How to Pitch Your Startup in Social Situations

Finding natural ways to pitch your startup might seem daunting at first. Your elevator pitch can come off as rehearsed, too straightforward, or too short. Sometimes it does not always fit seamlessly into a conversation, but it is important that you learn how to communicate with potential investors in your everyday life because it will make your pitching more comfortable, which will earn your business the resources it needs to move forward.

Adapt your pitch to the platform

To find investors you need to network. You might encounter some unexpected opportunities to discuss your ideas in a more conversational way even though you can network at places like conventions and seminars.

You cannot expect an investor to walk to your front door. Go to local events, get-togethers, parties and never leave the house without your business cards. Ask your family and friends if they have any contacts to whom they would be willing to introduce you. Instead of reciting your pitch, memorize a few key points to hit on and wait for an appropriate window in a conversation to open up this topic.

Personalize your pitch

Ask the investor about their life and business ventures as you can frame a potential investment in your business as something that will interest and benefit them. Lay the groundwork and spend time forging a relationship.

Remember that people invest in other people. If your new contact likes your ideas, they need to have a sense of who you and if you can be trusted. Having passion for your company and industry are attributes that are just as important as your plan.

Know your numbers

You will need to speak to the key figures that investors are interested in which is how much money our startup needs to raise, what your overhead is, the point you need to reach to be profitable and what your timetable for achieving profitability is. If you include too many numbers in your pitch, it can take away from your focus so make sure that your pitch includes a few critical figures that show you are prepared what is relevant for your business and its industry.

Be prepared to support claims

Keep in mind that any assertions you make in your presentation need to have adequate support. You will undermine your ability to convince investors that you understand your business if you are not able to back up your claims.

Have passion for your vision

Passion for your vision is the most valuable tool in your belt when it comes to sharing your ideas with others. It is what captures attention and builds excitement. People like to talk about what they care about which can lead to sharing too much information when it comes to pitching.

It can be difficult to narrow down your goals, accomplishments, and vision for the future into just a few main points. However, this is the essence of a pitch and a conversation pitch should be no less to the point.

Use your time wisely by only touching on big points rather than go into the details. Emphasize your strategy for solving problems and how you help your clients grow.

Remember to follow up

Know when to end the conversation. If you made a good impression, then discuss a follow up meeting where you will be able to talk about the actual money. If after the conversation is over then and they do not invite you to meet again, request an invitation. If they seem uninterested, ask for a referral for someone who would be interested. Ask for advice on your ideas or your pitch itself, further reinforcing the relationship aspect over the financial one. Follow up the conversation with a friendly email that lets the investor know you enjoyed speaking with them. If all goes well, you might be able to meet again.

The Bottom Line

It is important that you learn to develop and perfect your pitch in social situations. The more practice you have, the better it will be. Do not get discouraged if the investor does not want to meet with you for a follow up meeting. Over time you will find the investor that is going to work for you. If you need additional help, consider hiring a professional to fine-tune your pitch to help you better convey your business to others.