Showcase Your Business

By August 12, 2015November 9th, 2016Blog, All Categories

By: Lois Kirkpatrick

There are two upcoming events where you can showcase your business to investors and CEOs. On September 23, you can join other founders at the Startups Ignite Pitch Competition, and on October 22, you can compete in the Loudoun County Public Schools Challenge. Although the judges won’t be as harsh as the ones on “Shark Tank,” there are keys to winning their attention and respect — which may lead to future business opportunities.

  1. Know Your Stuff. Be able to perform your pitch in less than five minutes, while blindfolded and running from bulls. Rehearse, get feedback, and polish your pitch — over and over again, until it’s as perfect as possible.
  2. Tell a Story. The human mind craves stories. Be able to tell your pitch in a story format: here’s the problem, here’s how my product or service solves the problem, and this is why our solution is better than others.
  3. Show Enthusiasm. Rehearse telling your story with excitement. Get a clear picture in your mind of the judges smiling, nodding and being impressed with you. Play that picture in your mind over and over to help build enthusiasm.
  4. Have the Answers to Their Questions. What’s the one thing you hope the judges don’t ask you? Prepare for that question, and rehearse your answer until you can explain it clearly, simply and with confidence.
  5. Be Memorable. What can you do to stand out from the other presenters? If you give the judges an experience that involves their senses, it will make you more memorable. Can you play a certain sound that’s related to your product? Can you give them an object to handle? Showing a vivid and unusual picture can also make it easier for them to remember that you’re the one they should contact after the event.

The deadline to apply to the Loudoun County Public Schools Challenge is August 21, and the deadline to apply to the Startups Pitch Competition is August 28. Even if you’re not competing, come out and support your colleagues!