It never ceases to amaze me how often simple and pragmatic advice gets “twisted” into something it is not. Just what is wrong with advising entrepreneurs not to “shove it” all to investors? Just say less than more… at least for brevity's sake…
Just what exactly is manipulative or deceitful in such recommendations? Well, perhaps the answer is above my pay grade. But the lucky few entrepreneurs who were invited to explain more to investors at the next meeting - are probably glad they listened…
Similarly, I often ask CEOs to clearly articulate their brand in just two words - not in 2-page essays, or even in two lengthy sentences. For example, McDonald’s = FAST FOOD; Walmart = LOW PRICES. So, Who The Hell Are You? – in two words, please. Is it MANIPULATIVE and DECEITFUL, too? Oh, please…
You can't possibly cover everything in a 10 slide deck with enough detail for someone to make a decision on that alone....but decks can be a great visual aid. Using them to trigger further conversation in a way that it is mutually beneficial is not lying. You HAVE to edit, anyway. Thanks for the interesting and insightful article Aaron!
It never ceases to amaze me how often simple and pragmatic advice gets “twisted” into something it is not. Just what is wrong with advising entrepreneurs not to “shove it” all to investors? Just say less than more… at least for brevity's sake…
Just what exactly is manipulative or deceitful in such recommendations? Well, perhaps the answer is above my pay grade. But the lucky few entrepreneurs who were invited to explain more to investors at the next meeting - are probably glad they listened…
Similarly, I often ask CEOs to clearly articulate their brand in just two words - not in 2-page essays, or even in two lengthy sentences. For example, McDonald’s = FAST FOOD; Walmart = LOW PRICES. So, Who The Hell Are You? – in two words, please. Is it MANIPULATIVE and DECEITFUL, too? Oh, please…
You can't possibly cover everything in a 10 slide deck with enough detail for someone to make a decision on that alone....but decks can be a great visual aid. Using them to trigger further conversation in a way that it is mutually beneficial is not lying. You HAVE to edit, anyway. Thanks for the interesting and insightful article Aaron!