Why Are You Special?
Entrepreneur|June 2017

It’s a weirdly hard question to answer, especially when pitching your company. This VC turned entrepreneur learned that the hard way.

Rob Horning
Why Are You Special?

When you’re a VC, your job is like drinking from a fire hose. You have a constant stream of business plans and pitches coming at you. There’s no way to get through all of them. So you start looking for shortcuts, quick little glimmers of magic that tell you this idea is worth paying attention to. Is it an amazing management team? Proprietary technology? Exclusive contracts? Is it the first mover in a totally new space?

The magic: That’s what a VC wants to see. And yet, entrepreneurs always want to tell you everything about their business. They are excited, passionate. They’re in love. I was an investor for 12 years, and during pitches I wanted to grab these people, shake them, and scream, “Just tell me the one thing that makes your business special! It’s not that hard!”

This story is from the June 2017 edition of Entrepreneur.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2017 edition of Entrepreneur.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ENTREPRENEURView All
MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER
Entrepreneur US

MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER

For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.

time-read
1 min  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?
Entrepreneur US

Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?

We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales
Entrepreneur US

He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales

When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller
Entrepreneur US

How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller

After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You
Entrepreneur US

How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You

There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Serving the Underserved
Entrepreneur US

Serving the Underserved

When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
When Life Is Preparation
Entrepreneur US

When Life Is Preparation

Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.
Entrepreneur US

Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.

Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER
Entrepreneur US

WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER

For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT
Entrepreneur US

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

There's no one way to market a small business. So how do you get the word out? Experts say you must experiment...and really stick with it.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024