If you have pitched an idea to potential investors or collaborators, you know the value of short pitches. Here are 6 short formats to be ready with. The first 4 pitches ask for a meeting & the last 2 ask for a check.

1. Front of business card format (limit 9 words, 4 seconds): Dispense this super short description at networking events to quickly identify who to talk to (don’t waste time pitching a semiconductor idea to a Software VC). Use analogies if needed (e.g. we are yelp for local auto mechanics).

2. Back of business card (limit 25 words, 10 seconds): This pitch says ‘what you do’, ‘who you do it for’, and ‘your edge’, before the listener gets a chance to interrupt. It fits on the back of your business card (print it there once the line is perfected). Also, start all pitches & presentations with this line.

3. Elevator Pitch (limit 220 words, 2 minutes): Originally designed for chance meetings (e.g. VC on a elevator Continue reading →

We entrepreneurs make mistakes without any help. Then we get advice that is easy to mis-interpret. Here are 24 popular start-up advice that lets us make costly mistakes with confidence!

1. Never give up: This was designed for fickle minded entrepreneurs to stay the course when things get tough. It turns to a trap once it is time to really back off from your idea and look for another one

2. Money will come if you do what you love: You are better off reading it as “money will come if you do something others (customers) love”. It is easier to do it if you love it. But most things you love won’t make any money

3. Impress Investors first: Some folks work on investor pitch before testing the idea with prospective customers. Happy customers can get you investors, but impressed investors can’t get you customers
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