The Pitch - Live - In Bristol

Reporting back on The Pitch in Bristol from London, I'm not sure where to start.  Thank you to everyone who participated in my keynote workshop before the festivities began.  I was told by many that each of you helped the others enormously not just by showing mistakes but also by demonstrating your strengths.

It's not easy learning new tricks right before performing.  I congratulate you all.

Second of all, what a wonderful addition this year to add 275K from investors to companies they choose, whether or not they win the pitching event.  It felt like a very friendly room with everyone giving

The Pitch was not only a lot of fun for me, but those pitching had a great time.  I got more email from this event than from The Entrepreneur Festival a few weeks ago, even though the Pitch participants numbered a quarter of the other event. Here's something on BBC Radio as well.

How to Raise Money from Investors: Learn to Communicate First So There's Energy for the Rest

Many of my clients come to me initially to hone a one-off pitch for investors.  Their logic goes something like this: if I can impress the right people with my messaging, I'm in!

What everyone quickly realises is that far from having quick results, fund-raising requires a long, long slog.  An engaging 3-minute monologue is not enough.  Effective fund-raising also requires the ability to impressively answer investors' questions, command an hour-long meeting, talk to the press, and network with high-level individuals.

The pitch is just the beginning.

Paul Graham's article describes the level of focus it takes to raise money to keep your company going.  If you get your business communication right first, the rest becomes a lot easier.

An Event in Bristol: The Pitch Live

Today I'm going to Bristol to give the opening talk at The Pitch Live.  We'll be going through a check list to make sure the teams have everything they need as well as getting them inspired to perform with confidence.

Looks like a great group of companies, and it should be a fun. 

Stay tuned for the winners.

Key Note at UKTI's Global Entrepreneur Festival

I had the privilege of giving the keynote workshop on pitching -- twice -- at the British Government's first Global Entrepreneur Festival for students.

I thank everyone for participating with so much enthusiasm and congratulate you for creating such robust pitches in such a short period of time.

This was not your average group of students.  After arriving on the first morning, many jet lagged from traveling, these young people met for the first time, divided into groups, and quickly agreed on a new business idea.  Over the course of the next two days, the ideas were honed, pitches were devised and practiced, and then the ideas were delivered to judges.

From those who have been in touch, I know that individuals are still in touch to talk about the possibilities of really creating the companies they began.

It will be exciting to watch, Sirius, UKTI's new accelerator take off next.  Stay tuned.