While I don’t want to play the part of “downer Dave,” my obligation to my clients is to help them evaluate business ideas and see ideas clearly and objectively. One of the best ways to add rigor to a fair evaluation is to challenge them to prepare a pitch deck explaining the concept and present it to me as if I was a fictional outside investor or their imaginary board of directors.
A pitch deck can be a godsend if you need help validating a business idea. The systematic ritual of the pitch deck provides fantastic clarity for the business leader regarding their new ideas. In addition, the process will help them decide if the idea will hold up to scrutiny or apparent flaws.
For those new to a pitch deck idea, Guy Kawasaki outlines a great 10-slide process in his book, The Art of the Start. He claims that the 10 slides you need in your pitch are as follows:
In terms of how to validate a business idea, skip slides 8 and 10. You will see your idea differently when you answer these questions as though you are preparing to present to an unconvinced audience.
The pitch deck is a great tool to take you through the critical thinking process. If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to learning how to validate a business idea.
Developing a business pitch can help you see your ideas. An outside perspective is helpful, too. Fill out my contact form for a complimentary coaching session, and I can teach you how to validate a business idea.
Coach Dave
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