If you are an entrepreneur that shares a founding role in your company, chances are only one of you will have the opportunity to lead a pitch presentation. All of a sudden a team effort turns into a one-woman show and there's worry that both of you won't be fully represented within your pitch. In my previous post on creating a memorable investor pitch and this post about perfecting your presentation while actively pitching. I place a huge emphasis on telling a story from your first person perspective. But this is trickier when you have two stories to tell.
Here's a step-by-step process for making sure that when pitching your individual co-founder voices stand out and that your collective brand voice aligns.
Step One: Craft Your Individual Origin Stories
Before you share both stories in pitch form, take some time to work on each of your stories solo. It's important for each of you to map out your individual journey to becoming a co-founder. Answer both of the these story prompts to help you brainstorm your Origin Story: How did you get to where you are now? and How did you get your superpowers? Take some time to talk through your story out loud with a friend, write out a draft, or join a workshop to get your story to the next level.
Step Two: Share Your Stories With Each Other
Once you have your individual stories, take some time to get together and share with each other to discuss. Share each story like you were up on stage at a live storytelling event or a keynote presentation. Listen to your co-founder's story without interruption. Once you listen to each other's story, identify what moments in each story converge into one. Where did your paths cross? What are the different perspectives on how you joined forces? How do each of your superpowers support and strengthen your company (and partnership) as a whole?
Step Three: Share Both Stories in Your Pitch Deck
Now that you've identified your individual Origin Stories and the story of how you two came together, it's time to put this narrative into your Pitch Deck. On way to approach this is to have the presenting co-founder share her story live in front an audience and then segue to a video of the non presenting co-founding sharing their story. You could also rehearse a version of the pitch where both of you begin on stage, sharing your individual stories. Once you do this you can transition into the company story as told by the presenting co-founder. A third option is to have a video or audio story of your collective brand story that features both of your Origin Stories and both of your voices.
Looking for more co-founder advice? Check out this article from the Tory Burch Foundation about the women behind the brand Yumi.
Put the time, research and practice into preparing a diligent, thoughtful pitch that offers a compelling story. — Co-Founders of Yumi
If you are looking to dig deep into your individual Co-Founder Origin Stories, check out our Solo Retreats and 1-on-1 Coaching services.