How to ... Pitch investors

David Diamond won't believe you if you tell him your business idea is so unique there aren't any competitors.

As the founder of StartupAngel.net in Naples, Diamond has heard hundreds of investment pitches. “Don't be afraid to say you have competitors,” says Diamond, who also is the co-founder and president of DeAngelis Diamond Construction, one of the largest commercial builders on the Gulf Coast.

Diamond says investors are leery of hype because many are entrepreneurs themselves. “Investors are going to see through that real quickly,” he says.