Pitching Investors Wearing A T-Shirt and Baseball Cap - Hmmm
Dress for Success: The Impact of Presentation on Investment Pitches
Maybe it’s just me, but when someone pitches me to be their investor wearing a t-shirt and baseball cap, I struggle to envision them leading a successful company.
When I was in Hollywood in the '90s, I never wore a tie, but I also never attended meetings in a t-shirt or baseball cap. In Hollywood, I fit in by dressing appropriately for the industry.
There are a few industries where you might raise all the money you need wearing a t-shirt and hat, but those are the exceptions, not the rule.
If you plan to pitch me to invest in you, at minimum, look the part. If you're the CEO, look like a CEO.
What most founders don't understand is that we are not just investing in what you say. We are sizing you up, and if you feel like a successful CEO, we'll listen to what you say. If we can't envision you as a successful CEO, your pitch will likely lead nowhere.
If you are pitching on a Zoom meeting, here are a few suggestions:
Everything you say and do should be intentional and thought out in advance. You need to be attractive to get someone to be attracted to your company. And if you're pitching me, please do not show up in a t-shirt and baseball cap. I can't see beyond that and instantly lose interest.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Mark November
Creating Future Enterprises Today
5 个月True. Professional investors/investor brokers dont have a lot of time and zoom meetings are a way of seeing all the founders in a go, getting their details about their innovations, sizing them up into categories for further follow-up. And in follow-ups, do not take too long because emails do get lost among all the others over a few days.
Medical Device Industry Leader and Investor
5 个月Exactly correct. Dressing for success is key for me as an investor. And for anyone to gain my attention, entrepreneur or investment expert.
Husband & Father, Community Leader, Supply Chain Expert, Entrepreneur. Dedicated to elevating the youth through sports, tech education, and building impactful communities.
5 个月As a millennial entrepreneur, I embrace my style, but I adapt when needed. Perception matters in pitches—know your audience, and dress the part to earn trust and respect.