In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Jim McVety. Jim is the managing partner of First Step Advisors, a consulting company that builds the capacity of companies that serve education, whether they are nonprofit or for-profit providers, and improves their vision of growth while aligning that vision through strategic planning. Jim is also an experienced sales and marketing communication specialist who is responsible for his client's success in all areas of education.

Jim hosts a podcast called “Jim Questions Everything” where he asks people in all walks of life (from educators to industry leaders to celebrities) to weigh in on topics like education, family, or culture; and what it takes to make sense of the world.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Tell us about First Step Advisors. (1:22)
• What is a “2-minute drill”? (4:01)
• When a company comes to you to work on their “2-minute drill,” how do you start? (5:02)
• What’s your framework for 2-minute drills? (6:30)
• How do you support social-emotional learning companies in differentiating their messages? (8:45)
• What do you think about the idea of being granular about a problem? (11:10)
• Can you share some companies who have really effective 2-minute drills–and share what specific strategies they used ?(16:25)
• Any other key learnings and final advice? (20:28)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What First Step Advisors is (1:27)
• An overview of the “2 minute drill” (4:24) plus its process (5:20) and framework (6:43)
• What will make an SEL company stand out from others (9:09)
• Jim’s thoughts on being granular and having an asset-based framework ready (11:37)
• Examples of companies with successful 2-minute pitches (16:41)
• Key learnings from “2-minute drills” over the years (20:36)

Quotes:

"Especially in early stage companies, [leaders] get enamored with their own creativity and they rely on a neat factor—’Hey, isn't this neat that I can do this!’—but what district leaders really want to hear is that you're paying attention to what they need, to what their staff needs, what their teachers and their students need.”

“The 2-minute drill becomes a really meaningful way to drive relevance and meaning and connection to the district leaders that companies are hoping to serve. I find it to be an effective, fascinating exercise.”

“Be your authentic self. Build that script, narrate your story—and then let it go. Don't work from a script, work from your story. Think about the key points you want to convey, and it will come naturally to you. … And that's what's gonna make it successful.”

“Give yourself a chance to tell your story from your story, not from your script. That’s my visionary advice. And from a practical standpoint, I say, practice, practice, practice in all the different kinds of conditions you might find yourself: sitting, standing, big room, small room, mask on, mask off. If you practice, you will be ready. So bring your story and practice and you'll be good to go.”

Connect with Jim McVety:
The First Step Advisors website
Jim McVety's LinkedIn
Jim Questions Everything Podcast

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