1. Writing and Presenting a Business Plan Chapter 5
Elevator Pitches
Writing and Presenting a Business Plan
Chapter 5

2. Less is more Keep everything simple and conversational
Answer the basic question of -- in a nutshell -- what is the heart and core of your business, and why will it be successful?
Why are you the person to execute this plan

3. Why are you in business? What problem does your business solve?
Alternatively, what opportunities does it create?
Does it save time, money, or both?

4. Why should anyone care?
How has your targeted market (s) gotten along until now?
How does your product/service simplify or enhance their lives in some positive manner?

5. What makes you special?
What is unique in your approach to this business?
Do you have skills or experience that you can draw upon to make improvements upon the standard quo?

6. Show me the money Can you make money doing this?
Show early successes -- sales, product demand, and customer feedback
Make market growth a priority
Know how much money you need, and be able to explain in simple terms how you’d use it

7. Why should I believe you?
Can you prove everything you just said?
How have you established your credibility with your customers in terms of product/service guarantees?
Who can offer references on your behalf?
Are there sources of third party credibility (analysts or the media) that can verify your market size, business impact, and sales potential?

8. Are you serious?
Is your pitch motivating? Why would the person you are speaking with want to set aside additional time with you to learn more?
Remind yourself that enthusiasm and energy often are contagious, and go a long way in obtaining subsequent appointments
Initiate the next steps

9. Beware pitch decay
Most audiences remember only half what they hear in an hour.
Drops to 20 percent by the end of the day.
Create memory shorthand to improve odds.