Pitch Expertise

            There are many different opinions when it comes to business plans and models. Experts may have differing views, which can sway those that study them one way or another, but it is important to research and figure out one’s own views.

            Steve Blank, an entrepreneur with multiple startup companies under his belt, as well as many years of working in the technology field, is no stranger to business. He has relationships with companies such as Pixar, and has been the chosen speaker as well as a professor for different colleges (Blank). Blank believes that people should focus more on business models than business plans, because business plans focus on the consumer rather than the market (Burhoe, 2012). I can’t say I disagree with Blank, and he definitely has created a new idea in my mind. I am a research person; I do need to understand why something would be done. I think it is best to know your audience well, because knowing your audience could possibly open up a new market, and if not, it could only give you more knowledge about your market.

            Andrea Cockerton is an expert listed from the UK that seems to have some great advice, also. She was also the owner of Brick Handbag, which I haven’t been able to locate as of yet. She also founded Mudhut Communications and is a pitch expert, according to thebusinesshub (Cockerton). One important key that Cockerton stated was that it is best to get to investors earlier, when there is more money to invest. It becomes harder to obtain an investment when funds are drying up. She states that investors are looking for reasons as to why your company is needed in it’s industry, and how it will be revolutionary in it’s own way. I find this information to be very important, especially the piece that timing is everything. I understand both things are key, and they both seemed very obvious, but it was important for it to be reiterated. I’ll definitely utilize everything that Cockerton stated during her interview, as one wouldn’t think that investment money ran out within a certain period of time as sponsorship money does. I’ve never looked at the two as the same, but it is obvious that they relate.

Resources:

Blank, S. (n.d.). About Steve. Retrieved April 10, 2016, from https://steveblank.com/about/

Burhoe, S. (2012, April 9). Steve Blank and Carlos Slim Business Models [Web log post]. Retrieved April  10, 2016, from http://bpexpertviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/steve-blank-business-models.html

Cockerton, A. (n.d.). Andrea Cockerton. Retrieved April 10, 2016, from        http://www.thebusinesshub.info/guests/andrea-cockerton/