Meet PL the Pitch Coach

So just to set the record straight. No contestant was thrown to the Dragons.  Materials and consultants were available to the pitchers for weeks and on hand during the days of taping.

I did some coaching, but Pierre-Luc who runs a consulting shop called Ignite Partners (www.ignitepartners.ca) was the "main man on the ground" or in this case in the pitch tent.  Before you got to face the Dragons, you had to get through PL (left) and me. And we wanted to make sure everyone knew what they were in for and had access to resources to make their pitch better.

PL's Ignite Parnters (which is sorta an east coast version of my firm Wise Mentor Capital) helps companies achieve their full potential. How? First by making sure the business plan is sound and thorough. If needed, Ignite will perform additional market and competition to make sure the information is reliable.

In most cases Pierre-Luc will stay involved with the management  team to ensure progress is made and milestones are reached. He has a particular interest (and knack) for the marketing side of things (e.g. the "market") - how many people would really buy a product, why, what customer behaviours are affected, what are the alternatives, etc. as well as developing a clear message to highlight the benefits of the new product.

It was fun working with PL on the Dragon's Den, screening proposals and coaching the pitchers - we certainly saw the whole spectrum of quality and entertainment! I sat down with PL this week and asked him his:

10 Do's and Don'ts of the Den

1) Do your homework - be prepared.

2) Do follow the rules (format, time, etc.)

3) Do answer questions directly and keep answers simple.

4) Do show confidence and determination

5) Do demonstrate that other people than yourself think it's a good idea.

6) Don't hold back information.

7) Don't insult the Dragons (or any other angels, for that matter).

8) Don't come to the Dragons with just an idea - get as much traction as possible on your own.

9) Don't think you'll be a millionaire today (getting a deal means the beginning, not the end, of the hard work).

10) Don't let your ego get in the way of a good deal.

Comments

[Kempton]

Great stuff. Sounds to me you guys did a lot to try to help the entrepreneurs to present well. Of course, when the camera is on, the pressure is up, and the fire is directly aiming at the entrepreneurs, I can see why some may perform better than others.

[Gerald Flood]

I auditioned in London, Ontario and thought I made a good presentation. I was told that all entrants would be contacted with a YES or NO! I haven't been contacted???
Gerry Flood
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