What I had to learn once more:
POET is not sexy. Developing an electro-optical sub-component doesn´t wow anyone.
Our leaders Tom and Vivek are unable to arouse interest within 20 minutes.
Conclusion: POET has to be successful to be recognized.
Rant mode: ON.
Long ago I promised myself not to rant about POET´s communication skills any more, but that was bad, really bad. It´s a pity because it could be that easy. POET does not need to do it alone. We have a well-paid IR-company at hand. Why can´t they call them and say:
We have 20 Minutes time to attract investors. Please help us:
- Ghostwrite for us: 5 Minutes about what we do, 10 Minutes why we are better at what we do than all the others, 5 Minutes how bright the future will be. Aim at Investors not Techies,
- Put together a few (I said a few!) catchy slides from the last 3 presentations,
- Coach our presenters.
Alternatively: Rent any student of communication science. No matter who. They all will do better than what I have seen.
It is no excuse that it was a Painwright Conference. Kevin Dede made a good intro and even tried to steer the presentators in the right direction (Transition to a production company etc). POET had a chance to sell the story and they missed. Pity!
Rant mode: OFF.