Call it what you want — a pitch, corporate deck, or just a good ol’ PowerPoint, there’s no doubt that presentations can make or break your brand. It’s the key to getting the funding you need to get your venture off the ground, or to launch that cutting-edge product. Needless to say then, if there’s one thing you absolutely must get first-time-right, it’s your pitch deck. Here’s how to make that happen:
Lay out the problem
Time is of the essence during any presentation. So right off the bat, let your audience know what the problem is that you’re solving, and how you know this is a problem. Back it up with the research you have done to arrive at the problem statement. This is the beginning of the story you will tell through the course of your presentation, so think of it as the hook that’ll keep your audience captivated.
Bring in your solution
The next logical step — talk about how your product or service is solving the problem you laid out in the previous slide. Tell your audience about how your offering is better than alternatives in the market, what makes your offering unique, and why current solutions aren’t working out for your TG. You could use stats to reinforce your claims. Gor e.g. a simple, powerful statement such as — We tested our talent management solution with x number of companies, and cut down hiring times by 30%. With this, you’ll be on your way to creating a water-tight case for your brand.
Talk about your competition
Strengthen your case further. Go into details of what you have to offer that your competition doesn’t. However, never say anything negative about your competition. It will put off your audience, and make you sound arrogant at best and petty at worst — and anything you say after may not be taken well. So, be concise, polite, and objective. Your brand should offer something your competitors don’t — all you need to do is establish that.
Showcase your Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy
Yes, by now you’ve told your audience why your product is unique and the gap you’re filling in the market. Now, you have to tell them how you’ll capture that market. How will you get X number of customers in Y time? And that’s where your GTM strategy comes in. Lay out your sales model and approach to generating business. Next, put forth the key milestones in your go to market strategy and set KPIs to measure its success. Easier said than done, but it’s worth the effort when done right.
Do you have a big presentation coming up? Are you looking to obtain funding for your brand’s next big offering? Take a cue from these tips, and your presentation is sure to turn heads — and bring in the capital!
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Tina launched the company in 2011, and today, it is known for its award-winning work in creative & business communications, and digital services. She comes with extensive experience in the creative industry, and is passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs.
Be the first to comment on "A guide to developing impactful pitch decks"