Short lessons, each linked to the original.
Apply to accelerators early, and reapply
Techstars says it is never too early to apply, and that applying and not getting in will not count against you next time. Completing the application also shows you your own strengths and weaknesses. Its other tips include explaining why this specific accelerator fits you and knowing your numbers.
“Many founders that make it into top accelerator programs have applied several times.”— Techstars, 6 Tips to Ace The Accelerator Application, Sep 2022
Do this: You draft an application this week, including why this particular accelerator and your key numbers, and submit it instead of waiting for a perfect version.
Say what you do in your first line
Ralston's guide to demo day presentations says to open by briefly saying what you do and why, in terms the audience is likely to understand. He contrasts a plain grocery-delivery sentence with a jargon-heavy one. He says your goal is to intrigue listeners enough that they want to meet you and learn more.
“A common error is to avoid describing what you do until far into the presentation.”— Geoff Ralston, A Guide to Demo Day Presentations, Jul 2016
Do this: You write the first sentence of your pitch as a plain 'we do X for Y' line and test it on someone outside your field before you send your next deck.
Put a number in every pitch sentence
Currier tells founders not to say a sentence without a number in it, preferably two, and contrasts vague claims like 'we're up a lot' with specific figures. He says people who build giant businesses know their numbers intimately and speak in precise numbers rather than generalities.
“When you're pitching, don't say a sentence without a number in it.”— James Currier, 16 Non-Obvious Fundraising Lessons On Pitching, Nov 2019
Do this: You go through your pitch script this week and replace every vague claim with a specific figure and time period.