Your company has a distinct identity. Like you, it was born somewhere, went through developmental stages, has goals in life, interests, and even some personality. It is up to you to introduce your company as a person investors look forward to meeting. Try to give your company color and life; don’t just lay out a bunch of dead facts. Don’t be afraid to say, “The Cuddles Teddy Bear Company all started because I could never forget the three foot teddy bear my mom and dad gave me on my third birthday.” This is what I call the ice-breaker; it reaches investors at an emotional level, and warms them up to you and your business idea.
Here are the basic points I suggest you mention about your company:
- What is your company’s full legal name, complete address and telephone number?
- How did your company get started?
- When was it incorporated?
- How many people work in your company?
- What type of business are you in–manufacturing, retail, or service?
- Where are you located, and why did you choose this spot?
- Are you owning or renting property?
- Is this the same spot you will conduct your business–locally, nationally, internationally?
- If you’re into manufacturing, have you bought or leased any equipment yet?
- Have you established your suppliers?
- What product or service are you selling?
- How far along are you in the development of your product?
- Why will people buy your product–what has it got that your competitors don’t?
- Who are your biggest customers?
- What are your short- and long-term goals–in terms of additional lines of business or products; going public; being bought out?