There is a temptation for many entrepreneurs to attempt to duplicate their Business Plan in a Slide Presentation. This may happen understandably, because of an enthusiasm and zeal to share a concept or an idea; there is also a chance to lose your audience. Both the Business Plan and Presentation may work together better if the Presentation is a highlight of the main document.
On many occasions I have been asked to join a meeting or review a Business Plan and / or a Powerpoint Presentation and have received a 40-slide Presentation. Any amount of slides over 12 (Guy Kawasaki, author of The Art Of The Start, recommends 10 ONLY) is overwhelming and much too long for an audience. Once I attended a meeting and one of the investors said to my client after the sixth slide, "Could we just skip the slideshow and discuss your business?" Put yourself in the place of your audience. What would be of interest to you? Be succinct and get to the point, and be mindful of others' schedule.
When preparing for a meeting to share your Business Plan with a Presentation, I recommend the following:
1. Explain what you do at the beginning.
2. Only develop slide content for the most important selling points of your business venture.
3. Determine how much time you will have to make your presentation, to leave time for discussion.
4. Be prepared to conduct the presentation with or without slices.
5. Financial data should be referenced in the Business Plan or as handout; not as a slide.
6. Use a blue background with white or yellow text for easy reading.
7. Use a maximum of six points per slide.
8. Stay away from fancy sounds and noises.
9. Use photographs and graphics for interest; not cluttering.
10. Understand your audience. Do your homework regarding those in attendance.
Remember that your Presentation is to gain interest; not to close a deal. However, if you do close the deal; that's great! Be flexible when delivering your presentation to accommodate questions before you're finish. Questions demonstrate some level of interest, and help to engage your audience. The Business Plan will provide all the details you will not have time to cover.
Be prepared for everything! Get to your meeting place early to set-up and test equipment. Bring two projectors, two laptops, extra bulbs; and copies of Presentation if nothing works. Once I was in New York City for an International Presentation to Trade Ministry Officials of foreign governments, and our new projector or back-up projector would not feed the slides on-screen during our test. Fortunately, we were within blocks of a computer store and ran immediately to get technical support; who helped with time to spare before our meeting. So, it may be a good idea to identify local technical support if you're traveling.
Most importantly, practice your Presentation until you are confident and comfortable with your delivery. Be prepared to answer questions to the point. If you do not have an answer; do not be afraid to say, "That a very good question; I will get back to you with more information." Make sure you follow-through as promised. Set the stage and the atmosphere for an interesting and enjoyable meeting, which may lead to a mutually-beneficial relationship.
