How to Pitch a Business Plan
- 1). Wear clothing that conveys success and confidence. It is important to look the part.
- 2). Present the business idea in a logical, concise way. How a message is delivered is almost as important as the message.
- 3). Prove the business is a good idea. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, that is the No. 1 goal of a business plan pitch. Show that the business will lead to long-term profit growth and that earnings will increase within an acceptable time line. Prove the idea is not easy to copy or that other products or services can't replace it. Detail how the economy may impact sales, profits and growth. Explain why it is a compelling value to customers. Explain why the plan makes sense. Provide profit and loss estimates, marketing strategy and milestones. Also provide a one-year, three-year and five-year projection of sales, earnings and market share.
- 4). Validate the leader who will carry out the plan. Explain why the company's leader is the right person for the job. According to an article on "The Wall Street Journal" website, many plans are rejected because the company leadership does not have hands-on experience. Show how the leader of the company succeeded with similar circumstances in the past. Detail his experience and educational credentials. Explain why he can be trusted and why he can execute this particular business plan. Prove commitment by mentioning the leadership has significant personal funds tied to the business plan's success.
- 5). Ask for funding. Keep as much control as possible. Insisting on a deadline for a decision is important because a good idea is perishable; wasting too much time with an investor who can't make up her mind will kill an idea. Move on to the next investor after a reasonable amount of time.
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