Very first investor pitch I ever did could be an all time worst investor presentation. Straight out of school. Didn’t have a subscription agreement. Didn’t know what pre-money was. Didn’t even answer all the basic questions. I just had enough confidence to do the pitch. -MJ
Couldn’t identify his target market. Showed up on the wrong day. Kept calling the investor daddy-o. Wasn’t wearing any shoes… the kind of performance that wouldn’t just deny you seed capital, but that could get you arrested in 16 states.
If you are a VC or angel, and have a weak heart, do not watch this video! However, if you are fresh out of school, and looking to launch a startup… proceed with caution.
Coming out of school is a perfect time to get a start up going
When your young, you have an inevitable feeling of immortality. From the first time you ride a wheelie on your bicycle, to jumping off the jungle gym, you inherently know that everything is going to be okay. It’s only natural for the thickness of this bubble of invulnerability to wane over time, until it is finally gone and you become scared of even the minor risks.
“Being Young is a Fault That Improves Daily.” - Swedish Proverb
In the world of entrepreneurship, one of the greatest time spans you will have to take a risk is during your youth. Your adult enough to make your own choices, yet young enough to have little to lose. Your smart enough to understand that great risk can lead to great reward, and stupid enough to push in all your chips instead of folding.
Most young entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking it’s an old professionals game. While this is true it some circles (especially investments and funding), for the most part you will never be more hard working or enthusiastic about your venture than at this stage in your life. Professionals can see this in you, and it is the best quality that you will never be able to put on a resume.
Simply put, being young and driven is better than being old and experienced. There are perks to being an expert as well. You may get better financing choices, and you certainly have more contacts, but being an entrepreneur is tough work that sometimes requires tough choices.
Show investors a great idea, enthusiasm, and Ramen Noodle receipts for the last four years - and they will see someone that can get an idea off the ground and knows how to live frugally.
Young entrepreneurs also are more likely to burn the midnight oil, travel relentlessly, and entertain prospective clients - then get up and do it again. Entrepreneurs don’t give up easily. When they are successful it’s called perseverance. Before they succeed, or if they fail, it’s called stubborn, bullheaded, arrogant, or foolish. Take advantage of this concept while your young. Arrogance is similar to confidence in your youth, but old stubborn people are a dime a dozen.
