly
Do you think you have to give away all the information you have about the product in this one presentation? That is a strict no-no in the presentation world. Can a lay person who doesn’t understand your business at all comprehend what you are pitching for? That is the measure of a winning presentation. So re-read your content many times and edit unsparingly.
Frame your business mantra crisply
Your business model should best highlight what you sell, who your customer is, how much you charge and how you take payment. The answers to these questions explain how you make your money and who your target customer is. Your business viability in a nutshell!
Present yourself and your business
The children’s game Show and Tell is a good reference point. Show what your team and you have achieved together and tell your audience about it briefly. Allow them to know you and your capabilities. Let them understand why your idea/product is the best.
Highlight your recent accomplishments
Potential investors want and deserve to know of customers, business associates and accolades you have had since the beginning of your start-up. Sell them on your idea/product/company by sharing information about significant investments that have come in, important media placements and key hires made.
Acknowledge competitors
It would be quite unrealistic to not recognise your competition. They are there. Be honest about their existence. But having said that it would be wise to establish differentiators and authenticate a market need in the eyes of your potential investor. Using a competitive matrix to showcase this can be a good idea.
Provide numbers to back statements
Numbers don’t lie. They can be easily verified. So when you use numbers to create a positive picture ensure they can stand up to verification. Your business model, business track record, can all be supported by the accurate numbers you quote.
Display your product/ start-up idea
Do you have a product to show? Can you demo your website yet? This brings your product/idea/service closer to potential investors and makes it more real for them. Even if a tangible product isn’t available mock-ups can be used. A graphic depiction drives home the point you want to convey most eloquently.
Studies tell us that investors don’t look at pitch decks for more than an average of 3 minutes and 44 seconds. Seize their attention by employing the points we have mentioned above. Alternatively you can engage the services of a professional presentation creator and spare yourself the headache!
We would like to remind you that you are reading this article on Presentation Monk’s website. We are presentation creators who settle only for the best and believe our best is unique.
So give us a call, send us an email and let’s structure your ideas together!
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