I read business plans or pitch decks with a few filters in mind.
First: Does it come from someone I trust in my network or is it coming to me from a source who has a great filter? Someone who has already done work to determine this may be worth pursuing?
Second: Is there a strong title, subject or tag line? Why this matters: This hopefully gives me the perspective to keep reading or, at least, generates interest that’ll keep me reading.
Third: Design, as in presentation. Is this simply a black and white presentation from a template? Or is it beautifully designed with powerful and relevant graphics, charts and images? Or—even better—is it something unique that far surpasses any expectations?
Before you send me (or a VC, a potential angel investor or a strategic partner) your presentation, think about not only those three filters, but also what those filters imply:
- You know your network and you’ve got the confidence to use it. Did you utilize and optimize your network intelligently to connect and to open doors?
- You created something exciting. Did you craft a title, subject line or tag line that grabs someone else’s attention?
- You designed the presentation intentionally. What design choices did you make? How did you design it to stand out and deliver a powerful message?
The goal here is to get noticed—in a smart, well-intended, decisive way. Be a real plan in a stack of paper.
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