How many "pitiful pitches" do you have to sit through each week? Too many, right? Here's what you can do:

1. Insist that those pitching fill in an application form answering the basic questions your investors will want to have answered: What's the problem you are solving? Who is on your core team, and why should I be impressed by them? Who is your market, and what's special about how your product will serve them? How will you make me money if I invest with you?  If they have to fill in the form and return it to you before the pitch, they have to at least consider those questions before presenting.

Watch the Video and then click the red contact button below it to get in touch.

It's my job to make certain you'll be happy you did!

2. Ask each presenter on your program for an "Introduction card." Each introduction should include their name twice, along with the name of their company. Ask them to have that information on their introductory slide, which you put on screen when they are introduced, and on their final slide. We've all spent too much time trying to figure out "who is this guy?" instead of listening to the full presentation.

3. Invite me to kick off your next event with an entertaining and magical "Pitch on Pitching."  I've taught top performers in many fields (business, science, acting, magic) to rapidly lift the level of their presentations, and I know this talk can make a big difference on all future pitches for those who hear it. Besides that, it provides a fun, high-energy kick-off to set the tone for the rest of your event.

Do these three things, and you'll not only be lifting the level of your events, but will also be helping each of these fledgling companies succeed with their future pitches. And that's a good thing.

Tobias Beckwith