Executive managers and investors are “grandfathers”. (Sometimes they really are…) Your idea is probably based on some kind of technology. They usually are not familiar with your technology. They have no clue what you are talking about. They live in a different world. They wonder why you expect them to do something, why they should invest and what could be the return if they decide to invest. They talk in terms of IRR (Internal Rate of Return), NPV (Net Present Value) and FCF (Free Cash Flow ).

For them, investing in an idea is taking a risk. They (executive managers, board members) hate to take risks. Their main task as a manager is to avoid or eliminate risk, and they are usually very good at it. If you explain your idea, and only a few (or none of them) understands what you are talking about, then you are wasting everybody’s time, and nobody will be willing to invest in your idea.

You can only hope that they will consider to invest if you succeed in explaining them that the risk they will take is under control. The first step is to make sure everybody without exception perfectly understands your idea.

You are allowed to do everything possible to reach that goal. Everything. No exception. Remember, you usually get only one chance.

So, if you change your initial presentation in such a way that you can make your grandma understand your idea with three slides, then chances are that all “grandfathers” will get your idea.

If you recognize this issue and you need any help with it, then don’t hesitate to contact us.