Part 3 of 3.
Two weeks ago (Monday March 30, 2009), Bart Kemper asked how he could use this blog if he was not seeking investments or investors. Then and last week I pointed out:
1. I strive to provide information that in the right setting can open up more opportunities leading to more clients.
2. The information can be used to prepare the company for a merger, acquisition, sales, or other type of owner exit. All these elements make the company better and look better.
The third and final point is even simpler.
Just because you are not looking for investors does not mean you should forget about a business plan, or not have a good pitch, or not have a good strategy.
The idea is not to make the company just look better. It point is make the company actually be better, and to be able to effectively communicate that to outsiders. The 14 points are there to provide a guideline on the real qualities of a business that makes the business successful.
Each of these 14 points is not just useful for getting investors, but they are useful for growing the company. I will be writing not just about the high level stuff but also the low level details. How do you write a business plan? How do you write an executive summary? What are good interview questions?
For example, how could you use a well designed elevator pitch?
- Get investors.
- Get clients.
- Get a job.
Everyone at some point has been in a room where the audience is asked to each stand up and say something themselves. Most people are unprepared and give a rambling 20 seconds. There is nothing like standing up in this crowded environment and delivering a very clear, concise, and punchy elevator pitch. People will remember you. It will open up doors.
