One-Page Power

A client asked for my assistance in putting together a Business Plan along with a PowerPoint he intended to pitch to a Venture Capitalist. The plan came together and we began the process of creating a technical masterpiece that would fully lay out his vision. When I mentioned it to a friend who's a successful entrepreneur and runs in VC circles, he shook his head.

"Wrong approach."

He explained that my client was asking for something more valuable than money to these business people. He was asking for their time.

Despite their popularity, PowerPoint and its clones are completely wrong in this age of shortened and divided attention. The information dense slides promise engagement, but flash past before they can deliver. What does the viewer retain? Nothing unless the information is extensively discussed and reviewed. They have their place in presenting rational for a decision, assessing effectiveness of projects or creative show and tell, but they're useless for the quick decision when time is critical.

What the viewer needs is a one pager; a short but powerful synopsis that addresses and answers the questions utmost in the viewer's mind.

• Purpose: Why are we doing this? What problem needs to be solved?
• Objectives: What needs to be accomplished?
• Strategy: How will it happen?
• Timeline: When will it happen and when can results be expected?

A single page format makes it easy to get to the point, quickly. It explains what you want to do, how you’re going to it, what resources are needed and its impact. It doesn't showcase your technical abilities, but it makes your true message stand out in stark urgency that leaves little room for indecision.

Put yourself in the place of the viewer--whether it’s a client, your boss or the Board.

"I'm giving you one minute to catch my attention and tell me why I should listen. It better be the best minute I've had today, or maybe in my life. You have one shot. So you better blow me away."

You can present a PowerPoint or you can make a point with power. What are you going to give them in that precious time they've granted you? PowerPoint pizazz or one page power?