Below, are the links to the presentation and information I covered in our session at StartupHouse. I have also placed direct links to the videos mentioned in the talk on this page for you to save you time searching for them online. If you have any questions or need to contact me, please reach out to me at nathan@democoach.com or call me at +1.510.579.8530.

Value Proposition

This is the suggested format from Steve Blank, grandfather of the Lean Startup Methodology:

We help X do Y by doing Z where X = who, Y = what, and Z = how

Be sure and replace "help" with a word or words that describe you such as increase, decrease, improve, enable, disable, etc. Also, remember to create a Value Proposition Matrix to see all of the value you provide and keep it up to date.

SAM

Whenever you have something that is complex, confusing, a little boring, or "sounds like," you can easily stand out in the mind of your audience by using a SAM:

S = Simile, A is like B

A = Analogy, A is to B as C is to D

M = Metaphor, A is B

Handshake Introduction

  1. Who are you?
  2. What do you do?
  3. Whom do you do it for?
  4. Why do they need it?
  5. How do they benefit because of it? (transform or change)

Simon Sinek's The Golden Circle

  1. Why = Purpose: What is your cause? What do you believe?
  2. How = Process: Specific actions taken to realize the why.
  3. What = Result: What do you do? The results of why. Proof!
 

After you watch the video, be sure and check out his book, Start with Why. It will give you a lot more detail behind what you hear in the video. The book will give you deeper insights into Why starting with your Why is so vitally important to standing out in the mind of your audience, especially investors.

 

The 5Q Framework for elevator and investor pitches

  1. What do you do and the problem?
  2. Why you or your team?
  3. What does the world look like with you?
  4. How do you make money?
  5. What do you need?

Below, are two more TED talks that I usually recommend. They each deal with body language and will give you some insights related to how you get ready for your presentation and how to use your hands.

Amy Cuddy TED talk Body Language Shapes Who You Are:

 

Allan Pease TED talk The Power is in the Palm of Your Hands:

 

If you have any questions or comments for me, please reach out to me here. Thank you for having me be a part of your hackathon. I hope you found the session full of solid nourishment and not empty calories.