I had the opportunity to pitch my company, Cooleaf at this year’s 36|86 conference in Nashville. The conference is designed to highlight the best startup companies in the southeast and to connect investors and entrepreneurs. There was a $50,000 prize for the winning startup pitch along with lots of press. I have to say, the conference organizers did a really nice job and I’d recommend it to other entrepreneurs.

To be honest, I try not to do too many pitch competitions because they really don’t move the needle for your business.  It’s good to do every so often though to keep your edge. Believe me, when you have to be on stage in front of a couple hundred people and deliver a pitch describing your company, it forces you to be on point. I think it’s also good to feel that nervousness in your gut which is a reminder to me that I’m living!