I first realized I was a pitch junkie at the 2006 Israel Venture Conference hosted by the then WolfBlock Law Firm in Philadelphia. 

I experienced this amazing energy every time I heard another entrepreneur’s story and his/her vision for how this business was going to be the next 100x return. 

What struck me the most while listening to the Israeli entrepreneurs’ presentations was the conviction with which these entrepreneurs spoke about their life long dream to start their business. Really, if it’s anything that an entrepreneur must possess – it is undying belief and dedication to his/her product/service.

But regardless of this fervor, most did not sell the audience. And even though I was excited thinking about the potential of their patent-pending technologies, I found myself dozing along with the professional venture capitalists who were clearly assessing whether or not it was worth their time.

As I’ve heard countless pitches since then – from my classmates, to Israeli entrepreneurs, start-up non profit professionals – ranging from 30 seconds to 15 minutes – I’ve realize that it is an art to put together the perfect pitch.

And I am by no means an expert. I still struggle with my own presentation skills, but after sharing a bit of wisdom last Thursday night at the NYC Fellowship Pitch Slam (check out pictures and video here) I’ve come up with the following additional suggestions to master the perfect pitch:

What inspired you to embark on the path of an innovator?

What big question are you struggling with right now? 

What do you hope to see change / to help change in your field in the next ten years?

A couple of weeks ago, the 2010 Global Fellows sat down to interview one another and discuss these questions, and more, about their ventures, goals, struggles, and visions for the future. Meet the people behind the projects and learn more about what drives them as entrepreneurs and as members of the Jewish community: http://presentense.org/pti10-interviews

2010 Global Launch Night is coming up tomorrow night at 19:00 IDT/12:00pm EDT! After months of preparation, and 6 weeks of workshops, meetings with mentors and VIPs, deliverable, project plans, and worksheets, the 16 fellows are excited to share their ventures with the PT community.

Join us online! 

• Watch Launch Night live at 19:00 IDT/12:00pm EDT on Thursday July 22nd.
• Submit a Social Capital Note and help connect our fellows with new ideas, contacts, and investors.
• See how our fellows are preparing for launch night (crunch time starts July 19!)
• Watch videos from PT community members from around the world - and submit your own!

PresenTense's Community Entrepreneur Partnership is coming to several cities this year, including Boston, Cleveland, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. Email us to find out how you can join a steering committee, sign up to mentor or coach a fellow, or apply for a fellowship. 

Wish your community had a CEP? Contact us to find out how you can bring Jewish entrepreneurship and innovation to your community.