Standing Out

I’ve just recently read a post written by Andrew Fife about entrepreneur etiquette when entrepreneurs present their businesses to potential investors.

First of all, I agree with him that it’s completely rude to ask a presenting entrepreneur (if you are also a presenting entrepreneur) a question about their business. Why? Because they are not pitching their business to you. The pitch is designed for the ears of an investor.

My issue with it is this: would you, as a presenting entrepreneur, want another entrepreneur taking up your precious Q & A time? Probably not. You want to spend this time sparking enough interest to get investors to contact you later.

I’m sure that not all curious entrepreneurs ask questions to throw the others off, but the intention is irrelevant when the result is any one of the following:

1. Loss of time. Q & A session time is not unlimited!

2. Frustration.

3. Embarrassment.

These could occur even if that wasn’t the intention.

So be kind. If you find yourself in this type of forum, keep your mouth closed during the pitches of other entrepreneurs. Karma will ensure that you are rewarded with the same courtesy!

Cheers!

Tia