Business Plan and Pitching PowerPoint Study

Just the Powerpoint

What is a pitch?

The act of clearly presenting and describing a new venture that includes a call to action.

What makes a great pitch?

Tells a memorable and compelling story, informs the audience of what the business does, and creates a desire to learn more.

Pros of a business plan?

• Forces you to examine all aspects of the business, industry, and market

• Alleviates the liability of newness

• Acts as a roadmap and GPS

• Bankers/investors will ask for it

Cons of a business plan?

• Can take focus off learning

• Becomes obsolete soon after completion

• May gather dust after being written

• Investors might use it to restrict founder adaptability

What are the 5 main types of business plans?

Business Brief, Feasibility Study, Pitch Deck, Business Plan, Operating Plan.

Key elements of a business brief?

• Description of business idea

• Value proposition/problem solved

• Customer profile & market size

• Proof of demand & growth potential

• Founding team description

• Actions taken & planned

• Simple 3-year pro forma income statement

Audience for a business brief?

Family, friends, potential advisors/investors.

Key questions in a feasibility study?

• Does the idea solve a big problem?

• Is there short- & long-term potential?

• Who are customers & what will they pay?

• Is there competitive uniqueness?

• Is the model feasible (can it be done) and viable (can it last)?

• Can you/your team solve, build, and sustain?

Length and structure of a business plan?

20–40 pages + appendices.

Common components of a business plan?

Founding team, business concept, product/service mix, industry, target market, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations, development plan, financial forecast, sources/uses of funds, critical risks.

What are the two common pitch deck templates?

Textbook Template & Guy Kawasaki’s Template.

Textbook Template slides include?

Title, company description, problem/need, solution, market opportunity, getting customers, competitor analysis, traction, financials, team, call to action.

Guy Kawasaki’s Template slides include?

Title, problem/opportunity, value proposition, underlying magic, business model, go-to-market plan, competitive analysis, team, financial projections, current status/timeline/use of funds.

Where should you start? (Business Plan)

Not with writing a long plan — instead, talk to people experiencing the problem, make/test hypotheses, learn/document/repeat, and establish your story as you learn.

Key tips for writing a business plan

• Remove the fluff

• Define your target audience

• Be realistic

• Focus on competition

• Understand distribution channels

• Avoid hockey-stick projections

• Prevent typos/grammar errors

• Be honest about weaknesses

• Use visuals

• Pick the right timing

What 8 general issues should any business plan/pitch answer?

• Concept statement

• Who is your customer/user?

• Market size

• Market entry strategy

• Industry knowledge

• Competition (direct/indirect)

• Team value

• Financial projections & assumptions

What are the 4 types of pitches?

Pocket Pitch, 1-Minute Elevator Pitch, 3-Minute Elevator Pitch, Investor Pitch (Pitch Deck).

 Presentation tips for pitching?

• Hook audience up front

• Use images > words

• Reinforce with visuals

• Make a strong first impression

• Practice but don’t memorize

• Align tone/words/body language

• Respect time limits

• Don’t hold things in hands

• Don’t read slides

• Dress the part

• Stay hydrated (but not too much)

• Eye contact

• Improvise when needed

• Move but don’t pace

• Articulate clearly, vary your voice

• Choreograph rhythm

• Embrace nerves

• Be ready for questions, don’t take offense

• Don’t fake answers