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I believe that all entrepreneurs should use every tool available to be able to communicate their respective business plans and investment opportunities. Here in Seattle, there exists an incredible number of start-up companies. Being in start-up mode myself, I quickly realized that I needed to differentiate myself as much as possible from the heard in how I presented my business plan.

Of course having the traditional plan in printed format is important as a basic foundation. My experience shows me that sophisticated angel investors want to hear several key data points with regards to a plan so that they can make a quick decision. Many angel investors do not have the time to read multiple printed plans, and many want to see/hear the entrepreneur in action......they bet on the jockey more than the horse at times.

Here are a few examples of how I have taken the fundamental information from my business plan and created more flexible communication tools that can be accessed by or presented to investors remotely:

1. www.PlanHeaven.com - I created a 9 minute video presentation for my current startup www.PeoplePawn.com. It costs me $500 to create and I'm able to offer remote viewing to investors both at this site as well on the investor area of the www.PeoplePawn.com .

2. www.Yodio.com - I created "free of charge" an Investor PowerPoint Presentation with voiceover for my current startup www.PeoplePawn.com. I can email this "podcast" to potential investors so that they have a quick format for reviewing my deal.

So....having a printed plan is fundamental once you have interest.....but using video and audio as an introduction to your deal is also an effective strategy...

Best of luck.

Patrick Kane - Patrick@PeoplePawn.com

Uncle Leon,

My apologies. I did misinterpret your post but I think we both did. When I say "written," I meant as the only way it can be presented, does a business plan have to be presented in paper form?

I am wondering if there is a better way to present the information in the business plan that ensures that it is reviewed?

I meant as the only way it can be presented, does a business plan have to be presented in paper form?

The only way? No. IMHO, it would depend upon the purpose and the "audience".

I believe that before a business is ever pursued...still in the early planning stages, a biz plan should be written. As the plans progress, it should be continually upgraded. Before a biz plan is ever prepared for the use as a tool for obtaining financing, it should be used as a tool for clarifying all the details of the planed operations. THEN, it can be modified (in written form) for the purpose of obtaining financing. Only after that is accomplished, should a high-impact method of presentation be considered.

A high-impact presentation can get attention, arouse interest, and build enthusiasm. But "when the rubber hits the road" if it doesn't make sense on paper, it won't make sense any other way. The numbers have to work.

Of course...that's only my opinion.

You can't edit. They are working on it.