The Fine Line: Mastering the Art of the Post-Pitch Follow-Up

So, you’ve made that adrenaline-fueled pitch and walked out of the room. High-fives, right? But wait, the journey doesn’t end when the PowerPoint does.

In fact, it's just getting started. It's like dropping the mic but forgetting you still have an encore.

Let's dive into the lost art of the post-pitch follow-up—your secret weapon to sealing the deal.

Why The Follow-Up is Crucial

Think you've done the hard part? Think again. Your pitch might've been the opening act, but now it's time for the main event.

A well-executed follow-up could be the clincher that pushes you from the "maybe" stack to the "let’s do this" column.

But then this may happen too!

The 48-Hour Rule

In this fast-paced world, attention spans are fleeting. Send a concise, but impactful, follow-up email within 48 hours. This ensures your pitch is fresh in the investor’s mind.

Don't just say, "Thanks for your time." Tie in something specific from the meeting to show you were paying attention.

Update, Don’t Annoy

There’s a fine line between being persistent and being a pest. How do you walk it? Sending meaningful updates about traction, key hires, or partnerships can keep the conversation alive.

Oh, and these updates better not be generic. Customization is key here, folks.

Check out this result!

Silence Isn’t Always Golden

Not hearing back isn’t always bad news; investors are swamped. But silence isn't a strategy. A tactful nudge can actually demonstrate commitment and hustle.

Some successful startups scored big by converting a ‘no response’ into a dialog, simply by not giving up.

To-Do’s and Taboos

• Do: Keep it professional but authentic.

• Don’t: Nag or rush the process.

• Do: Leverage social media subtly to stay on the radar.

• Don’t: Post desperation—investors can smell it a mile away.

Social Proof

Did you know that 87% of investors consider the opinions of their peers when making decisions? Connect with mutual contacts to drop a good word for you. Yes, others can fan your flames.

Hot Tip - The “Forwardable Email”

Compose an email your investor contact can easily forward to colleagues. Make their life easier and it just might make yours profitable.

Elements of a Great Forwardable Email:

1. Clear Subject Line: Something like “Investment Opportunity: [Your Startup] Looking to Revolutionize [Your Industry]”

2. Brief Introduction: Recap who you are and how you met the investor.

3. The Ask: Clearly state what you’re looking for. Investment? A meeting?

4. Pitch Summary: Bullet-point format of your pitch—problem, solution, market size, team, etc.

5. Attachment or Links: Attach your pitch deck or any other supporting documents.

6. Call to Action: What’s the next step? A meeting? A call?

Subject: Investment Opportunity: [Your Startup] Aiming to Disrupt [Your Industry]

Dear [Investor's Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event/Meeting Place]. I appreciated our discussion about [Topic], and it got me thinking about our potential synergy.

We are currently seeking [$ Amount] in funding to [Specific Goal].

In a nutshell, here’s what [Your Startup] is all about:

- Problem: [Briefly Describe]

- Solution: [Your Solution]

- Market Opportunity: [Market Size]

- Team: [Key Team Members]

I’ve attached our pitch deck for a deeper dive.

Would you be open to discussing this opportunity further in a meeting or a call?

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Deep Dive: Warren Buffett’s Play

Warren Buffett, the investment guru himself, has a unique take on post-pitch etiquette. He's been known to ink deals based on a company’s attentiveness post-pitch.

It’s not always about numbers; sometimes it's about manners, integrity, and good old-fashioned relationship-building.

Remember:

This isn’t just a follow-up, it’s an opportunity to continue the narrative you started in your pitch. You're writing the sequel, and it better be as compelling as the original.

Until next week, keep those investor conversations warm and your ambition blazing! 🔥

Best Regards,

Mash Bonigala

Funding Sherpa

P.S. Got more follow-up questions or a success story from applying these tips? Hit reply. I read every single one. Or ping me on Twitter @Bonigala