Taking the initiative: Dave Dawes provides practical advice for nurse leaders and entrepreneurs

Q: I would appreciate advice on presenting an idea to commissioners in order to secure funding. What would you say were the key 'dos and don'ts'?

A: First, keep your presentation concise. People will remember four or five things at most, so if you outline 30 ideas, they will forget 80-90 per cent of what you tell them, potentially the most important aspects.

Second, know the people to whom you are presenting: understand what drives them, problems they face and what they want from you and put forward your proposal as a solution to their problems.

Third, be up-front about your needs. Presentations to secure funding differ from 'teaching' presentations. In the latter, you start with background/context, build up a narrative, ending with a concluding message. When bidding for funding, begin by specifying the sum you need. For example: 'We require £30,000 to address X'.