Bailout Systems, Inc.

You are the Frame: Introducing Yourself You have about 15 seconds to capture your audience during a pitch, that is all. The introduction is one of the most critical portions of the pitch, and in the world of pitching, understanding your audience is crucial. As Malcolm Gladwell explains in his book "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking," our brains are wired to make rapid judgments based on minimal information - a process he calls "thin-slicing." This ability evolved as a survival mechanism, allowing our ancestors to assess potential threats or opportunities quickly. As an entrepreneur, I've experienced firsthand how these quick, instinctive assessments come into play when pitching to diverse audiences and investors. Each audience brings their own unconscious biases and intuitions, shaped by their experiences and evolutionary heritage. Recognizing this, it becomes clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to pitching is ineffective. For this reason, the introduction can be about yourself, a story, or setting up your big idea. It is interesting to note that during most TED talks, the speaker rarely introduces themselves but goes directly into the talk. This is my preference; however, each encounter has to be approached with the audience's needs in mind. In this discussion, we are focusing on how you introduce yourself, always keeping in mind what your audience needs to hear. I cringe when entrepreneurs spend a lot of time introducing themselves; anything more than 30 seconds is too much. In a talk, people only remember the top three things about you; that is it. Here is my introduction: "My name is Michael Ragsdale, founder and CEO of Bailout Systems. For the last 20 years, I served in the United States Navy as a Deep Sea Diver, quickly moving through the ranks to my current rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. During my enlistment, I led elite teams worldwide and mitigated high-risk diving operations, but I am most proud of my ability to build and create amazing teams." Every sentence here was crafted to provide a congruent message that aligns with the rest of the pitch. I have built a team of rockstars that developed a life-saving technology for high-risk environments. This aligns with everything I said when introducing myself. It answers the question, "Who is this, and why should I listen to them?" Everyone wants to know this as soon as you open your mouth. This is what my audience heard: - 20 years in the military - he is a leader in high-risk environments - creates elite teams If you look at your big idea and reflect on your life, you will probably see an exciting series of events that put you in the perfect position to create what you did. You don’t have to have a long list of accolades to have a fantastic idea; it just has to make sense to your audience that you are the one to solve this problem. Remember, in this frame, you are the expert and the only one who can bring this into the world.

🌟 Setting the Frame: The Foundation of a Successful Pitch 🌟 When you pitch it is critical to set the frame. Oren Klaff, in his book Pitch Anything mentioned previously, introduces the idea of frames. A frame is your perspective or lens through which you present and receive ideas; it is also the way you enter almost every social engagement. It is primal and everyone is affected by frames whether you are aware of them or not. I say primal because these are snap judgments we make on a subconscious level. It is based on survival; a way of quickly assessing a situation. You may ask what the hell any of this has to do with pitching? Everything! When you enter a room to pitch, you’re not just presenting information; you’re engaging in a battle of frames. The stronger frame will dominate, shaping the narrative and influencing the outcome of the interaction. Frames can be seen when you are pulled over by the police, asking that girl or guy for their number, meeting someone for the first time, or pitching to people with real or perceived value. Understanding Frames  A frame during your pitch is about establishing your perspective as dominant in the interaction. Frames can be situational, meaning they can change based on context. Where a doctor may usually be seen as the expert or authority, may not be so when taking golf lessons from a pro. In one scenario the doctor and/or the golf pro is the expert, in another they are not. Every social encounter involves a collision of frames, and only one frame survives. To own the frame, you must project confidence and show the listener that you are the expert in your field; if you are pitching, then you are that expert. The Monkey Brain The monkey brain, or amygdala, is the primitive part of our brain responsible for survival instincts. When pitching, your message first encounters this part of the brain, which tends to ignore anything that isn't immediately relevant or novel. Therefore, setting the frame involves simplifying your message and making it engaging enough to bypass this initial filter. This is why most speakers start with a story. We love stories because they appeal to this part of our brain. Techniques for Effective Framing Establish Authority: Begin by asserting your expertise and credibility. This helps in setting a frame where your audience sees you as a knowledgeable authority on the subject. Create Intrigue: Use stories or intriguing facts to capture attention. This not only engages the audience but also positions your frame as the one worth following. Highlight Novelty: Emphasize what makes your idea unique and why it matters now. The primitive brain craves novelty, so presenting your idea as fresh and relevant helps maintain interest. Use Contrast: Present clear, high-contrast options to help your audience see the value of your idea over others. Be Concise: The less you say, the more powerful your frame can be. In the next segment, we will jump into the way you introduce yourself.

🌟 Know Your Audience; who am I pitching to?🌟 “The Law of Influence: Your influence is determined by the extent to which you put others’ interests first.” - “The Go Giver,” Bob Burg and John David Mann Know Your Audience: The Key to a Successful Pitch Knowing your audience is crucial in pitching; it’s about connecting on a deeper level by aligning your pitch with their investment interests and showing how your idea meets their criteria for success. As a startup, we need funding for our big idea, but prioritizing the interests of others benefits everyone and reflects the importance of being thoughtful. Investors are constantly approached for funding, so understanding their focus is essential. Pitching a hardware startup to a SaaS investor, wastes time and shows disinterest in what drives them. My experience pitching to diverse investors has taught me that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Tailoring your pitch to what your audience values most is key. In my upcoming series, I’ll explore each aspect of crafting a successful pitch but understanding your audience is the first step.. Understanding the Investor's Thesis One of the most effective strategies I've employed is to consider the concept of an investment thesis. An investment thesis is essentially a set of criteria and principles that guide an investor's decision-making process. It helps investors determine whether an opportunity aligns with their goals and risk tolerance. By understanding an investor's thesis, you can better position your pitch to meet their specific interests. What is a Win for Your Audience? Before crafting your pitch, ask yourself, "What is a win for this group or individual?" Investors are motivated by different factors, and recognizing what success looks like for them can significantly enhance your pitch's effectiveness. For instance, some investors might focus on technological innovation, while others prioritize financial returns or market impact. Investment theses can vary widely depending on the investor's focus. Here are some common areas of investment theses: Technology: tech solutions, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, or blockchain. SaaS (Software as a Service): software solutions with recurring revenue streams. Hardware: physical products. Fintech: financial technology focused on disrupting traditional financial services. Healthcare and Biotech: advancements in medical technology and pharmaceuticals. By identifying the specific thesis your audience adheres to, you can tailor your pitch to highlight aspects of your business that align with their interests. In my upcoming series, I’ll explore each aspect of crafting a successful pitch. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies to help you turn your big idea into a reality. Feel free to leave questions or topics you'd like me to cover in the comments. Let's continue this journey together!

🌟 Thank You Thursday: Zane Decker 🌟 This Thank You Thursday, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zane Decker, the owner of ZD3D and a dedicated professor at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Zane has been an incredible asset to both his students and the broader engineering community, and has helped the Bailout team on many of our prototypes. As a matter of fact, Zane helped develop our first prototype that actually worked as intended, and the one used in most of the videos everyone sees online. Here in this video, he is jumping one of our earlier prototypes. I think he was more excited than we were, fully embracing the challenges posed by developing hands-free descent. Beyond this direct impact he has made in our developments, he is a leader in education and innovation, excellent designer, and both a mentor and inspiration to his students. As a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) department at Cincinnati State, Zane has been instrumental in guiding students through complex engineering projects. His role as the advisor for the Cincy Baja Team is a testament to his commitment. Under his mentorship, the team designed and manufactured a car entirely in-house for the Baja SAE 2023 competition, an achievement that many larger universities struggle to match. Zane's leadership and the team's hard work led them to finish in a commendable 32nd place, outperforming many four-year institutions. Beyond his academic contributions, Zane is the owner of ZD3D, a company that specializes in 3D design and manufacturing. ZD3D is known for its innovative solutions that integrate design, simulation, and manufacturing, helping clients bring products to market faster and at a lower cost. Zane’s expertise in this field ensures that both his students and clients benefit from cutting-edge technology and practices. Zane’s dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed. He has earned accolades in various competitions, including a second-place finish in a professional CNC parts design competition. His achievements highlight his proficiency and the high standards he sets for himself and his students. Zane’s impact goes beyond technical skills. He fosters a collaborative environment where students learn to tackle both technical and business challenges, preparing them for real-world engineering problems. His students consistently praise his professionalism, skill, and the quality of education they receive under his guidance. Thank you, Zane Decker, for your unwavering dedication to education and innovation. Your contributions have not only advanced the field of mechanical engineering but have also inspired the next generation of engineers. We are grateful for all your help and hard work. Everyone looks forward to seeing more of your incredible achievements.

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 Want to see more videos like this one? We’re taking innovation to the next level and bringing it to TikTok! 🎥 At Bailout Systems, we’re all about creating cutting-edge safety solutions, and now, we’re sharing behind-the-scenes insights, expert tips, and a glimpse into our journey! 🔗 Follow us on TikTok @BailoutSystems and join our growing community. Let's make safety both serious and seriously fun! 🚒🔥

Crafting and Pitching Your Big Idea “The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg; and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities.” ― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh Hello LinkedIn community, I'm Michael Ragsdale, the founder and CEO of Bailout Systems, an innovative fall safety company that is revolutionizing the industry with our groundbreaking hands-free braking technology. Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of leading a team that developed a pocket-sized device capable of lowering humans or objects without any user input. This journey has been marked by securing three patents, winning local and national pitch competitions, and attracting top-tier talent in engineering, marketing, and product design. We’ve raised $1.3M in funding—mainly before the tech even existed—turning an innovative concept into a life-saving reality. Like many of you, and those I speak with regularly, I had no idea how I was going to fund my idea. Many of you founders and visionaries, like me, see the world differently. You have a vision of the way things could and should be. You have “an itch.” If we are going to make our dreams a reality, funding is usually required. My approach to funding, pitching, and working with investors has been deeply influenced by Oren Klaff’s book, Pitch Anything, recommended to me by an insightful investor early in my career. Combining these insights with my own journey, I want to share some key strategies for creating and pitching your big idea effectively. I will do this in a way that is a bit different than the way most approach the topic, I want to come at it from the vantage point of human psychology. Rather than giving you a list of what needs to be included in a pitch, I want to explain why these things need to be there and what this does to create the desired outcome. I’m excited to dive into these topics through a series of articles, and for those who prefer a visual experience, I’ll also be providing video links with brief discussions, so you can choose to watch or read—whichever suits you best! Also, check out the list of exciting topics below, and keep an eye out as they come to life Here’s a sneak peek at the topics I'll be diving into—stay tuned for the links as I cover each one! Topics: Know Your Audience; who am I pitching to?: https://shorturl.at/luUT0 Setting the Frame: https://shorturl.at/hwPsS Telling the Story Revealing the Intrigue Offering the Prize Nailing the Hook Point Getting the Deal or Prize By integrating these strategies with your unique insights and experiences, you can craft a pitch that not only stands out but also compels your audience to take action. Remember, a great pitch is not just about presenting an idea; it's about telling a story, creating value, and building a connection. If there are specific questions please feel free to post them below in the comment section…

🌟 Thank You Thursday featuring Zane Decker🌟 This Thank You Thursday, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zane Decker, the owner of ZD3D and a dedicated professor at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Zane has been an incredible asset to both his students and the broader engineering community and has helped the Bailout team on many of our prototypes. As a matter of fact, Zane helped develop our first prototype that actually worked as intended, and the one used in most of the videos everyone sees online. Beyond this direct impact he has made in our developments, he is a leader in education and innovation, excellent designer, and both a mentor and inspiration to his students. As a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) department at Cincinnati State, Zane has been instrumental in guiding students through complex engineering projects. His role as the advisor for the Cincy Baja Team is a testament to his commitment. Under his mentorship, the team designed and manufactured a car entirely in-house for the Baja SAE 2023 competition, an achievement that many larger universities struggle to match. Zane's leadership and the team's hard work led them to finish in a commendable 32nd place, outperforming many four-year institutions. Beyond his academic contributions, Zane is the owner of ZD3D, a company that specializes in 3D design and manufacturing. ZD3D is known for its innovative solutions that integrate design, simulation, and manufacturing, helping clients bring products to market faster and at a lower cost. Zane’s expertise in this field ensures that both his students and clients benefit from cutting-edge technology and practices. Zane’s dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed. He has earned accolades in various competitions, including a second-place finish in a professional CNC parts design competition. His achievements highlight his proficiency and the high standards he sets for himself and his students. Zane’s impact goes beyond technical skills. He fosters a collaborative environment where students learn to tackle both technical and business challenges, preparing them for real-world engineering problems. His students consistently praise his professionalism, skill, and the quality of education they receive under his guidance. Thank you, Zane Decker, for your unwavering dedication to education and innovation. Your contributions have not only advanced the field of mechanical engineering but have also inspired the next generation of engineers. We are grateful for all your help and hard work. Everyone looks forward to seeing more of your incredible achievements.

🌟 Thank You Thursday- Featuring Blake Smith 🌟 In the fast-paced world of startups, finding a mentor who genuinely cares about your success and offers unwavering support is invaluable. Today, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Blake Smith, Founder and CEO of Allsmith Growth, and former CEO of Cladwell.com, for his incredible contributions to Bailout Systems and the broader startup community. Early in my startup journey, Blake graciously agreed to do an online talk with me and several other startups participating in the T3 Transition Accelerator program in Dayton, Ohio. What stands out, looking back, is that he made time for us while he was in Los Angeles, pitching his own venture to investors and VCs—often scheduling up to six meetings per day. Despite his hectic schedule, Blake took the time to share his insights, answer our questions, and provide invaluable advice. His dedication to helping others, even while managing his own demanding commitments, is a testament to his character and generosity. Blake's mentorship didn't stop there. Over the years, he has continued to be a source of wisdom and support, always willing to help with any questions I have. His thoughtful approach to sharing knowledge is evident in his weekly newsletter, A Couple of Things On My Mind..., which I eagerly await every Friday. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics, from business strategies and life hacks to family life, home projects, and philosophical musings. It's a testament to Blake's diverse expertise and his commitment to helping others grow both personally and professionally. I often get asked questions about pitching and raising funds from local entrepreneurs who are getting their start on their journey. One of the resources I immediately recommend is Blake's "How To Get Angel Investment For Your Startup" e-course. While I'm not sure if he still offers it, this course is a must-have for anyone seriously considering a raise for their venture. It is extremely helpful and well put together, providing practical advice and actionable steps for securing angel investment. Another fun fact about Blake is that he has done a TED Talk, which gives a nice feel for how he shares his wealth of knowledge and his unique style of presenting information in a way that is both articulate and meaningful. His ability to connect with his audience and convey complex ideas in an accessible manner is truly remarkable. Blake, thank you for your unwavering support and for being a beacon of knowledge and encouragement for our team and all the other entrepreneurs you have helped along your journey. Your contributions have made a significant impact on Bailout Systems, and we are incredibly grateful for your guidance and mentorship. Your commitment to helping startups grow and succeed is truly appreciated.

In the fast-paced world of startups, finding a mentor who genuinely cares about your success and offers unwavering support is invaluable. Today, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Blake Smith, Founder and CEO of Allsmith Growth, and former CEO of Cladwell.com, for his incredible contributions to Bailout Systems and the broader startup community. Early in my startup journey, Blake graciously agreed to do an online talk with me and several other startups participating in the T3 Transition Accelerator program in Dayton, Ohio. What stands out, looking back, is that he made time for us while he was in Los Angeles, pitching his own venture to investors and VCs—often scheduling up to six meetings per day. Despite his hectic schedule, Blake took the time to share his insights, answer our questions, and provide invaluable advice. His dedication to helping others, even while managing his own demanding commitments, is a testament to his character and generosity. Blake's mentorship didn't stop there. Over the years, he has continued to be a source of wisdom and support, always willing to help with any questions I have. His thoughtful approach to sharing knowledge is evident in his weekly newsletter, A Couple of Things On My Mind..., which I eagerly await every Friday. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics, from business strategies and life hacks to family life, home projects, and philosophical musings. It's a testament to Blake's diverse expertise and his commitment to helping others grow both personally and professionally. I often get asked questions about pitching and raising funds from local entrepreneurs who are getting their start on their journey. One of the resources I immediately recommend is Blake's "How To Get Angel Investment For Your Startup" e-course. While I'm not sure if he still offers it, this course is a must-have for anyone seriously considering a raise for their venture. It is extremely helpful and well put together, providing practical advice and actionable steps for securing angel investment. Another fun fact about Blake is that he has done a TED Talk, which gives a nice feel for how he shares his wealth of knowledge and his unique style of presenting information in a way that is both articulate and meaningful. His ability to connect with his audience and convey complex ideas in an accessible manner is truly remarkable. Blake, thank you for your unwavering support and for being a beacon of knowledge and encouragement for our team and all the other entrepreneurs you have helped along your journey. Your contributions have made a significant impact on Bailout Systems, and we are incredibly grateful for your guidance and mentorship. Your commitment to helping startups grow and succeed is truly appreciated.

At Bailout Systems, our goal is to simplify the repelling process. Our technology does this by taking away the hassle of managing ropes or complex gear. Users no longer have to be trained to control their own descent and can rely on our technology to keep them safe. Whether you're a first-time rappeller, a seasoned climber, or a company looking to update safety gear, our device ensures a smooth and safe experience every time. It's designed with simplicity in mind, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the adventure without being bogged down by equipment logistics. Below is a video from our product market experimenting phase of design. We were able to test with Boone County firefighters and this person explained that she had never repelled before. After a quick explanation of what she would be doing and how the equipment worked, she was able to easily repel from the side of this test site despite her fear of heights. A coworker mentioned that he couldn’t have imagined her being comfortable facing this fear without reliable and easy-to-use technology like this and that this would definitely help in their line of work to aid in everyone feeling comfortable getting their jobs done.