Finalist Workshop

Process

Presentations

Judges

Schedule on Presentation Day

Questions and Answers

Wrap Up

Encourage your inner entrepreneur

Real world feedback on your idea

Idea Pitch development

Excellent resume addition

Cash prizes and recognition

Presentation & Judging – Saturday, April 28th ◦ Morning – Finalist present once.

◦ Lunch

◦ Afternoon – Finalist present second time.

◦ Early Afternoon – Networking and Awards Reception.

Prizes: ◦ First Place Prize of $3,000.

◦ Second Place Prize of $2,000.

◦ Third Place Prize of $1,000.

2 presentations to panels of judges.

4-6 judges per panel.

Timing: ◦ 5 minute presentation by you.

◦ 10 minutes of Q&A.

Time limits are “hard stops”.

No PowerPoint presentations – just you and your idea!

Dress is business attire.

Do’s:

Tell a story

Show your passion

Tell who cares

Don’t

Give nonessential information

Try to impress with jargon

No opening slide

Be you

Show your energy

Make your first impression

Present your “Hook”

Definition:

Current Problem

Seriousness of problem

Results if problem solved

Specific benefits if problem solved

Solution

Present product

Provide benefits

Tips: ◦ Be organized. Logical. ◦ Make sure topics flow. ◦ Large teams – plan speaking roles, plan handoffs. ◦ Practice. Practice. Practice. ◦ Anticipate issues: Size of market.

Feasibility of idea.

Thank the judges

From April 9 – 20

Block a date on www.lamar.edu/sbdc under the Workshops menu and the event: “Finalist Presentation Coaching”

12-25 representatives of business and academic communities.

Includes bankers, lawyers, accountants, consultants, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, venture capitalists, professors.

Truly want to help. Interested in YOU!

Say “thank you”. ◦ Presentations. ◦ Reception.

Approach the judges.

Do some networking.

Ask about them. Ask about their field.

They’ll ask you about your idea.

They may offer feedback if they saw your idea.

Be yourself!

Student Presentations. ◦ 9:30 AM to 2:10 PM.

◦ Report to Student Registration in Galloway Business Building.

◦ Check in 15 minutes prior to presentation.

◦ BE ON TIME! You’re late you FORFEIT!!!!

Networking and Awards Reception. ◦ 2:10 PM – 3:30 PM

Presentation: Organized, Practiced, Relaxed.

Judging Day: BE ON TIME!

Feedback: Welcome it, learn from it.

Reception: Meet people, network.

Judges: Thank them.

You: Relax. Learn. Have fun!