A guide to a successful pitch

Creating a good pitch and spreading the word is essential for you to hit your investment target.  Here are some help tips on how to create the perfect pitch and get the investment that you need.

 

Write a good business plan

The quality of your business case will be critical to the success of your pitch. Spend time writing a good business case. All the best business ideas in the world will come to nothing if they cannot be put down in writing. A business plan not only lends your business a sense of credibility, but also helps you to cover all your bases, increasing your chances of success.

Be honest about your exit plan.  Remember this is how an investor will get a return on their investment.

 

Set yourself an achievable target

Make sure that you set yourself a target that you can achieve. Gauge reaction from other pitches and have a careful think about who might invest in your business.

1. What is your customer base?
2. How large is your network of friends and family and what is their personal wealth and likelihood to invest?
3. Do you have any suppliers who would be willing to invest?
4. Are you a member of an association or group with other members with similar interests who        might be willing to invest in your business?
5. Make sure that you make your proposition as attractive as possible to potential investors and offer rewards that are compelling to potential investors.

 

Have an exit strategy

Do you have a clear exit strategy for your business? This is key for many investors as it will enable them to get a return on their initial investment in the future.

 

Create a powerful pitch

Be honest and clear about what you want to achieve. Tell a story and make it as interesting and compelling as possible.  Explain what makes you different to other businesses and why you need the investment?  Make sure that you spend time planning and rehearsing your video pitch – this is your chance to really demonstrate why people should invest in your business. Be professional, clear and concise.

 

Spread the word

Work hard to create a strong pitch and then promote it with enthusiasm. Be passionate about your pitch and take every opportunity to tell people about what you are doing and what you want to achieve. Start promoting it to friends and family and encourage them to spread the word on your behalf. Use social networking websites to extend your reach further and encourage people to retweet or share comments and updates to their network of friends.

Tap into groups and communities who might have an interest in what you are doing.  If you have a customer base or suppliers make sure that you promote your pitch to them. Target opinion leaders and influencers as these people will be crucial in spreading your message to people you don’t know. Do your best to engage with your audience using the forum and updates tools on Crowdcube. 

 

Reward people

Create exciting rewards that will get people interested and talking about your pitch. Be creative. If you can reward investors with something that is exclusive or unique you are more likely to hit your investment target.  Rewards can be both tangible and intangible and they might encourage people who are interested in in what your business does to invest in your pitch. 

 

Keep people involved and update them

Keeping people updated on the progress of your pitch will help to keep the momentum and make investors feel part of a group. Updates will keep interest high and may encourage people to spread the world for you whne you need that final push to hit your investment target.

 

Say thank you

It may seem obvious but it is important to say thank you and show your appreciation.