Author of machiavelli.net, proud father of three, interested in shaping network society. Welcome to my blog.Pitching Whatever, Wherever
These days it seems that everybody is pitching something. A new graduate school, an interdisciplinary research project, a book project that was started last year, new forms of governance, an executive program, etc. So it makes sense, to revisit the basics (and for that I always go to David Hornik’s blog):
A good elevator pitch contains the same content as a good executive summary contains the same content as a good PowerPoint contains the same content as a good business plan. The distinction among these business descriptions is not the substance, it is the degree to which the essential elements are fleshed out. Each document contains slightly more detail than the preceding.
Elevator Pitch –> Executive Summary –> PowerPoint –> Business Plan
What, then, are the essential elements that make up a good PowerPoint, a persuasive elevator pitch, a compelling executive summary? I have no doubt that VCs will differ somewhat on the precise list, as well as the order and the emphasis. But at its core, I believe that a successful business description should include the following elements:
1. Introduction
2. Team
3. Product
4. Market
5. Business Model
6. Competition
7. Financials
8. ConclusionIf you are pitching a VC, start with these 8 slides. If you are writing an executive summary, start with these 8 headings.
