Andrea
Cockerton
Andrea Cockerton
is an independent pitch expert and advisor in United Kingdom. She has worked
with over 350 entrepreneurs during her career in the business world. Her
expertise revolves around “venture funding
and business critical ideas.” As Andrea’s career expanded throughout the
years, she has been able to hold entrepreneurial workshops, network events for
businesses in the U.K. and has also helped large companies develop key talks in
order to successfully impact the business world, (http://www.stjohns.co.uk,
2011). Andrea has been part of the Microsoft team as well,
(Linkedin.com, 2011). Her experience and skills have also led her to be an MIT
Enterprise Forum board member. Even though her career has helped hundreds of
businesses, Andrea also co-founded a successful business herself in 2009 called
Brick
Handbag.
During an
interview in 2008, Andrea Cockerton shared key information for a successful
business plan. In her interview, Andrea mentions that it is important to ask
for money from investors and bankers before there is no cash left. Andrea
states, “Going to investors at too late a
stage is a risky strategy. Better is to look at the long-term objectives
and aspirations of the business and plan the fundraising sensibly into this
long-term strategy,” (Thenextwomen.com, 2008). She also focuses on the idea that there are three (3)
essential components that a person must have in their business plan pitch. According
to the interview, Andrea states, “that
you are (1) targeting a growing market with a need for your product or service,
(2) that the team is talented and able to execute the business plan, and (3)
that your product, service or idea is groundbreaking,” (Thenextwomen.com,
2008). These are key ideas that will help strengthen the pitch for financial
backing. When investors review any business plan, they look for the reasons as
to why this business needs to be established and what will make this business
flourish amongst competitors. These are important factors to keep in mind
during the business planning.
Angelo Meneguzzi
Angelo
Meneguzzi is a business professional with over a decade of experience in the
business world. His ventures have allowed him to work alongside several
start-ups in the technological world. In his most recent years, he has worked
in “public relations, product
development, and sales experience,” (www.spoke.com, 2011). Mr. Meneguzzi
has been able to find and take part of business opportunities that have
resulted in millions of dollars of revenue, which have allowed the “global brand awareness and sales,”
increase for StreamLogic (www.stoke.com, 2011). He has been able to work with
Disney, Upside Magazine, and ABC News amongst others, (Bplans.com, 2010).
Mr.
Menequzzi has developed several business plans while giving consulting advice to
other businesses. Sometimes, new business owners question why it might be
important to have a business plan made. Angelo states, “benefits include: a heads-up to changes in the environments, better
forecasting, opportunities to analyze situations before they become problematic,”
(Bplans.com, 2011). This also is similar to what Andrea Cockerton was stating.
In addition to this, Angelo states, “Cash
can make up for the other two to some extent, but not forever. Whereas the
steps are to create an idea, craft a plan, continue the research, edit the
plan, secure investment, and execute the plan,” (Bplans.com, 2011). Both
consultants and business developers have the same concept in mind when
discussing the importance of a team that knows their market. He states, “…there has to be a great team that
understands their big/growing market and can execute the solidly crafted plan
which at its core is simply a great investment,” (Bplans.com, 2011).
Keeping in mind that business plans are not as simple as it
may seem, they will nonetheless keep the vision clear for both yourself and the
investors you are approaching!
Resources:
http://brickhandbag.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mudhut
http://www.stjohns.co.uk/?post_type=financepeople&p=1310
http://www.thenextwomen.com/2008/12/27/expert-interview-13-questions-on-funding-pitching-part-1
http://www.spoke.com/people/angelo-meneguzzi-3e1429c09e597c1003744c5d
http://www.bplans.com/ask-bplans/572/why-have-a-business-plan
http://www.bplans.com/ask-bplans/1332/how-do-i-start-my-own-business#ixzz22jIjDH9o
http://www.bplans.com/ask-bplans/1332/how-do-i-start-my-own-business#ixzz22jJCYhsf
Great research provided by Aaron Mendez