Pitch to CEOs PPP+R
[3 min. read]
CEOs don’t want more detail — they want more clarity. Your job is to show value fast.
Use this one-pager strategy to communicate effectively with top executives. Whether you’re sharing a challenge, a solution, or asking for support, your message should be short, sharp, and strategic. This format helps you cut the noise and drive decisions.
PPP + R = Problem, Proposal, Payoff + Request
This 4-part formula is designed for executive minds — focused on ROI, strategy, and impact. Master this structure, and you’ll win attention where it matters most.
1. Problem: What’s the issue or opportunity?
Be sharp and specific. What’s at stake? Why does it matter?
- What’s broken, inefficient, or missing?
- What’s the business risk or opportunity?
- Use a headline and 1–2 punchy sentences.
Example: Product delays are causing 15% revenue loss per quarter and customer churn is rising.
2. Proposal / Plan: What are you recommending?
Make your case clearly. What should we do — and how?
- 2–3 action steps with active language
- Include owners, timeline, or decisions if needed
Example:
- Fast-track core features with a leaner dev team
- Pause non-critical projects to free up capacity
- Launch MVP in Q3 with direct feedback loops
3. Payoff: What’s the expected result?
Translate the plan into value. CEOs think in ROI.
- What does success look like in business terms?
- How does this align with strategic priorities?
Example: This plan reduces churn risk, protects $3M in Q4 revenue, and aligns with our faster go-to-market strategy.
4. Request: What do you need from them?
Be direct. What’s the ask?
- Greenlight, budget, decision, or quick feedback?
Example: Decision needed: Approve pivot to MVP scope and allocate resources accordingly.
Tips for Communicating with CEOs
- Keep it under 300 words
- Use clear headings and bullet points
- Lead with the impact — not the background
- Use business terms (revenue, value, growth, risk)
- Avoid jargon and unnecessary detail
- Always include a 1-line subject/title that sums it up
Sample One-Pager Template
Title: Reducing Delivery Delays to Protect Q4 Revenue
Problem: Our lead product is facing a 2-month delay, risking $3M in projected Q4 revenue and damaging key customer relationships.
Plan:
- Reassign 2 engineers from less critical areas
- Accelerate testing via external QA support
- Weekly exec check-ins to ensure alignment
Payoff: On-time delivery protects revenue, maintains trust with top clients, and supports 2025 growth.
Request: Approval to reallocate resources and budget ($50K) for QA support by Friday.
CEOs don’t need every detail. They need the next decision. This format helps you get there — fast.
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