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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