Four steps to the perfect elevator pitch
On this blog, we've discussed the importance of sharpening your elevator pitch. It might seem implausible that you would literally find yourself in an elevator with the executive who will buy your company, but it's likely that you're networking in circles where making the best, briefest case for your firm is important.
In 2015, a premium is placed on the tweet-length message. The same can be said for casual conversations at tech parties, conferences and other social settings. Here are some statements to remember when crafting the perfect elevator pitch to woo buyers and excite prospects about your company:
Your company is not too complex or too unique. Some executives might bristle at the idea that their work can be reduced to a few short sentences. According to Business Insider, here is how Apple describes itself in a nutshell:
"Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad."
If Apple can do it, so can you.
Your company has a past, present and future. In a 60-second pitch, try not to dwell on how you got started. That's important, of course, but shouldn't take up more than a third of your time. You might think the story about how you and your undergraduate roommate started coding a search engine between classes is a solid anecdote, and it probably is. However, remember to space the narrative out across several tenses: "we were, we are, we will."
Your company's achievements can be quantified. Never underestimate the value of statistics. Whether you can hang your hat on the number of clients you've helped, the number of users your platform boasts or the revenue you're expecting to generate this quarter, have those figures at your fingertips. The right data points can set your business apart from others with less measurable records of success.
Your company is amenable to a deal. A new contact in the industry might not realize that you're open to a merger or acquisition unless you say so. Explain some of the goals you can't achieve on your own, and a general timeframe for when you'd like to leverage your products, services and expertise into a merger or acquisition.
With the guidance of a qualified M&A advisor, your company can close a lucrative and satisfying deal in the tech industry. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can match your company with the right buyer or seller on the market.