Make the ‘Ask’ at the End of a Presentation

Earlier today we had a great “Show and Tell” event at the Atlanta Tech Village where four entrepreneurs gave a five minute update on their startup followed by five minutes of Q&A:

The five minute updates ranged from personal stories to sales videos to product demos. With an audience of fellow Villagers, there was an opportunity to make an ‘ask’ — that is, to get help from the community. Whether it’s names of relevant mentors, introductions to potential prospects, or something else, a group of people always can help. Only, most people don’t make an ‘ask’ when presented with an opportunity.

My advice: make the ‘ask’ at the end of a presentation.

What else? What are some other thoughts on making the ‘ask’ at the end of a presentation?