Save Your Deck: Methods to Recover an Unsaved PowerPoint File

Posted on January 18, 2017May 3, 2023 by Rick E

Sheer panic—that’s probably your first reaction when you realize that you couldn’t save the PowerPoint file you were working on. Maybe the power went out, or your computer unexpectedly crashed. Perhaps you were too preoccupied that you didn’t think to hit “Save.” Whatever the reason, you’ve suddenly lost hours of hard work and have no clue how to get it all back.
Luckily, there’s no reason to stress over losing an unsaved PowerPoint file. Using the latest versions of PowerPoint, you can easily retrieve and recover all your hard work. Follow these steps to recover a PowerPoint file you accidentally lost:

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Method One: Recover Unsaved Presentations

If you were interrupted before saving your PowerPoint file, you could simply look for it in the Microsoft Unsaved Files folder. Go to the File tab, make sure you’re on Recent, and click on Recover Unsaved Presentations. The icon is right below the list of folders under Recent Places.

Everything in the Unsaved folder is a temporary file. Make sure you recover and save everything you need because you might lose it after a few days.

Method Two: AutoRecover

If you’ve been periodically saving your work but was interrupted before you could save specific changes, you can retrieve your PowerPoint file using the AutoRecover function. First, check if you have it enabled. Go to the File tab, click on Options and go to Save. Make sure your options are similar to those in this picture:

If you don’t have AutoRecover enabled, there’s no other way to retrieve the changes you made to your PowerPoint file. You will have to redo your work from the last save. But if everything looks good, you can then follow these steps:
1.) Copy the file destination path in the same dialogue box.

2.) Open Windows Explorer, paste the path on the address bar, and hit Enter.

To avoid losing crucial information, ensure AutoRecover is enabled every time you create a PowerPoint deck.

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Conclusion

Retrieving an unsaved PowerPoint file is a no-brainer as long as you know these basic recovery methods.
You can either open the “Recover Unsaved Presentations” found in the “Recent Places” or use the AutoRecover function to check where that unsaved document must be hiding.
Learn these tricks by heart so you don’t have to worry about getting your presentation back!

Twitter: Lessons from Social Media

Posted on January 23, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

If there is one social media platform that has changed the way we connect with the world around us, in only 140 characters or less, only one network comes to mind.

Twitter was founded all the way back in 2006, when social media started to take the tech world by storm. Like many young startups, Twitter’s popularity didn’t start growing until a few years later. It’s now one of the ten most visited sites on the Internet.

With over 500 million users and with over 400 million tweets sent daily, the platform has been noted as the “SMS” of the Internet. The application is simply designed to engage and connect users with hashtags and trending topics that spike during notable world events such as The Olympics.

Social media strategists now use Twitter to reinforce their client’s (or own brands) marketing efforts. They take advantage of the platform to boost their presence on the Internet. To successfully use Twitter there are a few rules and regulations one must follow. Some of these guidelines are also applicable in creating an effective PowerPoint presentation.

If you pay attention, there are a few similarities between creating a well-rounded “tweet” and a successful presentation.

Step 1: Simplify Your Thoughts

A tweet can only be 140 characters or less. This means your information has to be condensed and minimized to fit this requirement. A great presentation is one that is simplified. It only has minimal bullets, text, images, and animation.

Overloading your audience with too much of these will distract them from understanding your content. Before you go ahead and add extreme fonts or a fancy template, think about how less is more and how this can positively affect your presentation.

Step 2: Get With What’s Trending

Twitter is known for staying on top of prominent world topics with phrases or words that are “trending” or being tweeted by many users. Try to apply this concept to your presentation ideas. Utilize culturally in tune graphics, stories or videos within your presentation to better speak to your audience. Stay on top of the news and understand what’s going on in your audience’s culture. What do they know? What do they believe in? Knowing this ahead of time will allow you to connect with your audience at a higher level.

Step 3: Get Your Audience to Follow

Within the Twitter world, your “followers” are the equivalent to your friends on Facebook or connections on LinkedIn. You have to constantly engage and entertain your audience or followers if you want them to keep following. The same can be said for presentations.

You want to be constantly interacting with your audience the entire time. Ask them questions. Pause at the end of presentations to get feedback from them. You have to appeal to your audience over everything, if not you are basically speaking to an empty room.

References

“Keeping Your Audience in Mind : The 4 Essential Questions.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 11, 2013. Accessed January 23, 2014.
“Study Shows Simplicity Is Key When Creating a PowerPoint Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. July 24, 2013. Accessed January 23, 2014.
Twitter. Accessed January 23, 2014.

Oscar Speech Sounds A Lot Like…..

Posted on January 20, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Cue the famed actresses in overly expensive ball gowns. Cue the undeniably sarcastic and quirky host. Cue the applauses. It’s awards season in Hollywood.

The most prestigious, of the film awards, is of course the much anticipated Oscars. Every year The Academy nominates a few fortunate actors and actresses who are praised for their works in major motion pictures. It is a special award that every actor dreams of receiving. Only a few, however, are lucky enough to actually walk on stage and accept the gold statue themselves. After the nerve-wracking tearing of the envelope the winners are then presented on stage to deliver a speech. This speech defines their Oscar moments even as it is only done in less than two minutes.

So what can we compare an Oscar speech to?

An Elevator Pitch

Short. Simple. Sweet. And most of all, straight to the point. An elevator pitch presents a product or service in as less time as possible – usually under two minutes.

An Oscar speech follows the similar concept. It delivered quickly, with the winner wrapping up his speech of gratitude and thanks in a very small amount of time. There are a few similar adjectives that we can use to compare a successful elevator pitch (which is usually paired with a PowerPoint presentation and a well rounded Oscar speech:

1. Short

An elevator pitch, just like an Oscar speech, should be between 30 seconds to two minutes. You should impose a strict time limit to your pitches. Drawing out your pitch will make your audience become disinterested in your points and, worse, stop paying attention.

As much as possible, get your points across swiftly and avoid using fillers. Condense your content into the simplest form possible within your pitch. Your goal is to allow audience to understand and learn.

2. Memorable

Like many elevator pitches that investors and or potential clients hear daily, there are dozens of Oscar speeches going on throughout the night of the Academy Awards. A good pitch is one that is unique and becomes memorable over the other various pitches, one that stands out.

If your idea gets lost in a blur with the rest, it wasn’t a very successful one. You always remember the most unique speech of the night when you watch The Academy Awards. The same can be said for the most unique and successful pitch.

3. Passionate

An effective acceptance speech is one that is delivered with passion and pride. It simply draws you in. You can apply the same principles to an elevator pitch.

While a well-rounded Oscar speech ends with a riveting and memorable closing line, your pitch should end with a passionate power statement. When delivering a pitch, you want to present yourself to your audience as being as credible as possible. You can earn your credibility by pitching with plenty of passion.

References

Argetsinger, Amy. “Nine Oscar Speeches That Changed the World.” Washington Post. February 22, 2013. Accessed January 20, 2014.
“Ums, Likes and You Knows: Avoiding Fillers in Your Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. August 21, 2013. Accessed January 20, 2014.

Olympians Can Teach Presenters a Thing or Two

Posted on January 15, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Olympians are no ordinary athletes. They embody the qualities of an essential role model; an individual who represents their country and values in a positive and inspirational light. Not only are these characters unbelievably talented, but they are also a true description of a genuine champion.

With Sochi 2014 quickly approaching, Olympians from all corners of the globe will join together in Russia competing in various winter sports such as skiing, figure skating, snowboarding, and hockey. These athletes have devoted their months, and even years, to rigorous training and practice. Their hard work and dedication will soon pay off as the XXII Olympic Winter Games becomes their time to present.

Embracing the qualities that are associated with hardworking, well-respected Olympians will allow you to become a more effective presenter in the long run. Whether you’re speaking in front of a board of investors or pitching a sale to potential clients, perseverance and dedication will set you apart from the rest and allow your presentation to become effective and memorable.

There are a few questions to ask yourself before you step out on the ice or snow and present. These are the vital traits and questions Olympians from all backgrounds share in order to become gold medalists. Prior to your next PowerPoint presentation give yourself a few minutes to ask yourself these winning questions.

Have you trained adequately?

Olympians dedicate their entire lives in preparation for the big games. Long hours of training, dieting and exercise become their daily routine. A question to always ask yourself prior to your presentation is: How well prepared are you? Here are a few other guiding questions:

Will my audience be able to understand my main points?
Is this presentation marketable?
Does my pitch flow accordingly with my slides?

Do you have a strong will to win?

Olympians must have a passionate desire to go for the gold and win; take this mentality and apply it to your presentations. Though you may not necessarily, “win”, a gold medal you should have an aspiration to be the best, and be

Though you may not necessarily, “win”, a gold medal you should have an aspiration to be the best, and be your best. Your competition may not be visible at the time, but the audience will surely be comparing your presentation to other’s they’ve witnessed in the past.

Are you willing to accept the challenge?

Just as Olympic medalists overcome challenges during training and during the actual games, be prepared to accept any faults that may arise during your presentation. You might have a difficult question from an audience member or just a hard subject to tackle, in general, but going into the presentation with the mindset that things could, and may, go wrong will allow you to be better prepared.

You might have a difficult question from an audience member or just a hard subject to tackle, in general. But going into the presentation with the mindset that things could, and may, go wrong will allow you to be better prepared.

Are you Inspirational?

We’ve all be inspired by Olympic medalists such as, Gabby Douglas or Apolo Ohno, who’ve fearlessly decorated themselves with gold medals over the past years.

Learn from athletes like these, how can you inspire your audience? What makes your message different? What can you teach your audience? These concepts can push you in the right direction to be memorable, a concept that is crucial in presentation giving.

References

“Sochi 2014.” Olympic.org. Accessed January 15, 2014.
“Why Your Presentation Needs to Be These 3 Words.” SlideGenius, Inc. January 5, 2014. Accessed January 15, 2014.

Overcoming a Public Speaking Disaster: A Lesson from Michael Bay

Posted on January 13, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

If you have been paying attention to recent pop culture news feeds lately, you may have heard of the phenomenon known as, “The Michael Bay Meltdown.”

During a Samsung CES press event that introduced their new 150-inch model television, the famed director was supposed to describe the product in detail. He started out great. When the teleprompter failed, however, he decided to just give up and casually walk off stage. If you haven’t had a chance to see the viral video, you can check it out here.

The fear of speaking in front of many people is a fear that most of us share. Whether it’s in front of an audience of one or a few hundred, public speaking can be intensely nerve-wracking. It causes any normal human being to experience moments of sheer panic. The best ways to learn from your presentation mistakes are to actually make them and adhere to these changes later down the road.

Though Michael Bay blamed the teleprompter failing for his public speaking woes, being the presentation specialists that we are, there are various lessons to take away from his blunder that could have, and will happen, to any presenter at any time.

1. Don’t Memorize a Script

Memorizing a script isn’t always good when it comes to public speaking. Talking points are far different than following an actual script or prompt, and focusing on memorizing your verbiage will allow for more opportunities to slip up and freeze. Though you should always be prepared with a script, don’t focus on remembering your content word for word.

Try to focus on describing and elaborating your information with your slides. If you slip up or get lost, your slides are there to highlight your talking points and act as an outline — which is crafted in your storyboard. Improvisation is always a great alternative if you slip up!

The mistake that Michael Bay made was that he was so focused on doing a word for word delivery. Unfortunately, it only caused him to freeze up. If he had just improvised his speech, this would’ve helped him get past the situation.

2. Being Honest Will Help You in The Long Run

Everyone is bound to slip up and make mistakes, especially with public speaking. Apologizing to your audience and throwing in some laughter will show how honest and sincere you are – and this is key to being a credible presenter.

If you can’t remember what to say, or mess up your words, just laugh it off to ease the situation then apologize and move forward. Chances are your audience wouldn’t have even noticed! If you get frustrated, just take a deep breath and continue to speak. Just giving up and walking off stage like Michael Bay did shows a lack of maturity and preparation.

3. Own Up to Your Mistakes

Michael Bay made a monumental mistake by announcing to his audience that the teleprompter failed. Never let your audience become aware of your faults. This not only takes away your credibility but shows them that you are not responsible enough to fix the errors yourself.

If technical difficulties occur with the PowerPoint presentation, a public speaking professional will step up and engage with the audience until the problem is solved.

Conclusion

All in all, there is no way you can prevent a presentation or a public speaking disaster from happening. Things will go wrong, you’ll get nervous and forget your words sometimes. But giving up entirely is never the proper, or professional, solution.

Reference

“Watch: Director Michael Bay’s CES Fail.” Bloomberg.com. Accessed January 13, 2014.

The Similarities Between Presentations and Advertisments : Super Bowl Edition

Posted on January 10, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

With Super Bowl XLVIII in the near future, this brings the excitement millions of Americans will come to share on February 2, 2014, as two national football teams will go head to head in one of the most highly televised programs of the year.

Apart from the notoriety of the game itself, between the AFC and NFC champions battling it out for the esteemed title, the Super Bowl is also known for creative, humorous advertisements that air during game breaks. We can expect to see some of the most well-known brands putting their best foot forward in their most ingenious and creative commercial installments of the year.

These infamous advertisements share various similarities to what can be described as successful and effective PowerPoint presentations. Compiling a presentation that speaks to your audiences and engages them is a similar concept that should be applied to distinguishing an innovative commercial that markets and intrigues viewers. Below are a few shared examples that both successful Super Bowl commercials and presentations have in common.

Emotion Plays a Part

A good presentation is one that is memorable, and a memorable presentation is one that evokes emotion. Audience members are always captivated by content that is presented with emotion, which can be done by sharing a story or moving visuals. The same concept is applicable to an effective commercial as the brand’s focus is to connect with the audience on an emotional level. After all, the purpose of an advertisement is to sell. Appealing to the consumer’s emotion can make them feel connected to your product or message and in turn, generate sales.

Convey a Message

Every presentation should have a definitive message and this should be clearly repeated throughout your PowerPoint presentation. Having too many themes or conflicting ideas will leave your audience confused: you should attempt to actually teach them something. It’s important to stay on the same page with your audience throughout the entire presentation. The same can be said for a successful commercial, a good Super Bowl advertisement conveys a great message that not only covers what product or service it’s selling but the story behind it.

Become Memorable

Everyone’s favorite Super Bowl commercials are the ones they remember. Your PowerPoint presentation is a compilation of several different components, including graphics, statistics, bullets and talking points. As the presenter, it’s your job to carefully select these in order to project the purposes and themes you want your audience to remember overall. The most memorable Super Bowl commercial of all time was the Apple 1984 Introduction of the Mac Computer. You can watch the commercial here.

What’s your favorite Super Bowl commercial? Comment below and tell us why!

References

Apple 1984 Super Bowl Commercial Introducing Macintosh Computer. YouTube. Accessed January 10, 2014.
Met Life Stadium. Accessed January 10, 2014.

Maintain Audience Attention With This One Technique

Posted on January 7, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Catching someone’s attention is one thing. Keeping them interested is another.

So here’s your challenge: What can you do to maintain audience attention? It’s almost an unmanageable task due to different factors. For one, every audience member analyzes and processes information differently. This makes appealing to all types of thinkers quite a daunting task.

Another issue is that people have this aversion to sales talks, even if you are simply selling them a particular idea, not a product. So above everything, it’s imperative that your audience learns something interesting about your message instead. There is one rule of thumb that can help you make sure your presentation is above all, understandable….

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

When drafting up a presentation ask yourself this very simple question throughout the preparation of your PowerPoint. Will my points and train of thought be able to hold audience attention and keep them interested? Is this information useful to them? Is there too much content on this slide? Will they comprehend my message?

But placing yourself in the role of your audience will help guide you to think outside the box. Putting everything in their perspective, when you are outlining and creating your presentation, will not only help you cut down excess (and useless) information but also allow you to design a better PowerPoint.

Selfishness Hinders Audience Connections

While most of us subconsciously create our work in the mindset of thinking about us – think about them instead. Take this theory and apply this to your next presentation, you can practice it by going over your finished presentation and jot down notes at places you may think could use some editing and re-designing.

See if you are wholly interested throughout your PowerPoint presentation, and if your mind seems to wander at moments where information isn’t digestible or understandable. Take that into account because it is likely that your audience’s mind would wander at those exact same moments.

Conclusion

To maintain audience attention for a designated period of time does seem almost impossible. With breakthrough statistics categorizing the average adult attention span at a mere 5-12 minutes long, it makes sense for any professional presenter to panic. Sure, there are a few steps that you can take to enhance your professional PowerPoint presentations. However, they don’t offer a real guarantee that you will be able to capture audience attention or make them comprehend your ideas completely.

Being able to communicate effectively is the single most important factor in presentation science, regardless of your topic or message, your audience needs to be on the same page as you.

References:

“4 Types of Audience Members You Need to Present For.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 13, 2013.
Vidyarthi, Neil. “Attention Spans Have Dropped from 12 Minutes to 5 Minutes — How Social Media Is Ruining Our Minds [Infographic].” SocialTimes. December 14, 2011.

Why Your Presentation Needs to be These 3 Words

Posted on January 5, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Regardless the topic of your presentation, regardless the audience in front of you, regardless time allotted to you, and regardless the goal you have in mind; every single one of your presentations should be about these three words: Understandable, Memorable & Emotional.

Shape your presentation to concurrently fit these three categories, and you will be able to make millions! Not really, but you will definitely have a very effective presentation, which will lead to more sales.

Here is a Forbes’ breakdown of these three categories and the significance of each one:

Understandable.

Without clear and understandable slides, your professional PowerPoint presentation is practically useless. Simplicity is key when it comes to design. In aims to make your content and CTA’s clear to your audience, aim to keep your deck to ten slides and at a very maximum of 4 points per slide.

Bullet points are probably the most widely used form of delivery, but they aren’t necessarily the best. “In 2001 the iPod was “1,000 songs in your pocket.” In 2008, the MacBook Air was “The world’s thinnest notebook.” Steve Jobs always described his products in one sentence.” Bullet points can be effective because they are simple and quick, which makes them easy to understand, but nothing beats delivering your point in a conversational, one-sentence structure. Saying your point as if you were telling it to your mom, friend, or a random stranger is a great way to think of your delivery during your presentation.

Another useful way of thinking of understandability is the “Twitter Test.” If you can express your point in 140 characters or less, you’ll make your point in its simplest form, which is always the best form.

Memorable.

Memory’s magic number is 3! “Neuroscientists generally agree that the human mind can only consume anywhere from three to seven points in short-term, or “working memory” (This is why the phone number is only seven digits. Long ago scientists discovered if you ask people to remember eight digits, they forget just about the entire sequence of numbers). Incorporate this concept of 3 in your presentations. This can be done in a handful of creative ways: describe concepts in three words, divide your whole presentation into three parts (and say that you’re doing that), give the “three next steps,” or use the idea however you see fit. Rule-3 packaging makes things easier to understand, which in turn is more memorable.

Emotional.

Not all people are logical, but I can assure you that everyone is emotional. An emotional story will be more likely to reel in sales than a scientific finding. Ethical, unethical, right or wrong, it seems hearts and guts prove to be better salesmen than brains! Emotion can be presented in a multitude of useful venues. These include, but are not limited to photographs, videos, songs, colors schemes, the way you dress, the way you talk, and even the lighting in the room you present in. Everything around us can sway the way we feel in some way; large and small. Knowing your audience well enough to the point that you can identify what will make them cry, laugh, scream, or sing can be the single most useful tool at your disposal. Be emotional in the way you talk; if you want your audience to be excited, talk as if you were excited!

To sum up, when you’re designing your next corporate presentation, or investor pitch, or just any PowerPoint presentation, make sure you can describe the deck as understandable, memorable, and emotional, and you will find yourself accomplishing whatever the deck was created to accomplish.

Reference:

Gallo, Carmine. “The Three Basic Secrets of All Successful Presentations.” Forbes. February 22, 2013.

7 Apps Every Presenter Should Use

Posted on December 27, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

“With all the apps out there, it’s easy to get stuck with the same icons on your home screen — and never so much as click on the newer ones that would benefit your business most.” – Mashable

Each of these apps have the capability to make your presentations more effective, organize your time to complete those PowerPoint presentations more efficiently, or just make your life easier in general.

1. Lift

Lift helps you achieve your goals, big or small. With your busy schedule, traveling, and running from conference to conference, it is important to stay organized, and keep the important goals you have in check. Lift will force you to keep consistently working on your important goals or tasks at whatever frequency you want.

2. CloudMagic

CloudMagic is a universal and indispensable search engine for all your data. CloudMagic lets you search across Gmail, Yahoo, Dropbox, Evernote, etc., through one simple search box. Very useful when putting together data for any investor pitch, corporate presentation, or sales pitch!

3. TripIt

Tripit is most useful for our “always traveling” presenters. TripIt gives you the ability to organize your travels just by forwarding your booking confirmations to an email address. This app will reduce your stress five times over and will allow you to relax and focus on your presentation instead of the flight.

4. Refresh

Refresh digs through social networks to provide users with a bio on anyone before meeting them; a great way to get some research on your audience prior to delivering your PowerPoint! Knowing the dirty “deets” on specific audiences will allow you to relate to them, which will in turn keep them interested.

5. Audible

As a speaker, you should always be learning and reading books. It’s a great way to keep a steady stream of personal stories, quotes, or news that will come in handy to keep your data unique, interesting, and relevant. I’ve found Audible extremely helpful to listen to books while on the go.

6. LIA

With LIA you can access sales content in the field on a tablet and it works. When you only have 5 minutes with your prospect – trust LIA

7. Corkulous

Corkulous is an easy-to-use idea board only for iPads in which you can collect, organize, and share your ideas in a completely natural and organic way.

8. Sadun’s Whiteboard

This app lets you transform your IPad into a presentation screen and connect to any projection system using an Apple VGA connection or composite/component video-out cable and draw directly to an external screen using standard whiteboard markers and erasers. Really creative way to do live examples of anything you’re presenting on.

If you know any other useful apps for presenters or work related to presentations, feel free to comment them below to be added to this post!

References:

Gerber, Scott. “15 Underrated Apps Every Entrepreneur Should Use.” Mashable. October 26, 2013.

Tan, Kay. “30 Useful IPad Apps for Business & Presentation.” Hongkiatcom.

A Lesson from A Christmas Story: How to Build Your Credibility

Posted on December 23, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Effectively gaining your audience’s trust is imperative in any presentation setting. Building that sense of reliability can be fairly tricky but there are a few lessons we can takeaway from one of the greatest holiday movies and a certain little boy named Ralphie.

If you aren’t familiar with Jean Shepard’s, A Christmas Story, it’s the classic story of a boy who will do anything to get what he wants for Christmas. In Ralphie’s case, he fantasizes about the, “official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock “, the one and only thing he wants for Christmas. Throughout the entire film, Ralphie is set on a determined quest to convince his “Old Man”, mother, teacher and Santa himself that he absolutely needs this gift, even though he could potentially “shoot his eye out with that thing”.

So what can we learn about a hopeful little boy who desperately wants a gun for Christmas? It’s simple, Ralphie was able to build credibility with his parents because in the end he got what he wanted when they surprised him with his beloved BB gun. Though his parents were well aware of the possible danger of shooting his eye out, Ralphie constantly assured them that he “would be careful”- enabling their trust.

Here are a few suggestions to help you establish that credibility and trust from your audience when giving a PowerPoint presentation:

Ensure Strong Verbal Delivery and Body Language

Speak loud and clear: the more understandable you are to your audience, the more they can trust what you’re saying. Use effective body language as well: stand tall and don’t fidget nervously to assure them that you’re cool, calm and confident.

Teach More, Sell Less

The purpose of your presentation is to teach your audience your content- selling them goes simultaneously with this. The more your audience learns, the more they remember.

Engage Constantly

Ask questions and listen to their ideas. Effective communication goes along way with trust building: your audience can believe your ideas when you believe in their concerns.

Share Beneficial Content

Skip the fluff, even if your content is simplified—another important PowerPoint tip. Only provide your audience with information that is useful and relatable. Don’t project a ton of text and statistics that they will soon forget, less is more!

Design, Write and Look Professional

This is a three step process. You want your PowerPoint to look neat, clean and presentable so skip the over abundance of animation and bordered backgrounds. Grammar and spell check multiple times before presenting, even ask for a second pair of eyes for extra edits. And most importantly, look presentable! It’s better to be overdressed than under dressed.

These four tips will help you build trustworthiness with any audience base. Whether you are presenting to a conference room full of people, or even just one person, you are building a reputation for yourself within that time period. From start to finish your audience is meticulously judging your words, content and overall appearance of your professional presentation. Capture their attention in a good way and establish that trust from beginning to end.

Though Ralphie may not be a great example in this case, because in the end his parents ended up being right when he almost shot his eye out, he successfully built his own credibility by convincing his parents that they could trust him. In your next professional presentation consider these tips in order to effectively gain your audience’s trust, I double dog dare you.

How to Be the Best : Lessons from Brands that Changed the World

Posted on December 20, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Netflix. GoPro. The iPod.

What do all of them have in common? These are all original products and concepts that uniquely redefined their industries. They revolutionized the way we watch movies, listened to music and recorded the world around us.

It was pure originality that allowed these ideas to become the most popular name brand names of the era. Simplistic and innovative ideas combining together to create a one of the kind solution to certain problems. 10,000 songs in your pocket, a portable video camera, and a virtual Blockbuster.

So what can we learn from these very different products? Their ingenuity enabled them to become the most successful products and concepts in their markets and it is originality that allows you to create the most impactful PowerPoint presentation. There are a few concepts to utilize in your next presentation to create an innovative and unique PowerPoint.

Branded Templates: Market your way through every slide. Include customized branding and logos throughout your presentation, which gives each slide it’s own unique flair.

Simplicity: This concept goes hand in hand with originality. Minimalize your key points and make sure your content is easily understandable and memorable.

Creative Graphics, Visuals, and Animation: The most creatively designed PowerPoints are the most memorable presentations. Utilize impactful images, sensible animation, and visuals that will excite your audience.

In essence, creating an original PowerPoint doesn’t mean to go out of the standard boundaries of presentation etiquette. You should always have an organized outline with a beginning, middle and end that keeps your story flowing. Being unique is utilizing creativity as a supplementary component of something that is already structured.
An original presentation is not only an impressive one, but one that also shows your creative marketing strategy. Think of ways to use innovation and apply this to your content throughout your presentation. Tell a story, throw in some humor and ask questions throughout your presentations to engage your audience. Do what it takes to be different.

Reference:

“Putting Your Presentation before Your PowerPoint.” SlideGenius. December 9, 2013.

Lessons from Social Media: Instagram

Posted on December 18, 2013May 22, 2023 by Rick E

Whether it be taking picture of plane wings, an appetizing dinner or an artsy photo of your latte, Instagram has become one of the most prominent forms of social media to date. The application became so popular that it was acquired by Facebook this past year in a hefty billion dollar deal. It may be the pure simplicity of photo sharing that draws so many users to the app, but there are certain steps one must partake in to get the perfect “Insta”. We’ve created a comparison between the steps of taking the perfect picture and creating the perfect powerpoint presentation.

Step 1 : Picking the Perfect Angle

The first step of taking any Instagram is getting a unique angle, just like picking a perfect (and direct) angle for your audience when creating a presentation idea. Your ideas and thoughts presented (simply) within your powerpoint should be original and one of a kind, the better the ideas the more these will resonate with your audience.

Step 2: Picking the Perfect Filter

No Instagram is complete without a perfect filter to give it a spruce of color and the same is said for sparking up your presentation. You can add character to any powerpoint slides with eye-opening graphics, videos and images, the more colorful and put together- the better!

Step 3: Picking the Appropriate Hashtag

After you’ve snapped your picture and added the perfect filer, tagging hashtags is necessary to make the Instagram complete. The same step should be used in your final completion of your PowerPoints you should always review your finished slides to make sure all your ideas connect with each other and most importantly- make sense!

Avoiding a PowerPoint Penalty Flag

Posted on December 17, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

You can really use PowerPoint for just about anything…..

This past week’s story in the world of sports came from a man who submitted a PowerPoint presentation as his resume for an open coaching position for the University of North Dakota’s football team. Turns out he doesn’t quite have the standard credentials we were expecting to see. Christopher McComas, who currently works as an technician at Marshall University, made headlines this week as his application for the position went viral on the Internet. He listed out many his esteemed qualifications which included his many years of experience playing Madden and NCAA Football on his beloved Playstation.

The story of Christopher’s application became an Internet sensation. Between the lack of actual qualifications that are appropriate for a collegiate athletic position and his horribly put together powerpoint design, there are a few take aways we can learn from his errors.

Here are a few mistakes we noticed in Christopher’s presentation:

Formatting : Avoid using Comic Sans and boring templates, this shows a lack of effort and preparation.
Grammar/Spelling: With bullet points people tend to think run on sentences are acceptable, but try to avoid this and utilize appropriate and professional language
Lack of Content: There is no significant or persuasive content within his presentations that supports his claim.
Organization: There is no real structure – a presentation should have all three components: a title, a body and a takeaway.

Though we wish Christopher the best of luck in his attempts to coach football at the University of North Dakota, one thing we can guarantee is that this PowerPoint is less than impressive and maybe next time he should just stick to the normal resume format for his next job application.

Full Story: http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2013/12/11/5202166/sb-nation-endorses-chris-mccomas-for-north-dakota-head-coach

The Top 5 Major PowerPoint Mistakes

Posted on December 15, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Save yourself from a PowerPoint disaster with SlideGenius’s top five list of major PowerPoint presentation no’s of the year. Avoiding these common mistakes will have you going from PowerPoint amateur to professional in a matter of minutes – creating your most impressive presentation yet.

5. Paragraphs on Slides

Having giant paragraphs on your slide will guarantee you two things: a disinterested audience that won’t remember your content. We tell stories with words and images, having a ton of paragraphs up on your slides will distract your audience from listening to your points. Too much text also provides you with more of an opportunity to read directly off of your slides, which of course is another major presentation no. You can avoid this by using bullet points as your primary text formatting- this allows you to broadcast important information without causing your audience to fall asleep.

4. Sound Effects per Animation

Sound effects cause too much chaos during any presentation and will divert your audience’s attention, prevent this mistake by eliminating sound with your transitions. You can easily do this by making sure you’ve clicked “none” in the sound options in the animation box.

3 Using Elementary Fonts

While we all we’ll admit to using our longtime favorites Comic Sans or Garamond Script (yes they are pretty and cute) avoid using these types of fonts within a professional presentation. Stick with the most basic and easily legible fonts available so your audience can actually read your text without wondering if that letter is a g…or maybe a y?

2. Unusual Color Choices and Palettes

Skip choosing awkward color schemes that don’t match well and could possibly distract your audience by let’s say, blinding them. Avoid unusual color combinations such as red and green that are bright and disruptive. Keep your color scheme consistent throughout your entire presentation utilizing the same two or three colors. Also, avoid using those tempting patterned or textured powerpoint themes that will cause your font to be lost in the midst of an chaotic background.

1. Avoiding T.M.I.

T.M.I or Too Much Information is the ultimate general mistake when drafting up any PowerPoint presentation. Too much text, too many slides, and too much content will backfire on transcribing your ideas to your audience. Remember that the average adult thinking span is only five to seven minutes long, so keep all information simple and short -less is more! Tips to avoid this are having time limits and slide maximums (this should be around 15 slides) so you aren’t going overboard with your presentation.
Works Cited: http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/presentationmistakes/tp/080722_presentation_mistakes.htm

Keeping Your Audience in Mind : The 4 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself

Posted on December 11, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

“A good teacher, like a good entertainer who first must hold his audience’s attention, then he can teach his lesson” – John Henrik Clarke

If you ask any author what questions they ask themselves before drafting up their next bestseller, chances are they’ll tell you the first and most foremost step is targeting a specific audience. Presentations are all universally based around an audience because they are the reason why presenters, present. Before you start gathering content or building an outline for your next PowerPoint presentation, you should ask yourself these essential questions first.

Who Are They?

Your first step is knowing the basic knowledge and understanding of who your audience is. These include aspects such as their size, prior knowledge, and expectations. Are you presenting to a small or large group? What kind of production are they expecting? What kind of company culture do they share? Reaching out and personally connecting with them will make all the difference.

What Do They Know?

You don’t want to be going over concepts that the audience is already aware of. Understand what they have prior knowledge of and exclude sounding redundant in your presentation by not utilizing this information. This may require a substantial amount of research, but knowing this background information will put you a step ahead in the game.

What Interests Them?

Losing your audience’s interest is the ultimate presentation backfire, keep them entertained with personalized facts and ideas that are tailored to them exclusively. Do a substantial amount of research on their current projects and incorporate this knowledge within your powerpoint slides.

What Do You Want Them To Learn?

Your takeaway is the most essential feature of your entire presentation. The most vital question (before starting any presentation) is what do you want your audience to remember most? You are the teacher giving your audience a lesson- they should learn from you and your ideas. When crafting your presentation make sure to emphasize these themes or points regularly so your audience can remember the key points first.

Reference:

Sieber, Tina. “10 PowerPoint Tips for Preparing a Professional Presentation.” Makeuseof.com. May 23, 2009.

Our Best PowerPoint Recommendations of 2013

Posted on December 10, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

The developing art of PowerPoint changes year by year; bringing forth new ideas that create all around better presentations. We’ve compiled our list of the most effective and beneficial tips from 2013.

Stay Consistent.

Consistency is key when it comes to your companies branding – the basic marketing should be universal throughout your entire presentation. This uniformity should include your companies logos, color, background, theme and graphic styling. The consistency will help reflect your company’s mission and philosophy by remaining constant on all platforms and this will create a recognizable brand to customers and audience members alike- which builds trust and loyalty.

Back to Basics.

You tell a story with your presentation slides, so think of your PowerPoint as a high school essay that starts with an outline; organizing your introduction, your main points, counterpoints and conclusion. Your presentation should include all of these concepts and flow through accordingly.

Outline Smart.

Every substantial project starts somewhere and your powerpoint presentation should always start with a storyboard. This tool keeps your slides on point and helps you follow your persuasive argument throughout the entire presentation. A storyboard efficiently allows you to write all your points and ideas down prior to starting your powerpoint, which organizes your ideas effectively.

Images Speak Louder than Words.

A picture is worth a thousand words. The images that you place within your slides should be carefully chosen to fit your presentation. Another tip to consider is to chose high quality images, look for HD or downloadable high-res images when searched on the Internet for your content, these will look much more polished on a large projector.

Applying the Right Tools.

Utilizing effective outside tools can be used to enhance many components of your presentation slides. Touching back on a few we’ve covered in the past include beneficial support sites including, The PowerPoint FAQ that answers all your common day PowerPoint questions.

Putting Your Presentation Before Your PowerPoint

Posted on December 9, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

When drafting up any big presentation it’s easy to get caught up and forget about the vital questions that you should be asking yourself. With everything that is contributed to a PowerPoint presentation remember the key points you really want your audience to focus on.

A common misconception when giving any PowerPoint presentation is making your slides the focus, rather than your message- or actual verbiage. This is done by reading directly off your slides and reciting the text word for word. What most people don’t understand is that your PowerPoint is there as a supplementary piece that is used to solely enhance and elaborate your message.

While most of us have the urge to initially focus on getting all of our main points physically written onto a presentation- keep in mind that the PowerPoint slides are suppose to highlight takeaways and provide the content which is used accompany your story. The worst mistake you can make as a presenter is reading your slides word by word, which results in your audience completely losing interest and attention. Remember that, “communication is a transfer of emotion” and this becomes vital in getting your audience to understand your points and ideas.

Before you become caught up in dedicating your time to sprucing up your PowerPoint with tons of facts and fancy themed templates, understand that your speech is equally as important. Your story and words are just as significant as any statistic or graphics you have on your slides, so don’t forget to adequately prepare for your verbal content.

Your presentation is your message. It is the sole reason you even stand up in front of an audience and give PowerPoint in the first place. Be careful not to lose sight of the most significant details in any presentation preparation and make sure your message is portrayed in the most clear and effective way possible.

Works Cited: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/01/really_bad_powe.html

Remapping the Self: A TEDx Talk with Erika Casriel

Posted on October 26, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

How does one define themselves? Why is it that we tend to think our judgements and ideas surpass those around us; and why do our emotions play a part in this? Psychology journalist Erika Casriel discusses new developments within the neuroscience field in a describing a new concept titled, “conciocenterism”, an idea she presented with TED, an organization that broadcasts “ideas worth sharing”.

SlideGenius developed her TEDx Presentation which you can watch here.

Some of Erika’s presentation ideas about this revolutionary notion of “conciocenterism” included concepts such as, instead of thinking of ourselves as the center of the universe we must challenge ourselves and see the more rational sides of our emotions and actions. Her theory challenges us to step outside ourselves and silence the illusion of the “little man inside our mind”. She provides a great analogy stating that instead of seeing ourselves as the lead actor in our life we should place ourselves within the audience position as well; therefore not letting irrational emotions and single minded judgments get the best of ourselves but to look at the bigger picture.

This idea of drifting away from egocentrism can also be tied back into giving a presentation, as you as the presenter must see both sides of the picture in order to connect with your audience by allowing them to see your inner thoughts as well.

References:

Casriel, Erika. “Remapping the Self: Neuroscience Gets Personal.” Lecture, Navesink, January 1, 2013

“Why Your Presentation Needs to Be These 3 Words.” SlideGenius. January 5, 2014.

What Breaking Bad Can Teach Us about Closing a Presentation No Spoilers!

Posted on October 16, 2013April 24, 2020 by Rick E

Breaking Bad, AMC’s hit crime drama we’ve all come to know, love, and mournfully wave goodbye too, ended two weeks ago in a (without giving too much away) justified, epic climax after five seasons of watching Walter White (A.K.A. Heisenberg) turn from sheepish high school chemistry teacher to roaring meth kingpin.

For those of you who haven’t seen BrBa to its bitter-sweet end, I won’t go into details. What I will say of it is that I was thoroughly pleased with its conclusion, but not altogether satisfied, which is exactly what a great ending should be.

Ending our presentations requires the same careful planning. The show’s infamously meticulous Executive Producer Vince Gilligan put a great amount of thought and effort into the show’s final chapter, and that’s because he knows what his audience is going to remember.

There’s a famous saying in the sports world: “You’re only as good as your last game.” From this, we can take away that we’ll be remembered for our most recent victory and defeat. Our significance is who we are today. For a TV show–and for a presentation–the finale, or the closing, will be what is most remembered.

Even if the first 90 percent of your presentation is brilliant, but the last 10 percent is a total wash, guess what they’ll remember from the presentation? The horrific ending. Fair? maybe not, but definitely the reality.

So how to make sure your audience is left with the perfect ending? Here’s a few things Breaking Bad executed flawlessly that we can work into our presentations.

Leave Your Audience Wanting More

I previously stated that Breaking Bad’s ending was fantastic, yet not entirely satisfying. This is because, to me, the show ended at its peak, which I believe is precisely what Gillian planned. The series had a great story arc that resolved all issues, but we all still wanted the show to go on.

You don’t want your audience counting the minutes until you stop talking by the time you’re on the later half of your presentation. In fact, you should end the presentation saying everything you need to say, but your audience wants to keep listening. This will not only have them leaving with a favorable impression of you, but it will keep you and your presentation on their minds, ultimately leading to your information being better retained.

Don’t leave loose ends

There’s a big difference between a show ending at its peak and one that ends open-ended and often confusingly (I’m looking at you, Lost).

Just like this confusing promotional poster, Lost's conclusion left watchers scratching their heads. — Just like this confusing promotional poster, Lost’s conclusion left watchers scratching their heads.

Make sure everything in your presentation is adequately addressed and all questions answered. Many presentations leave their audience almost more confused that when the presentation started. A great way of ensuring your audience understood what you had to say is to leave time at the end for a Q&A session. At SlideGenius, we recommend to allot an equal amount of time for your Q&A session as for your presentation.

Hammer home your message

Just like Bogdan's eyebrows, our endings — Just like Bogdan’s eyebrows, our presentation’s message in our conclusion should be apparent and unavoidable.

Breaking Bad brought it all back out of the wood works for the finale. Characters we hadn’t seen in a couple seasons come back to life to be part of this modern-day western, and the episode even opens with Walter White back in his early meth-cooking days, where he still lies to his wife about having to work late at the car wash for its egotistical owner Bogdan. Don’t just end, recap. Remind them of your key points and overall message. Ending on your last point will likely reinforce the idea that the last point is the oly thing to take away, when it’s usually just one of many that you made.

What Professional Athletes Can Teach Us about Preparing for a Winning Presentation

Posted on October 9, 2013November 25, 2019 by Rick E

There’s a saying in the sports world that 90 percent of performance is mental.

This isn’t to say that all the intense physical preparation, practice, and training for the big game won’t have a huge effect on an athlete’s performance, but none of that hard work will matter without being mentally prepared for the pressures of high-level competition.

Similarly, while it’s obviously vital to practice, obtain the best professional PowerPoint possible and plan all aspects of your presentation carefully, to avoid stress and pressure affecting you at the moment of your presentation. If you’re not mentally prepared then that presentation you worked so hard to perfect might never come to fruition. Look at some of today’s top athletes, like Peyton Manning and Lebron James, prepare themselves physically and mentally before any big game and have this down to an exact science.

Visualize Success

There was a study conducted by Dr. Judd Blaslotto at the University of Chicago in which the subjects were divided into three groups. At the beginning of the study, he tested each group on how many free throws they could make.

After this, he had the first group practice free throws every day for an hour, the second group just visualized making free throws successfully for an hour, and the third group didn’t do diddly squat.

After 30 days, the groups were retested. The third group didn’t improve. The first group improved by 24 percent and the second—the ones who did nothing but sit around all day thinking about shooting free throws—they improved by 23 percent.

young boy thinking — Success can look as easy as this. Simply imagining the success of your presentation can help ensure it.

Visualizing success is imperative to that success manifesting itself. If you are continually thinking about all the terrible things that could go wrong during a speech, this negative reinforcement may result in a poor performance. However, if you make it a point in your preparation to picture yourself giving a winning presentation, studies show that this will have a discernible positive impact.

Golfing and Grace Under Pressure

When pro female golfer Inbee Park won the U.S. Female Open earlier this summer, she credited her success to two things: her experience and her mental health coach.

This reiterates the two-part recipe for success in both sports and presenting to an audience. Preparation, practice, and experience are the foundation for success, but mental toughness is the final ingredient to a winning presentation.

Champion golfer Inbee Park employs a mental health coach to help keep her cool on the course.

Many golfers now use a mental coach to learn how to embrace anxiety before a tournament in order to use it to their advantage. The right amount of anxiety can heighten our awareness and sharpen our senses. The trick is to stay on top of your anxieties, controlling them rather than letting them control you.

While obviously this post can’t do what a mental coach can, some important lessons a mental coach often provides are:

–Don’t carry mistakes from the previous hole through the rest of the round. When giving a presentation, don’t let past flubs haunt you. View each presentation as a unique opportunity to prove yourself.

–Deep breaths can go a long way. It will lower your heart rate and allow you to think clearly and rationally about the situation.

–Enjoy yourself. When you’re having fun, you won’t be weighed down by the pressure of the situation. Realize that people just want to enjoy your speech and have fun with it.

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Psychology today analyzed endurance sports such as marathon running and found that a key part of enduring these grueling races is mental outlook. While there isn’t as much crossover between presentation and endurance sports, there is a good lesson to learn about maintaining a positive attitude in the face of unexpected challenges, which is important when things don’t go as planned during our presentations.

“The key is how people respond to the stressful conditions,” writes psychologist Jim Taylor, Ph.D. “If you have two athletes of equal ability and one sees, for example, rain and wind as a threat that scares and intimidates them and the other as a challenge that they know they can overcome, the latter athlete will be more successful.”

This guy might be enjoying the rain a little too much, but he's certainly a good example of not letting misfortunes bog you down. — This guy might be enjoying the rain a little too much, but he’s certainly a good example of not letting misfortunes bog you down.

So if there’s a technology malfunction, an unruly crowd , or any of the unforeseeable flubs that tend to arise, remember to view them not as a death sentence to your presentation, but as another challenge to overcome and prove yourself with.

Check out our Webinar for ON24 :Teaching the Importance of Simplicity

Posted on October 7, 2013November 25, 2019 by Rick E

SlideGenius Founder and CEO Rick Enrico spoke last Thursday on the importance of simplicity in presentation design as a part of ON24’s very first installment of its Webinar Academy.

To view the webinar, titled, “Avoiding Information Overload: The Importance of Simplicity in Presentation Design,” do the quick, 1-minute registration here and view the entire webinar series created by ON24, a leading virtual communications company. Along with Rick’s, you’ll find several other Webinars that have a lot to teach about presenting in the digital age.

While most presentations designed by SildeGenius are given in person, the attention ON24 is giving to Webinars is indicative of a growing trend toward Internet-based presenting and how this is expanding our scope of how we can reach an audience. By viewing our webinar, you’ll see that all the key elements of an effective PowerPoint presentation are still there, but coupled with it is the ability to reach millions of people at the click of a button by creating your presentation online.

How to Think Like $5.99 and Not Like $6.00

Posted on September 6, 2013November 25, 2019 by Rick E

Imagine you own a clothing store. Now you decide to begin a sale for that store. Let’s say a particular type of shorts usually costs $20 per short, but for the purposes of the sale you’re going to mark them down to $15 a piece.

There are two ways you could present that discount. The first would be as a percentage. Going from $20 to $15 would be 25% off. The second would be as an absolute number with $5 off. Which way is better?

Both discounts amount to the same final price. 25% off $20 and $5 off $20 both result in the customer paying $15 for the shorts. So both representations of the discount should have the same effect, right?

Wrong. Jonah Berger, author of Contagion, explains to us that the consumers find the 25% discount more attractive than the 5$ off. While the two discounts are the same economically, they don’t trigger the same psychological effect. One feels like a larger discount than the other.

Accordingly, the next time you’re reporting numerical information, pay attention to how you are presenting it. The way changes are represented can have a big impact on how they’re perceived.

Focus on the final number.

Like the story above, most people seemed to be more enticed by the offer when the discount number was larger. Rule of thumb would be whenever you are offering a discount under $100 display it as a percentage, and when the offer is greater than $100 display it as an absolute number. This will make sure you are always maximizing your psychological impact. Simpler is better. No one cares about a page of numbers and figures that look like the green screen display from the matrix. You need to simplify your results, and then simplify them again. Think of your raw data as a pile of freshly picked vegetables. People don’t want to eat them when they still have dirt and leave stems on them. People want a quick and painless way to stay healthy, so what do you do? You take those vegetables, clean them, cut them, put them in a blender and make a smoothie. Then you take that smoothie and turn it into a wheatgrass shot. Quick and to the point. So yes, your data should be reduced to the size of a wheatgrass shot! After all, the simpler your can represent your findings, the easier it will be for your audience to understand you, which will in turn make your call-to-action more successful.

Tell a story.

Everyone knows the best stories are the ones told with pictures, so use them. Portraying data graphically reveals patterns in the data that are hard to notice otherwise Visual depictions of data are almost universally understood without requiring knowledge of a language. It is also useful to alter your tone and speed as you approach the finding of any given graph. Much like when telling a story, the storyteller tends to get really excited toward the climax or “best part” of the story; it is not only useful but critical to draw attention to the most important features of the data.

I’ll leave you with Hans Rosling’s fascinating TED talk revolved around displaying data effectively, which you can watch here.

References:

Berger, Jonah. “Fuzzy Math: What Makes Something Seem Like A Good Deal?” linkedin. August 28, 2013.

Kakutani, Michiko. “Mapping Out the Path to Viral Fame.” The New York Times. February 25, 2013.

Rosling, Hans. “The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen.” ted.com. February 2006.

How Adding Market Demand in Pitch Decks Influences Investor Interest

Posted on September 30, 2023September 27, 2023 by Rick E

Pitch decks are the lifeblood of startup fundraising, serving as the gateway to securing vital investments. One key factor that can significantly influence investor interest in your pitch deck is the incorporation of market demand data.

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Let’s delve into how adding market demand data to your pitch deck can be a game-changer and why it matters to potential investors.

Understanding Market Demand in Pitch Decks

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how market demand influences investor interest, let’s ensure we’re on the same page regarding what it means.

Market demand refers to the overall desire or need for a particular product or service within a specific market. It’s the foundation upon which successful businesses are built.

In pitch decks, it helps potential investors understand the real-world need for your solution. When investors see a substantial demand for what your startup is offering, it immediately piques their interest.

Moreover, it is the validation of your business idea. It’s the evidence that people are looking for precisely what you’re offering. This validation, presented convincingly in your pitch deck, can be a powerful magnet for investor capital.

The Impact of Market Demand on Investor Interest

When potential investors assess a startup, they are primarily concerned with one question: Is there a real market for this product or service?

Investors aren’t just putting their money into your business; they’re investing in the potential returns your business can generate.

Market demand serves as a compass for investors, guiding them toward opportunities with a higher likelihood of success. It’s the assurance that people are ready to open their wallets for your offering.

When investors see that your pitch deck is backed by solid market demand data, it alleviates their concerns and increases their confidence in your startup’s potential.

In essence, the data acts as a safety net for investors. It helps them mitigate the risk associated with investing in a startup. Furthermore, it assures them that there’s a genuine demand that your business can tap into.

Strategies for Incorporating Market Demand in Pitch Decks

How can you effectively incorporate market demand data into your pitch deck? Here are some strategies to consider.

Research and data collection techniques

Start by conducting thorough market research to gather accurate data. Include surveys, industry reports, competitor analysis, and customer feedback. The more robust and reliable your data, the more persuasive your pitch deck becomes.

Data visualization methods

Don’t just present raw numbers; use graphs, charts, and visuals to make the data more digestible and engaging for your audience. Visual representations can help investors grasp the significance of market demand.

Storytelling and narrative-building

Don’t simply throw statistics at your audience. Craft a compelling narrative around your market demand data. Explain why it matters, how it relates to your product or service, and why it presents an opportunity for investors.

Ensuring the authenticity and credibility of data

Be transparent about your data sources and methodology. Investors value credibility and appreciate knowing your market demand data is solid and trustworthy.

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In startup fundraising, market demand can elevate your pitch deck from good to great, increasing your chances of attracting investors. Showcase the genuine need for your product or service to validate your business idea and offer investors the promise of substantial returns.

How the Series C Pitch Deck Differs from Earlier Funding Stages

Posted on September 29, 2023September 27, 2023 by Rick E

Pitch decks provide a snapshot of a company’s vision, potential, and roadmap for growth. However, not all pitch decks are created equal. Let’s delve into the critical distinctions between a Series C pitch deck and those designed for earlier funding stages. We’ll explore how the Series C pitch deck evolves to reflect the maturation and scaling of a startup.

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Understanding the Series C Funding Stage

Before we dive into the intricacies of pitch decks, it’s crucial to grasp the essence of the Series C funding stage.

The Series C funding stage is the apex of a startup’s journey through the funding rounds, following the seed, Series A, and Series B stages. It represents a pivotal moment in a company’s lifecycle, where it has already validated its business model, achieved substantial growth, and is gearing up for scaling on a grander stage.

At this stage, investors expect a startup to demonstrate potential and a proven track record of success. They want to see that the company is well-positioned to dominate its market and generate substantial returns on investment.

With this backdrop, let’s explore how the Series C pitch deck differs significantly from those presented during earlier funding stages.

Series C Pitch Deck vs. Earlier Stages

Depth and Complexity of Financials

In earlier funding stages, pitch decks often focus on the startup’s vision, product, and the problem it solves. While these elements are still crucial in Series C, financials take center stage.

Series C investors want to know that the company can turn a profit and deliver a substantial return on investment. Therefore, your financial projections should be more detailed, comprehensive, and realistic.

Your Series C pitch deck should include detailed financial statements, cash flow projections, and a clear path to profitability. Investors will scrutinize your financials, so prepare to answer questions about your revenue model, burn rate, and how you plan to allocate capital.

Focus on Proven Market Traction

In earlier stages, startups can get away with presenting promising market research and early customer feedback. However, in Series C, investors expect concrete evidence of market traction.

Showcase your customer base, revenue growth, and retention rates. Highlight long-term customer relationships and demonstrate a firm grip on your target market.

Investors will want to see customer acquisition and how you plan to expand and retain your customer base. Therefore, you must have a detailed analysis of your sales and marketing strategies, customer acquisition costs, and lifetime value.

Competitive Analysis

While competitive analysis is relevant in all pitch decks, it becomes even more critical in Series C. By this stage, you’re likely facing stiff competition in your market. Investors want to know how you stack up against competitors and what sets you apart.

Provide a comprehensive competitive analysis highlighting your strengths and weaknesses relative to your peers. Show that you understand the competitive landscape and have a strategy to maintain or gain market leadership.

The Evolution of the Story

Pitch decks are about presenting numbers and charts. They’re about storytelling.

In Series C, your story should reflect your journey from inception to scaling. Share the milestones you’ve achieved, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how your company has evolved.

Investors invest in your business and your team’s ability to execute a strategic vision. Use your pitch deck to showcase your company’s growth and success.

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The Series C pitch deck marks a significant departure from earlier stages. It requires a deeper dive into financials, a focus on concrete market traction, a robust competitive analysis, and a compelling narrative that reflects your journey. Tailoring your pitch deck to the Series C stage is essential for attracting the right investors and securing the capital needed to take your startup to the next level.

Highlighting Solutions in Investor Presentations

Posted on September 28, 2023September 27, 2023 by Rick E

The difference between an impactful investor presentation and one that falls flat often lies in the ability to highlight solutions effectively.

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Let’s explore the power of solution-oriented investor presentations and provide valuable insights and tips to craft compelling presentations that captivate investors and drive your business forward.

The Power of Solution-Oriented Presentations

Many entrepreneurs focus excessively on the problems and challenges their businesses face.

While it’s essential to acknowledge hurdles, the true power of an investor presentation lies in its ability to showcase solutions. A solution-oriented approach shifts the focus from dwelling on issues to highlighting how your business can overcome them. This approach resonates more with investors because it demonstrates your ability to navigate challenges effectively.

Effective investor presentations make investors envision a brighter future with your business as the solution. Instead of leaving them with a sense of uncertainty, leave them confident in your ability to address challenges head-on.

Tips for Highlighting Solutions in Investor Presentations

Now we understand the importance of a solution-oriented approach, let’s delve into practical tips to help you effectively highlight solutions in your investor presentations.

Identify and Prioritize Key Issues

Start by identifying the most significant challenges your business faces.

Prioritize these challenges based on their potential impact on your venture. Investors want to see that you’ve done your homework and understand what needs to be addressed.

Offer Clear and Actionable Solutions

Once you’ve identified the challenges, present clear and actionable solutions.

Avoid vague or generic statements. Instead, provide specific steps and strategies to address each issue. Investors want to know how you plan to tackle obstacles.

Use Storytelling to Illustrate Solutions

Storytelling is a powerful tool in investor presentations.

Instead of simply listing solutions, weave them into a compelling narrative. Share success stories, anecdotes, or examples of how your solutions have worked in the past. This approach not only makes your presentation memorable but also humanizes your solutions.

Crafting Compelling Visuals

Visual elements can enhance the impact of your solutions in an investor presentation.

Explain the Role of Visuals

Visuals, such as charts, graphs, and infographics, can simplify complex information and make it more digestible. Use visuals strategically to reinforce your solutions visually.

Discuss the Use of Infographics, Charts, and Graphs

Consider using infographics to present data or statistics related to your solutions. Visual representations can make your points clearer and more persuasive.

For example, a line chart showing the projected revenue increase after implementing a solution can be far more impactful than a block of text.

Provide Examples of Effective Visual Representations

Share examples of effective visual representations in investor presentations.

Highlight how these visuals enhanced the understanding of solutions and contributed to the overall success of the presentation.

Preparing for Investor Q&A

Anticipating and effectively addressing questions about your solutions is crucial in an investor presentation:

Stress the Significance of Being Prepared for Questions

Investors often have specific concerns or doubts. Be prepared to address questions related to your solutions confidently.

Offer Strategies for Addressing Questions About Solutions

Anticipate Potential Queries: Consider the questions investors will likely ask about your solutions and prepare concise, well-thought-out responses.
Be Confident in Your Knowledge of Solutions: Your confidence in your solutions will inspire confidence in investors. Know your solutions inside and out.
Stay Composed Under Pressure: Investor presentations can be intense, and difficult questions may arise. Stay composed and maintain your focus on the solutions.

The Role of Storytelling

Storytelling can be a powerful tool to humanize your solutions.

Discuss How Storytelling Can Humanize Solutions

Explain how storytelling can make your solutions relatable and memorable. Share the emotional connection that storytelling can create with investors.

Provide tips for integrating storytelling into your presentation. For instance, use personal anecdotes or case studies to illustrate how your solutions have positively impacted your business or customers.

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Mastering the art of solution-oriented investor presentations can significantly increase your chances of securing funding and support for your business. Follow these tips to create a lasting impression on investors, leaving them eager to be part of your journey. Remember, it’s not just about identifying problems; it’s about showing how your business is the solution investors have been waiting for.

Using Past Achievements to Reinforce Your Team’s Expertise

Posted on September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 by Rick E

In today’s fiercely competitive business environment, companies and individuals strive to stand out as experts in their respective fields, seeking to gain trust, attract clients, and secure partnerships. One valuable yet overlooked resource for achieving this status is the strategic use of past achievements.

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Let’s talk about the powerful impact of leveraging past accomplishments to reinforce your team’s expertise. By focusing on how past achievements can build trust, elevate your reputation, and empower your team, you’ll discover a potent tool for staying at the top of your game.

The Strategic Value of Past Achievements

Past achievements serve as the cornerstone of your team’s expertise. They are the concrete evidence of your capabilities and the foundation to build your reputation as an expert.

When potential clients or partners see a track record of success, it instills confidence and trust. They know you’ve been there, done that, and can deliver results.

Building Trust with Clients and Partners

Trust is the lifeblood of any business relationship. Leveraging past achievements is a proven method for building trust with clients and partners.

When potential clients see that you’ve helped others achieve their goals, they are more inclined to believe you can do the same for them. It’s natural to trust those with a track record of success.

Elevating Your Team’s Reputation

Your team’s reputation is priceless. Leveraging past achievements is a surefire way to elevate it.

When you consistently deliver outstanding results and showcase those accomplishments, you position your team as experts in your industry. Over time, this reputation becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, attracting more opportunities and enhancing your standing.

Overcoming Challenges in Leveraging Past Achievements

While leveraging past achievements offers immense benefits, it’s not without its challenges.

One common pitfall is resting on your laurels, assuming that past successes alone will sustain your expertise. However, industries evolve, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. It’s essential to strike a balance between drawing on past achievements and embracing ongoing growth and innovation.

Another challenge is miscommunicating past achievements. It’s not enough to list accomplishments; you must effectively convey how they relate to the challenges your clients or partners face. Storytelling, context, and relevance are relevant and vital. Furthermore, it’s crucial to tailor your message to resonate with your audience.

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Past achievements are a potent tool for strengthening your team’s expertise. They provide evidence of your capabilities, build trust, elevate your reputation, and empower your team. However, it’s equally important to remain adaptable and forward-thinking. Expertise isn’t static; it’s a continuous journey of learning and improvement.

Building a Strong Business Plan with the Use of Funds Slide

Posted on September 26, 2023September 27, 2023 by Rick E

A well-structured business plan outlines a business’s vision, mission, and strategies, providing a roadmap to success. However, one pitch deck slide that often stands out for investors and lenders alike is the Use of Funds slide.

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Let’s explore why a business plan is essential, what the Use of Funds slide entails, and how to make it an asset that propels your business forward.

The Role of a Business Plan

Before diving into the specifics of the Use of Funds slide, let’s take a moment to understand the broader role of a business plan. It’s not just a document; it’s the blueprint for your business’s future. A well-crafted business plan:

Defines Your Vision: It lays out your business’s purpose, mission, and values. It clarifies what your company stands for and where it’s headed.
Attracts Stakeholders: Investors, lenders, and partners often require a business plan before committing their resources. A solid plan can captivate their interest and support.
Guides Decision-Making: It’s your compass for making informed decisions. From marketing strategies to financial projections, your plan ensures you stay on the right track.

Understanding the Use of Funds Slide

The Use of Funds slide offers a snapshot of how you intend to allocate the capital you seek. It’s not just about stating the sum; it’s detailing where every dollar will go.

What Is It?

The Use of Funds slide is a visual representation of your financial strategy. It succinctly outlines how much money you need, what you’ll use it for, and over what timeframe.

Why It Matters

This slide is a make-or-break element of your plan. Investors want to know that you will put their investment to good use—and this slide tells them precisely that.

Placement

The Use of Funds slide is typically in the early parts of the financial slides, right after your funding requirements. It sets the stage for the nitty-gritty financial details that follow.

Components of a Strong Use of Funds Slide

A compelling Use of Funds slide isn’t just about numbers but displaying clarity and precision. Here are the key components you should include:

Funding Allocation: State clearly how much capital you’re seeking. Be specific. Investors appreciate a precise figure.
Purpose of Funds: Detail what the money will be used for. Whether it’s product development, marketing, or hiring, be specific about your intentions.
Timeline: Investors want to know when they can expect to see returns. Include a timeline indicating when the funds will be deployed and when results are anticipated.

Clarity is Key

Avoid vague or ambiguous language. Make it easy for anyone reading the slide to understand where the money is going.

Aligning the Slide with Business Goals

Your Use of Funds slide shouldn’t operate in isolation. It should seamlessly align with your broader business goals and strategies. Here’s the reason why alignment matters:

Credibility: When your Use of Funds slide harmonizes with your business strategy, it instills confidence in investors. They see that you have a cohesive plan for success.
Supports Strategy: Ensure that the allocation of funds supports your overarching business strategy. If you’re emphasizing growth, allocate funds accordingly.
Transparency: Investors appreciate transparency. They want to see a logical connection between the capital you’re seeking and your business’s goals.

Addressing Risk and Contingency Planning

Investors are savvy individuals. They understand that risks are inherent in business. Thus, addressing risks in your Use of Funds slide demonstrates foresight and a willingness to adapt.

Risk Mitigation

Alongside the allocation of funds, consider including how you plan to mitigate risks. For example, set aside a portion of funds as a contingency for unforeseen challenges.

Contingency Plans

If your business faces a particular risk, such as supply chain disruptions, mention how you’ll navigate these hurdles using the allocated funds.

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The Use of Funds slide is a pivotal element within your business plan, captivating investors and ensuring the alignment of financial strategies with broader business goals. By crafting a clear, precise, and well-thought-out slide, you set the stage for attracting support and achieving success in your entrepreneurial journey.

Enhancing the Ask Slide Beyond Funding Amounts

Posted on September 25, 2023September 27, 2023 by Rick E

The Ask Slide has long been a significant component of startup pitches, offering a snapshot of a company’s funding needs and the financial ask. However, just mentioning funding amounts is insufficient in today’s competitive investment landscape.

Enhancing the Ask Slide by delving deeper into the specifics to stand out and secure the support your startup deserves is critical.

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In this blog, we’ll explore how focusing on elements such as the use of funds, fund growth potential, and financial milestones can elevate your Ask Slide to a whole new level.

The Evolving Ask Slide

The traditional Ask Slide has evolved significantly over the years.

Investors are dissatisfied with just knowing how much capital they seek. They want a more comprehensive picture of your financial strategy, including how you plan to use the funds and the potential for fund growth.

This evolution reflects investors’ desire for transparency and a deeper understanding of the startup’s financial landscape.

Defining the Use of Funds

One of the critical aspects of enhancing the Ask Slide is clearly articulating how you intend to use the funds.

Investors want to know precisely where you will direct their money and its impact on your startup’s growth. Whether for product development, marketing, or scaling operations, a well-defined use of funds instills confidence and demonstrates your strategic thinking.

Demonstrating Fund Growth Potential

Investors aren’t just interested in the present; they want to understand the potential for fund growth.

What will their investment be worth in the future? How will it grow over time? Incorporate projections and strategies for achieving financial milestones.

Consider outlining a growth strategy that discusses expected revenue increases, market share expansion, or cost reduction initiatives. These elements show investors that you’ve thought about the long-term financial health of your startup and are committed to maximizing their return on investment.

Setting Financial Milestones

Incorporating financial milestones into your Ask Slide is essential for two reasons:

Providing investors with tangible, measurable goals your startup aims to achieve with their support.
Demonstrating commitment to accountability and progress tracking.

You might outline milestones such as reaching a revenue target, achieving profitability, or expanding into new markets. Be sure to attach timelines to these milestones, allowing investors to gauge the pace of progress. This approach keeps you on track and gives investors confidence that their investment is in capable hands.

Fund Allocation Strategies

To further enhance your Ask Slide, consider detailing your fund allocation strategy.

Explain how you plan to distribute the invested funds across different areas of your business. Whether it’s product development, marketing, hiring key personnel, or research and development, investors want to see a thoughtfully constructed plan.

For instance, you could allocate a significant fund percentage to build a talented team, recognizing that the right people are crucial for your startup’s success. Simultaneously, you might allocate funds to marketing efforts to increase your customer base and drive revenue growth. This breakdown illustrates a clear vision and strategic approach to utilizing the investment.

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The Ask Slide is no longer a mere formality in startup pitches. It has become a comprehensive financial roadmap that investors rely on to make informed decisions. In the dynamic world of startups, a well-crafted Ask Slide can be the key to unlocking the funding and resources needed to propel your venture forward.

Addressing Investor Concerns About Your Target Market

Posted on September 24, 2023September 19, 2023 by Rick E

Investors play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of any startup or business. They provide the crucial financial support needed to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality. However, to secure this support, entrepreneurs must address investor concerns—those target market-related ones.

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In this blog post, we’ll delve into investor concerns about a company’s target market and explore how entrepreneurs can proactively address them.

Why investors are interested in your target market

Investors are inherently interested in a business’s target market for several reasons:

They want to gauge the potential return on their investment. A well-defined target market can signal growth opportunities and revenue potential.
Investors look for alignment between the target market and the company’s mission and goals. An ill-fitting target market can lead to effort and resource misalignment.

Market size and potential

Investors often inquire about the target market’s size and potential.

A small or stagnant market offers measly growth opportunities to justify an investment. To address this concern, entrepreneurs should provide data-backed insights into the market’s size and showcase its growth potential.

Highlighting trends, expanding customer bases, and emerging market niches can bolster investor confidence.

Competition and market saturation

Investors worry about market saturation and fierce competition. They want to know how your business aims to thrive in a crowded marketplace.

It’s vital to identify key competitors, assess their market share, and explain your strategies for differentiation. Clearly articulating your unique value proposition and potential market gaps you intend to fill can alleviate investor concerns.

Market trends and dynamics

Investors are interested in market trends and dynamics. They need assurance that your business can adapt and respond to changing consumer behavior and preferences.

Demonstrating your awareness of industry trends and ability to pivot or capitalize on emerging opportunities can build trust. It’s essential to have a strategy for staying ahead of the curve and adapting to shifts in the market landscape.

Customer segments and personas

Investors want to understand the customers you’re targeting.

Comprehensive customer personas provide valuable insights into their needs and behaviors. Addressing investor questions about your target customer base can explain how your product or service meets specific pain points and why your chosen segment is poised for growth.

Scalability and growth prospects

Investors often seek assurance that their investment will lead to substantial returns. Addressing concerns about scalability and growth prospects is crucial.

Entrepreneurs should outline strategies for expanding within the target market and diversification plans. Providing a clear path to growth and demonstrating your readiness to seize opportunities can quell concerns about limited growth potential.

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Investor concerns about your target market are pivotal in securing funding for your business. By addressing them proactively, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of securing investor support.

Strategies to Keep an Audience Engaged Amidst Text-Heavy Slides

Posted on September 23, 2023September 19, 2023 by Rick E

We’ve all encountered those dreaded text-heavy slides. They fill the screen with words, leaving little room for imagination and engagement.

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As a presenter, it’s crucial to recognize that text-dominated presentation slides can lead to audience disengagement and information overload. However, there are strategies you can employ to keep your audience engaged even when you have wordy content.

Understanding the Audience

Before diving into the strategies, it’s essential to understand your audience.

Knowing your audience’s preferences, background, and expectations can be a game-changer. Are they experts in the subject matter or new to it? What are their pain points and interests? Tailoring your content to meet their needs can significantly affect engagement levels.

Visual Enhancements

One of the most effective ways to combat text-heavy slides is by incorporating visual elements.

Images and graphics can convey complex ideas quickly and memorably. Use high-quality visuals that complement your content, and remember that a well-chosen image can speak volumes. Additionally, charts and graphs help distill data into digestible insights, making your content more engaging and understandable.

Also, pay attention to your color scheme. Utilize colors that resonate with your audience and maintain readability. Avoid cluttered slides with too many colors; simplicity often leads to better engagement. White space is your friend, as it provides visual relief and improves clarity amidst text-heavy decks.

Storytelling Techniques

Humans connect with stories. Thus, craft a compelling narrative around your content instead of just bombarding your audience with facts and figures.

Stories humanize your message, making it relatable and memorable. Use anecdotes, case studies, and real-life examples to illustrate key points. Structure your presentation with a clear beginning, middle, and end to keep your audience engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds.

Interactivity and Engagement

Engagement is a two-way street. To keep your audience involved, consider incorporating interactivity.

During your presentation, pause for questions and encourage discussion. Conducting polls and surveys can provide valuable insights and keep your audience actively participating. A well-timed Q&A session can also break the monotony of text-heavy slides and foster engagement.

Multimedia Integration

Don’t limit yourself to text and images. Videos and animations can breathe life into your presentation.

Videos can showcase demonstrations, interviews, or visual explanations. Animations, when used sparingly, can highlight critical concepts. Keep multimedia elements relevant to your content and use them strategically to enhance engagement.

Audio can be another powerful tool. Incorporate sound clips or music that align with your message. Remember that audio should complement your content, not distract from it.

Typography and Text Formatting

Typography and text formatting are critical when dealing with text-heavy slides.

Select fonts that are easily readable even from a distance. Use different text sizes and styles to emphasize key points. Break up dense text with bullet points and lists to make information more digestible. Avoid clutter and excessive text, as they can overwhelm your audience.

Handouts and Supplementary Materials

Engage your without overwhelming them by providing handouts or supplementary materials. These can include summaries, additional resources, or references for further reading. Ensure that these materials enhance your presentation rather than serve as distractions.

For tech-savvy audiences, consider including QR codes or links to digital resources.

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Keeping your audience engaged amid text-heavy slides requires a thoughtful approach. By implementing these strategies, you can transform even the driest content into a captivating presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

The Role of the How It Works Slide in Educating Investors

Posted on September 22, 2023September 19, 2023 by Rick E

Investing can be a daunting world filled with complex concepts and financial intricacies. Effective communication in this realm is paramount. A tool that stands out for its ability to simplify complexity is the “How It Works” slide.

The How It Works slide is more than just a visual aid; it is critical in making intricate ideas comprehensible and fostering investor confidence.

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Let’s delve into the significance of the How It Works slide and explore how it has evolved to educate investors effectively.

The Purpose of the “How It Works” Slide

Introducing Complex Concepts

At its core, the How It Works slide is a translator, breaking down complex financial and technical ideas into understandable terms.

It takes abstract, convoluted concepts and transforms them into tangible, comprehensible information for investors. Such simplification is crucial for helping investors grasp the essence of what they are investing in.

Building Investor Confidence

Transparency and trust are the bedrock of successful investments. Investors need to have faith in the opportunities they are presented with.

The How It Works slide is pivotal in establishing this trust by offering a transparent overview of how a particular investment or concept functions. It is a powerful tool for mitigating skepticism, which can arise from the inherent complexity of certain investment opportunities.

Key Elements of an Effective “How It Works” Slide

Visual Representation

Visual elements are central to the effectiveness of the How It Works slide.

Infographics and flowcharts, for instance, distill intricate processes into easily digestible visuals. They not only simplify complex concepts but also enhance information retention. Moreover, they make it more likely that investors will remember and understand the material.

Clear and Concise Language

Industry-specific jargon can create barriers and alienate investors unfamiliar with the terminology. Instead, focusing on simplicity and using language that anyone can understand ensures the message is conveyed effectively.

Real-World Examples

Real-world examples hold a special place in these slides.

By relating complex ideas to everyday experiences, investors can bridge the gap between the unfamiliar and the familiar. This bridge of relatability facilitates better comprehension and helps investors see the practical implications of the presented concepts.

Tips for Creating an Impactful “How It Works” Slide

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is essential.

Tailoring your slide to your investors’ knowledge level and interests ensures the information resonates with them. This customization enhances the effectiveness of your presentation.

Seek Feedback and Iterate

Seek feedback from individuals who may are not well-versed in the subject matter.

This feedback can help identify areas of confusion or misunderstanding. You can enhance its educational value by continuously refining the slide based on feedback.

Keep It Updated

Industries evolve, and so do the concepts within them.

An outdated How It Works slide can do more harm than good by presenting inaccurate information. Regularly update your slide to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.

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The How It Works slide emerges as a key player in empowering investors in a world where knowledge is power. It transcends its visual nature to become an indispensable tool in the investment realm by simplifying complex concepts, building investor confidence, and fostering transparency.

Showing Your Startup’s Readiness with an Operating Plan

Posted on September 21, 2023September 19, 2023 by Rick E

A well-constructed operating plan is critical when securing investment or funding for your startup. An operating plan serves as a guiding document for your business and is pivotal in attracting potential investors.

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Let’s discuss the crucial components of an investment-ready operating plan and how it can significantly enhance your chances of securing the funding you need to propel your startup to success.

The Fundamentals of an Investment-Ready Operating Plan

Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand what an operating plan entails in attracting investment.

Unlike a standard business plan, which focuses on the overall vision and goals of the company, an operating plan drills down into the operational specifics of your business strategy.

By providing actionable insights, an operating plan instills confidence in potential investors who want to see the big picture and a clear execution path.

Essential Components for an Investor-Centric Operating Plan

Clear Business Model and Value Proposition

A concise and compelling business model description is crucial.

Investors should understand how your startup intends to create value and generate revenue. Your value proposition should address a specific market need and explain how your solution stands out.

In-depth Market Analysis and Competitive Advantage

Investors are drawn to startups that deeply understand their target market and industry trends.

Provide data-backed insights into your target audience and how your product or service meets their demands. Additionally, showcasing your competitive advantage—whether through innovation, unique features, or strategic positioning—highlights your startup’s potential for market dominance.

Expert Team and Organizational Structure

Investors invest in people as much as they invest in ideas. Highlight key team members’ expertise and their roles within your startup.

An investor wants to see that your team is skilled and capable of executing the business plan effectively. Demonstrating a well-balanced organizational structure indicates that you have the necessary talent to drive growth.

Strategic Sales and Marketing Approach

Outline your strategies for customer acquisition and revenue generation.

How do you plan to reach your target audience? A solid sales and marketing plan demonstrates your understanding of the market and shows potential investors that you have a clear strategy for scaling your business.

Realistic Financial Projections and Aligned Budgeting

Investors are interested in the financial viability of your startup.

Provide well-grounded financial projections that showcase potential growth. Moreover, your budget should align with your startup’s objectives and market realities.

Furthermore, highlighting successful instances where accurate financial planning led to successful fundraising can bolster your credibility.

Elevating Investor Confidence through Your Operating Plan

Investor-Centric Insights

Customize your operating plan to address investor concerns and expectations. Sections that directly cover return on investment, exit strategies, and potential risks are of particular interest.

Demonstrate your understanding of their priorities to capture their attention.

Demonstrating Scalability and Sustainability

Investors seek startups with growth potential. Your operating plan should outline how your business model is scalable and sustainable.

Showcasing your ability to handle increased demand and expansion can significantly influence an investor’s decision.

Risk Mitigation and Contingency Planning

No business is without risks.

Address potential challenges transparently in your operating plan and discuss how you plan to mitigate them. Demonstrate your preparedness and ability to navigate obstacles to instill confidence in investors.

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A well-crafted operating plan can be the difference-maker in securing funding. As a comprehensive roadmap, it outlines your business strategy and shows investors that you have a clear execution path. Remember, a meticulously developed operating plan attracts investors and aligns your startup’s growth trajectory with their expectations.

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Method One: Recover Unsaved Presentations

Method Two: AutoRecover

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If there is one social media platform that has changed the way we connect with the world around us, in only 140 characters or less, only one network comes to mind.

Step 1: Simplify Your Thoughts

Step 2: Get With What’s Trending

Step 3: Get Your Audience to Follow

References

Cue the famed actresses in overly expensive ball gowns. Cue the undeniably sarcastic and quirky host. Cue the applauses. It’s awards season in Hollywood.

So what can we compare an Oscar speech to?

An Elevator Pitch

1. Short

2. Memorable

3. Passionate

References

Have you trained adequately?

Do you have a strong will to win?

Are you willing to accept the challenge?

Are you Inspirational?

References

If you have been paying attention to recent pop culture news feeds lately, you may have heard of the phenomenon known as, “The Michael Bay Meltdown.”

1. Don’t Memorize a Script

2. Being Honest Will Help You in The Long Run

3. Own Up to Your Mistakes

Conclusion

Reference

Emotion Plays a Part

Convey a Message

Become Memorable

References

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Selfishness Hinders Audience Connections

Conclusion

References:

Regardless the topic of your presentation, regardless the audience in front of you, regardless time allotted to you, and regardless the goal you have in mind; every single one of your presentations should be about these three words: Understandable, Memorable & Emotional.

Understandable.

Memorable.

Emotional.

Reference:

“With all the apps out there, it’s easy to get stuck with the same icons on your home screen — and never so much as click on the newer ones that would benefit your business most.” – Mashable

1. Lift

2. CloudMagic

3. TripIt

4. Refresh

5. Audible

6. LIA

7. Corkulous

8. Sadun’s Whiteboard

References:

Effectively gaining your audience’s trust is imperative in any presentation setting. Building that sense of reliability can be fairly tricky but there are a few lessons we can takeaway from one of the greatest holiday movies and a certain little boy named Ralphie.

Ensure Strong Verbal Delivery and Body Language

Teach More, Sell Less

Engage Constantly

Share Beneficial Content

Design, Write and Look Professional

Reference:

You can really use PowerPoint for just about anything…..

1. Avoiding T.M.I.

“A good teacher, like a good entertainer who first must hold his audience’s attention, then he can teach his lesson” – John Henrik Clarke

Who Are They?

What Do They Know?

What Interests Them?

What Do You Want Them To Learn?

Reference:

References:

There’s a saying in the sports world that 90 percent of performance is mental.

Visualize Success

Golfing and Grace Under Pressure

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Imagine you own a clothing store. Now you decide to begin a sale for that store. Let’s say a particular type of shorts usually costs $20 per short, but for the purposes of the sale you’re going to mark them down to $15 a piece.

Focus on the final number.

Tell a story.

References:

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Understanding Market Demand in Pitch Decks

The Impact of Market Demand on Investor Interest

Strategies for Incorporating Market Demand in Pitch Decks

Research and data collection techniques

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Conclusion

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