Mastering Your Business Pitch

When it comes to pitching your business, success doesn’t come from having a great idea alone. It’s about delivering that idea with strategy, charisma, and precision. After decades of hearing pitches as an inventor myself, investor, and Original Shark on Shark Tank, I’ve developed a simple yet powerful approach that has helped countless founders make their ideas unforgettable. The "Tease, Please, and Seize" method turns a standard pitch into a compelling story that captures attention, builds credibility, and seals the deal.

1. Tease

When you’re pitching to investors, the first few seconds are crucial. This is when you need to grab attention by presenting a compelling glimpse of the problem you’re solving and why it matters. Don’t dive into all the details... keep it high-level and intriguing.

For example, when founders pitch to me, I’m immediately interested in knowing if they’re solving a real, pressing problem in a unique way. If your product or service addresses a gap that others haven’t filled, you’re off to a strong start.

Keep this in mind: What problem is your product/service solving that isn’t being solved by anything else on the market?

Your opening statement should capture your audience’s interest instantly, leaving them eager to learn more about what’s to come.

2. Please

Once you’ve got your audience’s attention, it’s time to build credibility. This is where you start to "Please" investors by proving that your solution is not only viable but valuable. Share your numbers, market insights, and any successful case studies.

One of the key factors I look for is whether you understand your customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV). Knowing these metrics shows you have a solid understanding of how to scale your business.

If someone is going to buy once and continue buying over time, you can afford to invest more in acquiring that customer because their long-term value makes it worthwhile.

Take my experience with Celsius, for example. When I first got involved, it was a modest operation. But we understood our market positioning and knew how to leverage influencer marketing to boost growth. By aligning with high-profile influencers and targeting the right audience, Celsius grew from a couple of million dollars to over $10 billion.

3. Seize

This is the closing phase of your pitch, where you confidently ask for the investment and lay out the path forward. Reinforce why your opportunity is unique and why now is the time to invest. It’s about projecting confidence and creating urgency.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for over 50 years. I can tell within minutes if a founder truly believes in what they’re building. That confidence and conviction make all the difference.

In this phase, focus on the future. Investors want to know not only where your business is now but where it’s heading. Show them that you have a game plan and the grit to make it happen.

Whether you’re pitching to one investor or a room full of them, the "Tease, Please, and Seize" method is a powerful way to present your idea. Remember, it’s not just about the idea itself, it’s about delivering it with purpose and conviction. Follow this approach, and you’ll give your pitch the structure and impact it needs to stand out!

Here’s to your next big pitch.

Best,

Kevin Harrington

Co-Founder of Big Brand Ventures