I was having breakfast this morning with Salil Deshpande from Bay Partners (now at Bain Capital Ventures). Salil and I were talking about assessing company progress and how best to measure that progress. Salil invests in super early-stage deals and has his companies report to him on their progress on a frequent basis. He said that he had one CEO who would report on his progress in such florid language that eventually Salil had to forbid his use of adjectives in his progress reports. Salil said that he didn't want to hear that things were going great. He wanted to hear precisely how things were going.
I nearly jumped out of my seat. Salil had articulated one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to company pitches (and board meetings for that matter). I hate adjectives. I don't want to hear that one of the company founders is a "fantastic sales exec." I want to hear that she was Presidents Club the last twelve years running. I don't want to hear that the product is "revolutionary and paradigm-shifting." I want to hear about the specific features of the product that are differentiated and how. I don't want to hear that the company has "massive market traction." I want to see a graph of progressive quarterly sales and a giant sales pipeline.
Adjectives are not convincing. Facts are convincing. I may not agree with the conclusions a company draws from those facts. But I will at least be in a position to appropriately assess those conclusions. Whereas adjectives are all about conclusions without the underlying facts. As an entrepreneur, you are far better off having me determine that your market is "massive," your founders are "brilliant," and your product is "elegant," than to tell me that your company has "an elegant solution serving a massive market designed by brilliant founders." So reread your pitch and remove all of the adjectives. It will go massively, monumentally, gargantuanly. colossally better that way.
This is a brilliant^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H post.
Posted by: aa | 03/05/2008 at 08:49 AM
I was just reading some of your archives and stumbled across the Labor v. Capital dodge ball game.
It sounds like fun. If you decide to host another, how about including Attorneys? It could be Labor and Company side attorneys v. Capital and Investor side attorneys.
I'll even waive my fee!
Posted by: Jake | 03/12/2008 at 02:23 PM
you'd love a GE pitch then, first slide on the deck is called a 4-up or 4-banger, literally 4 slides-in-one on the first slide and it better all be #'s and graphs
jos
Posted by: jottos.myopenid.com | 03/18/2008 at 01:12 AM
Facts speaks for themselves
Posted by: ooyes.myopenid.com | 04/01/2008 at 08:23 AM
I read this post some time ago and made a note to re-read it every time I prepare for a board meeting. Well, that time has arrived again and this was a timely jog to my memory. Rarely are adjectives used in lieu of facts. I think we (entrepreneurs) use adjectives when we either haven't done the work to track an metrics or we don't want to face the truth that the facts are not pretty.
Posted by: Jeff Solomon | 06/02/2008 at 10:57 PM
I'm going to be using your post as ammunition, it can't be said enough. Adjectives are for people who haven't done the work.
Posted by: kellyh99.myopenid.com | 06/15/2008 at 05:07 PM
Great points. The truth lies in the facts, and the facts only. The question I have, particularly in regards to assessing market competition, when are too many facts too much. What is the right amount of facts to provide without overwhelming or losing the attention of the VC? ... www.readtheanswer.com/index.php?RTA=web2
Posted by: https://me.yahoo.com/a/hUrZaasa0ZB6ieFQ6D.6aHcLaNVP4Lzfpg--#0eb09 | 07/15/2008 at 03:27 PM
Thanks for the suggestions. Very useful to have your perspective.
However, massively, monumentally, gargantuanly and colossally are adverbs. But I agree they maybe annoying as well as the adjectives :)
Ciao,
C
Posted by: https://me.yahoo.com/a/quPEVi89wNnGo.Kw2HioWpTgNZ6FbU1oKENKnw--#5cf85 | 09/26/2008 at 11:15 PM
every day,every hour,and every minute is special; and you don't know if it will be your last. Therefore, we must cherish the time.
Posted by: coach handbags | 07/26/2010 at 05:47 PM
The office of the scholar is to cheer, to raise, and to guide men by showing them facts amidst appearances.Do you understand?
Posted by: new balance | 07/27/2010 at 05:30 PM
Various read your article, I think it is great! Simple language, concise blog! Another types of style! I prefer! This looks so cute! Had made this want to see this. I miss Alexis Bldel, Device test that was an obvious GG fan and loved her inside of Sisterhood movies too. Hopefully she'll continue to act in more movies start one.Post by Ajf 4
Posted by: Ajf 4 | 07/28/2010 at 07:52 PM
The worst kind of love is the one when you want someone but you know you can’t have them. Best wishes for you.
Posted by: Air Jordan | 08/04/2010 at 05:37 PM
Gucci is a famous brand in the world , and is originate from Italy and create by Guccio Gucci. He is a famous designer. His products are popular with most of people . His design are originality and natural. Gucci bags and Gucci outlet are also popular and elegant. You can search for our website : http://www.gucciusaoutlet.com.
Posted by: Gucci handbags | 08/09/2010 at 08:24 PM
Thanks for taking the time to chat about this, I feel fervently about this and I benefit from learning about this subject. Please, as you gain information, please add to this blog with more information. I have found it really useful.
Posted by: Retro Jordans | 08/17/2010 at 05:30 PM
What I got from your blog is very helpul for me. Thank you, may you a happy life. 11
Posted by: nike air max | 09/24/2010 at 02:32 AM
There are nothing bad in your blog,and I like them so much,hope better in the future,and your life will be better,too.and good things need to share,so I want to introduce my website to you,if you are free,see it,thanks.
Posted by: jordan 7 | 10/23/2010 at 12:16 AM
Agree with your point of view
Posted by: supra shoes | 11/05/2010 at 06:19 PM
One should love animals. They are so tasty.
Posted by: Supra Shoes | 11/06/2010 at 02:07 AM
Custom reports, features a very powerful, can be defined for the customers own statement of the specific content requirements
Posted by: Supra Skytop II | 11/07/2010 at 11:56 PM
The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you can not do
Posted by: Jordan 12 | 11/08/2010 at 09:56 PM
Be to act , that each tomorrow.
Posted by: Air Jordans | 11/10/2010 at 12:01 AM
Existence is often a profound book.Other's notes are not able to exchange your personal understanding.May you unearth and generate a specific thing new in it.
Posted by: nike jordans | 11/10/2010 at 07:19 PM
i love you post
Posted by: taobao | 11/11/2010 at 12:33 AM
i love you post
Posted by: taobao agent | 11/11/2010 at 12:51 AM
Each moment in history is a fleeting time , precious and unique .
Posted by: christian louboutin | 11/11/2010 at 01:01 AM
Trouble may test a man's character,Very the plight of the neighbourhood can show very integrity, The calm sea, all the ships can and flooding auction wins. Fate tekken hitting home, wait, only big yong intelligence persons can appetites;
Posted by: Jordan retro 5 | 11/11/2010 at 05:51 PM
Custom reports, features a very powerful, can be defined for the customers own statement of the specific content requirements
Posted by: Jordan Rereo 1 | 11/12/2010 at 04:47 PM
In my experience, VCs don't like this messy time consuming hands on stuff. But as far as I've seen, it's the only way to make anything happen.
Posted by: Jordan Rereo 1 | 11/12/2010 at 05:14 PM
*Later road, we walk together.*_*
Posted by: air jordan | 11/15/2010 at 06:37 PM
good web ,keep it !
Posted by: moncler jackets | 11/16/2010 at 04:49 PM
That's not his. Steve's is black*_*
Posted by: air jordan | 11/16/2010 at 05:41 PM
That's not his. Steve's is black*_*
Posted by: air jordan | 11/16/2010 at 06:25 PM
Um...like the style of your writing.
Posted by: Air Jordan Basket | 11/21/2010 at 04:40 PM
ziyou de jieshou, ziyou de geini, yu bolatu weiyou!
Posted by: Louis Vuitton Bags | 11/22/2010 at 06:07 PM
I find it difficult to subscribe RSS feeds, bookmark this site anyway I have is a dggfvery useful and complete information.
Posted by: nike air max | 12/05/2010 at 04:36 PM
Thanks That's a good idea. I like your new blog design!
Posted by: air max shoes | 12/05/2010 at 05:45 PM
It's really a very good article,I learn so much thing from it,thanks.You are really a nice person.
Posted by: Nike Air Max 90 | 12/15/2010 at 01:58 AM
I agree with your point,nice article,thanks.I will continue to read your articles.
Posted by: Digital Thermometer | 12/15/2010 at 01:59 AM
Hello.I am well into a boring sunday thanks for giving something to think about.This is a great story got me thinking,Thanks!.
Posted by: wholesale | 12/15/2010 at 03:50 AM
Sad and happy for you, is the enemy, for your happiness and joy is a friend, for your sad and sad is your friend.
Posted by: coach outlet | 12/15/2010 at 10:25 PM
Narrow the current industry distribution channels, products move little by little. One of
Posted by: Nike Free Run | 12/22/2010 at 07:50 PM
Thanks for your share! very impressive!
Posted by: dreambox 500s | 12/28/2010 at 11:37 PM
Les trackbacks pour ce billet sont fermés.*_*
Posted by: Taobao | 01/05/2011 at 10:14 PM
No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won't make you cry. O(∩_∩)O~
Posted by: UGG Joslyn Boots | 01/05/2011 at 10:29 PM
Um...like the style of your writing.*_*
Posted by: Taobao | 01/13/2011 at 11:16 PM
rmt ドラゴンネストDefining the site's cost isn't a simple task.We comprehensively evaluate site SEO, website traffic 大航海時代-RMT(quantity, source, geography) and make approximate conclusions about the website's cost.Special attention is paid not only to the current site's cost but to the growth rmt アラド(or decline) dynamic of this or that resource.RMTメイプルストーリー RMT
Posted by: DEKARONデカロン-RMT | 01/19/2011 at 12:38 AM
DEKARONデカロン-RMT of a site.rmt ff11 The cost of a site would be how much it costs to run it. The worth of a site is determined mainly by how much revenue the site is bringing in.信長の野望Online RMT Other factors would include how much traffic the site is bringing in on a monthly basis, email subscribers if any,アラド戦記 rmt rmt ドラゴンネスト メイプルストーリー RMT アラド戦記 rmt rmt アラド rmt ff11 信長の野望Online RMT 大航海時代-RMT DEKARONデカロン-RMT
Posted by: DEKARONデカロン-RMT | 01/19/2011 at 07:05 PM
SOSOSO....THERE'S A HERO.
Posted by: New Jordans | 01/26/2011 at 01:01 AM
i love tuareg lifes and their stories
Posted by: taobao china | 01/27/2011 at 10:15 PM
Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them. Do you agree?
Posted by: Air Jordan | 03/07/2011 at 07:15 PM
Great post. It appears that most of the steps are relying on the creativeness factor….
Posted by: GUCCI Sunglasses | 04/10/2011 at 07:54 PM
cnn
bbc
foxnews
news
msnbc
yahoo news
abcnews
Posted by: cnn | 04/21/2011 at 08:29 PM
The General http://www.laptopakkuneu.de/Neu-MEDION-40010871-Akku-5200mAh-Schwarz.htm MEDION 40010871 Akku
http://www.laptopbatterydell.com/products/Dell-Inspiron-6000-4400mAh.htm Dell Inspiron 6000 battery
Posted by: Laptop Akkus | 05/05/2011 at 07:56 PM
SOSOSO....THERE'S A HERO.
Posted by: Herve leger | 05/05/2011 at 11:58 PM
Just wanted to say HI. I found your blog a few days ago and have been reading it over the past few days.
Posted by: Jordan Heels | 05/10/2011 at 02:31 AM
i love tuareg lifes and their stories............
Posted by: Herve leger | 05/11/2011 at 08:38 PM
I just required some information and was searching on Google for it. I visited each page that came on first page and didn’t got any relevant result then I thought to check out the second one and got your blog. This is what I wanted!
Posted by: christian louboutin | 05/13/2011 at 01:40 AM
Since it has not been released yet, the media would have to describe what that is because no one has ever heard of it before. They want to make sure that it would be worth waiting for.
Posted by: nike shoes sneakers | 05/18/2011 at 11:13 PM
The nomination of the winner depends on the capability and spirit of the personality to finish the race.I like the post very much as it .
Posted by: Griffey Shoes 2011 | 06/18/2011 at 01:29 AM
That was my thought,too.
Posted by: mbt sale | 06/22/2011 at 03:37 AM
And, some of us do not have enough information to make an
educated decision on how best to navigate the turbulent seas known as nutrition.
Posted by: Ken Griffey Jr Shoes | 06/27/2011 at 11:34 PM
why the shoes so good
Posted by: kobe 5 shoes | 06/30/2011 at 09:15 AM
Good stuff as per usual, thanks. I do hope this kind of thing gets more exposure.
Posted by: GHD Iron | 07/06/2011 at 06:47 AM
This is my first time i visit here. I found interesting things to many in his blog, mostly to the debate. Of the tons of comments on your articles, I’m not the only one who has all the fun here! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: keylogger Mac | 07/07/2011 at 01:42 AM
Only an injunction)0f the lessening Can avoid that problem. Defendant: 1)Our name accurately reflected the first BaFfle of the owner of the store.andwe used the word“secret”as a kind of inside ioke because we wanted to keep the new business a secret from a former boss at a competing store.
Posted by: Cheap Onitsuka Tiger | 07/13/2011 at 08:09 PM
The nomination of the winner depends on the capability and spirit of the personality to finish the race.I like the post very much as it contain informative in knowledge.I like pics of Chelsea shares of the beauty of running in Madison, Wisconsin.I want to congratulate the winner for the nomination race.I want to know suggestion from others.
Posted by: Vibram Five Fingers | 07/13/2011 at 08:14 PM
i come here first time. You can share some of your article, I'm like you write something, really very good! I will continue to focus on
Posted by: Polo Outlet | 07/13/2011 at 08:16 PM
kove zoom vi
Posted by: kove zoom vi | 07/15/2011 at 05:11 AM
The inside piece is wrapped in matching leather, available in pink, white, or black. The wires running from the earphones are ribbon-style, so they are thin and, more importantly, tangle-free.
Posted by: monster headphones | 07/18/2011 at 01:14 AM
I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned.I wanted to thank you for this great article. I enjoyed every little bit part of it and I will be waiting for the new updates.
Posted by: Ken Griffey Jr Shoes | 07/18/2011 at 06:47 PM
i agree with your views from here.
Posted by: Christian Louboutin Pumps | 07/19/2011 at 05:56 PM
That was my thought,too.
Posted by: mbt online | 07/21/2011 at 01:12 AM
Great post. i like it. feeling great when reading your post. The content of the articles there will be a lot of attractive people to appreciate
Posted by: cheap jordan high heels | 07/27/2011 at 01:00 AM
Thanks very much, I have learned a lot from your post. Well done, really! also have a good train at http://www.honest123.com/
Posted by: mbt shoes online | 08/01/2011 at 08:57 AM
I have never read such a wonderful article and I am coming back tomorrow to continue reading.
Posted by: ken griffey shoes | 08/01/2011 at 08:26 PM
Today the girls are busy packing their suitcases and we've taken a sneak peak and some of their outfits...
Posted by: Herve Leger Dress | 08/09/2011 at 06:15 AM
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say
that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll bE
subscribing to your data and I hope you come visit me
Posted by: Nike KOBE ZOOM | 08/11/2011 at 11:24 PM
http://www.oakleyssunglasscheap.com
I wanted to write a quick note to express my thanks. I'm really impressed by a blog unique and perfectly chosen and organized!
Posted by: oakley sunglasses cheap | 08/12/2011 at 10:59 PM
Thanks again Darren. I watched your videos on the front page talking about more on blogging and its awesome — you’re the man! Keep it up.
Posted by: oil presses | 08/19/2011 at 01:24 AM
You are an ace of articles!
This is by far one of the best articles i've read (so far). I Really like your style. It's always a pleasure reading your posts but this is the best so far IMHO.
Keep the great stuff coming and let me know if I can help in any way.
Best regards
Justin
Posted by: end of tenancy cleaning | 08/21/2011 at 11:38 AM
My problem is finding some of the crafting materials needed. Case in point,I wish there was a place you could look that would give you and idea where to look..
Posted by: wood pellets | 08/24/2011 at 01:51 AM
Thanks for the good information. I always enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: flats for Olympics 2012 | 08/24/2011 at 04:47 AM
Size was correct with good but a little slow shipping, however the shoes are what i wanted and couldn't find locally.
Posted by: cheap mercurial soccer shoes | 08/25/2011 at 01:34 AM
Great work.I love the content it have great and valuable ideas.I want to be part of this so I really love to visit it everyday.
Posted by: Peanut Machine | 09/08/2011 at 01:23 AM
Most of the people post positive opinion about this article. I don`t think to repeat their words. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: vacation rental in Barcelona | 09/08/2011 at 02:01 AM
But this modas operandi has been used from ages by numerous conquerer... sometimes it is effective but most of the time... this backfired... as far as my info goes the same tactics used by US in vietnam but there it was a matter of time when it backfired and we all know what happened after that !!
Posted by: Buy microsoft office 2010 | 09/14/2011 at 12:20 AM
He wanted to hear precisely how things were going.
Posted by: Balmain Men | 09/16/2011 at 02:44 AM
He wanted to hear precisely how things were going.
Posted by: uggs clearance | 09/26/2011 at 06:46 PM
matter of time when it backfired and we all know what happened after that !!
Posted by: uggs for kids | 09/26/2011 at 07:02 PM
I want all the stuff about Season 3 and I want no more loan comments! Now-se!
Posted by: christian louboutin schaussures | 09/28/2011 at 02:55 AM
2011 is my favorite year,now winter is comming at a moment,hope you have a nice day! Good time!
Posted by: classic uggs | 09/29/2011 at 04:28 AM
Thanks for sharing. This website is to I too have to help. Very good.
Posted by: cheap jordan 11 | 10/03/2011 at 10:17 AM
If you wish to be the best man, you must suffer the bitterest of the bitter.
Posted by: moncler netherland | 10/07/2011 at 06:30 PM
Thank you for sharing your stuff on blog. It is doubtless that we have similar interests. Something are very helpful to me.
Posted by: renlewei | 10/08/2011 at 01:03 AM
If you want to make a difference
don't gripe and complain - make progress in your goals
Posted by: Wood Pellet Mill | 10/17/2011 at 06:57 PM
But as far as I've seen, it's the only way to make anything happen.
Posted by: oil press | 10/24/2011 at 08:08 PM
have a nice day
Posted by: rolex submariner replica | 10/30/2011 at 07:55 PM
A true friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself.
Posted by: ugg classic tall boots | 11/03/2011 at 10:25 PM
Sorry,i don't know how to receive my response, why?
http://www.christianlouboutinshoes-store.com/
Posted by: Christian Louboutin | 11/05/2011 at 08:26 PM
Sorry,i don't know how to receive my response, why?
http://www.christianlouboutinshoes-store.com/
Posted by: Christian Louboutin | 11/05/2011 at 08:27 PM