"I have a second meeting with an investor on Friday. I've already presented both the standard and a slightly modified slide deck to the associate. How should I approach the conversation differently when speaking with the partner?"
Be quick, direct, and to the point.
— Give the status of the business, product, and future fast and efficiently
— All steak, no sizzle - no B.S.
— Present facts and data. The story and vision also need to be “steak”
— Good, consistent reporting and numbers (make sure nothing you say or present on the deck conflicts each other)
— What have you accomplished — what’s great about this business “TODAY”?
— How do you compare to your peers? — (e.g., “know your market better than anyone”)
— Be ready with the key metrics and trajectory of your business that are important to your business. Support the story with facts and data.Don't stutter if the partner challenges your assumptions or numbers. If you know you are right and why you are right offer a counter to support your position (politely)
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The partner expects you to know your business better than they do. Prove that you do.