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5 tips to pitch your business in an effective way with expert Michael Strahm
Today meet workshop leader Michael Strahm, as he shares how to pitch your business in a unique, interesting and attractive way; and read more about his story and background, since 2018 when he started to get involved with SINGA in Zurich.
About Michael
Michael Strahm helps Innovators gain market traction by finding and convincing their first customers. In the past 15 years, he has experienced the transformative potential of innovation firsthand through positions at Novartis Venture Fund, Nolax (Switzerland’s first industrial venture builder), and as an entrepreneur. Michael holds a master’s degree in business innovation from the University of St. Gallen. In his free time, he enjoys exploring different world views through traveling, reading, and discussing.
When pitching your business idea, what is important to keep in mind?
- Every pitch is unique. Cater and adapt each pitch to the specific audience and the reason you pitch. Being able to pitch is a great honor. The audience is taking time to listen to your idea. Don’t waste this opportunity. Be aware of your audience and tailor your pitch to their interest and level of their knowledge. Don’t use specific terms they might not understand or explain them.
- The goal of a pitch is to awaken the interest of the audience. You don’t need to answer every potential question in your pitch. If the audience is excited about your topic and your views, they’ll ask follow-up questions. Follow up questions are a good sign.
- Make it simple for the audience to understand what you are working on. The problem you are solving is the most important part of your pitch. If they don’t understand or care about the problem you are trying to solve, you won’t be able to convince them of your solution. If the people in the audience can’t relate to the problem, consider introducing a person who has the problem first.
- Be specific. Explain your pitch based on one concrete case rather than on what your solution potentially could do. The goal of a pitch is not to tell the audience every project you’ve been working on. Focus on what is interesting to them now.
- If you have traction then make sure to mention it. Having traction should be a high priority for every entrepreneur. Traction helps to showcase that you are solving real customers’ needs and that customers are willing to pay for your solution.
“The problem you are solving is the most important part of your pitch. If your audience does not understand or care about the problem you are trying to solve, you won’t be able to convince them of your solution.”
When have you joined SINGA and what do you enjoy the most about working with the SINGApreneurs and the SINGA team?
I joined SINGA in 2018, right after moving back from the USA. At that time, I wanted to get in touch with entrepreneurs from different backgrounds in Switzerland and SINGA provided me so much more than just that! On a business level, it’s interesting to work with top experts in their field that are ready to take the next step. On a personal level, I meet many SINGApreneurs even after the official program has ended as many became friends.
“SINGA enables like-minded people from different backgrounds to connect and share their ideas and worldviews. It does so in the most amazing atmosphere: full of ambition, joy, and happiness.”
Integration is not a one-way street. SINGA masters integration by enabling collaboration between people from different nationalities on eye-level while enabling impactful change.
Useful resources to go further:
Video – 10 things to keep in mind before you pitch
How to gain traction and improve your pitch
Get in touch with Michael Strahm:
Michael helps Innovators gain market traction by finding and convincing their first customers. You can reach out to Michael through LinkedIn or schedule an intro-chat through his website.
Join the SINGApreneurs in Zurich at the SINGA Awards on November 2nd from 06:30pm!
Register for the event here to access the livestream link.
