Resources for Pitches

Some Aspects of the Pitch

Six Questions your Pitch (Elevator Style) should answer:

1. What is your product or service?
   Briefly describe what it is you sell.  Do not go into excruciating detail.  
    
2. Who is your market?
   Briefly discuss who you are selling the product or service to.  What industry is it?  How large of a market do they represent?
    
3. What is your revenue model?
   More simply, how do you expect to make money?  
    
4. Who is behind the company?
   "Bet on the jockey, not the horse" is a familiar saying among Investors. Tell them a little about you and your team's background and achievements. If you have a strong advisory board, tell them who they are and what they have accomplished.
    
5. Who is your competition?
   Don't have any?  Think again.  Briefly discuss who they are and what they have accomplished.  Successful competition is an advantage-they are proof your business model and/or concept work.
    
6. What is your competitive advantage?
   Simply being in an industry with successful competitors is not enough. You need to effectively communicate how your company is different and why you have an advantage over the competition.  A better distribution channel?  Key partners?  Proprietary technology? 

What your Pitch should Contain:

1. A "hook" 
   Open your pitch by getting the Investor's attention with a "hook."  A statement or question that piques their interest to want to hear more.
    
2. About 150-225 words
   Your pitch should go no longer than 120 seconds.
    
3. Passion
   Investors expect energy and dedication from entrepreneurs.
    
4. A request
   At the end of your pitch, you must ask for something.  Do you want their business card, to schedule a full presentation, to ask for a referral, a business partner?

Related Readings

Reading One: Perfecting Your Pitch...

Reading Two: Making Elevator Pitches Work...

Reading Three: Mastering the 30-second Pitch

Reading Four: I will fix my Pitch

Reading Five: A Masterful Elevator Pitch

Reading Six: Develop Your Elevator Pitch

Reading Seven: 2-Minute Explainer (video pitches)

Reading Eight: The Perfect Pitch: How to Land a Gig or Job Every Time

Some Elevator Pitch Videos with Advice

Elevator Pitch Advice

Elevator Pitch Expert Advice: Part 1

Elevator Pitch Expert Advice: Part 2

Elevator Pitch Components from Investors

Two Minutes in an Elevator (with some good advice)

Elevator Pitch with Analysis (MSNBC - Ryan Blair)

Another Elevator Pitch with Analysis (MSNBC - Ryan Blair)

Another Elevator Pitch for DVR "Commercials"