When it comes time to pitching to investors, most business owners play it safe.
They have their traditional PowerPoint presentation that includes the Mission, Vision, Product description, management team experience, sales strategy, financial projections and competitive advantages. That’s fine, but it isn’t enough to convince investors to write you a check. Experienced angel investors and venture capitalists evaluate dozens or hundreds of potential investments each year. Most of them have the same information you provide. They need to see something more to be convinced; they need to see you.
Taking it personally
Every entrepreneur that I have ever known (including me) has a personal connection to their business. Maybe your father bequeathed it to you and you want to make him proud by expanding it. Perhaps you were injured in an accident and during the recovery you thought of your idea. Or maybe you discovered something accidentally one day and recognized it as a tremendous business opportunity. It’s this personal connection to your business that helps to differentiates you.
Why you should take it personally
By sharing with investors the personal connection, you accomplish several goals:
You communicate your personal commitment to the business.
Given the inherent challenges of starting and running a business, it is reassuring for investors to know that there is something other than money motivating you. At the most difficult moments, it’s the personal connection that will give you the strength to push through.
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You humanize yourself.
This may come as a shock to some, but investors are people too! They are (mostly) regular people who are investing more so in you than in your company. They want to know if they can work with you on a regular basis for years. Letting down your guard so they can see “the real you” will usually times be reciprocated. This type of honesty is important. Both parties need to know if they can work together at 3 a.m. on a Saturday to meet a deadline if needed.
How to integrate the personal
When pitching your presentation there are optimal ways to insert your personal story.
