Showtime!

It’s finally here!  All the hard work, research, brainstorming, writing, discussing, analyzing, and preparing has been done.  You are now ready for the all important presentation of your business plan. 

I realize you are all well aware that this week is our time to make your presentation to your potential investors, but before you get out there and give it your all, I would like to begin Monday’s class by showing you some well-prepared business plan presentations to get you pumped up about this assignment. 

Check out this segment from Shark Tank Season 3 Episode 6:

Now, without taking any notes or thinking critically about what each presenter did well or poorly, just take in the passion and confidence each person exhibited.  Understand that all the hard work you’ve put in for the past 9 weeks has prepared you to do the same for your presentation.  You can do it.  It’s your time to shine.

Now, if you’re still a bit nervous (totally understandable), just keep in mind the 3 main areas of focus for presenting in my class:

1.     Know your audience: whether you wish to present to a bank or panel of investors, understand what it is they are looking for in a business plan.  You will do well if you have a great idea, an excellent opportunity for profit, or a strong model for getting things done.  Heck, if you show someone that you have that “it factor,” you might just charm your way into getting startup capital.

2.     Know your content (product): make sure you’re ready to address any questions about how you will succeed, why your business is better than the rest, or why the market is ready for your business.  Set yourself apart from the rest and show your passion for your product.  Maybe the reason why you will do well is because your idea is off the charts.  Perhaps YOU are the reason for this, or maybe the world needs your idea and the startup capital is all you need.

3.     Separate yourself: in any aspect of life, who you are matters.  We love to use the term “differentiation” in education and business because it means something.  Take this opportunity to separate yourself from the competition, and you will succeed in getting your business off the ground.  Nobody wants to see a cookie-cutter presentation.  That’s just plain boring.  Think of what you are going to do to get the audience’s attention, and you’ll get it done

This week’s clear target is simple: We can analyze and critique a business plan presentation.  While presenting, cover al bases and do well at what you know best.  While observing, take into consideration the following:

1.     What are 2 (or more) things the presenter did well?

2.     What are 2 (or more) things you would do differently if you were presenting

3.     Would you invest in this business? Why?

Have questions ready for each presenter while observing, and act like an investor (or bank).  Be ready to challenge each individual, since it’s your money going into the business if you like what you see. 

Complete a critique sheet for each presenter and turn in your completed package this Friday.  Let’s have a great week!