In asset raising, you don’t get unlimited chances. Opportunities are fleeting, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

You often get just one shot to make a lasting impression on an investor. That’s why adopting the ONE SHOT ONLY Mindset is critical to your success in 2025 and beyond.

Why This Matters

As Panayiotis Lambropoulos, CFA, CAIA, FRM, Portfolio Manager at the Employees Retirement System of Texas, puts it:

“There are only 250 trading days in the year, and you may only get one shot in one calendar year to speak to us given the voluminous amount of meeting requests that we get in addition to our other responsibilities.”

Think about that. One shot per year. If you don’t maximize that opportunity, it may be another year—or never—before you get another chance.

This concept is so vital that we've made it Guerrilla Tactic #38 in our Opalesque Digital Master Class - Asset Raising. The ONE SHOT ONLY mindset, in the context of asset raising, is both a strategic approach and a psychological shift for fund managers aiming to secure investment from allocators.

Too often, I hear managers say, “Oh, I have this investor meeting or this webinar next Thursday”—as if it’s a burden, something they’d rather not do. Others scramble to prepare at the last minute, often inadequately. This mindset is lethal to your fundraising efforts.

The Reality Check

Let’s be honest: allocators are overwhelmed.

With often over 10,000 manager contacts per year, they're actively looking for reasons to narrow down their options—quickly. Investors are inundated with opportunities, and your window to make an impression is incredibly narrow.

Whether it’s an in-person meeting, a webinar, or a virtual pitch, every interaction is a make-or-break moment. Any small misstep, any slight imperfection in your presentation or communication, could be the reason you're eliminated from consideration.

So, how do you ensure you're maximizing every opportunity?

The ONE SHOT ONLY Mindset in Action

Here’s a practical framework to guide you:

1. Preparation

✅ Research: Understand the allocator's investment philosophy, past in
vestments, and current interests. Tailor your pitch to align with their goals.
✅ Rehearse: Practice your presentation multiple times to ensure clarity, brevity, and impact. Be ready to answer tough questions.

2. Focus

🔹Treat each meeting with the same intensity as you would a pivotal investment decision.
🔹This isn't just another meeting; it could be the meeting of the year—or your only meeting with that allocator.
🔹Eliminate distractions and give the meeting your full attention.

3. Execution

✅ Deliver your message with confidence and clarity.
✅ Pay attention to the details: your presentation materials, your tone, and your body language (or virtual presence).
✅ Demonstrate how your strategy aligns with the investor’s goals and why you’re the best choice.
✅ Maintain a high level of professionalism in attire, mannerisms, and presentation quality—whether in-person or virtual.

4. Follow-Up

✅ Send a personalized follow-up within 24 hours, reiterating key points and addressing any outstanding questions.
✅ Provide additional materials or data that reinforce your value proposition.
✅ Stay on their radar with thoughtful, non-intrusive communication.
✅ Respond quickly to any questions or requests post-meeting.
✅ Ensure follow-up materials are as polished as your initial presentation.

5. Avoid Common Pitfalls

⚠️ Casual Approach: Avoid treating these meetings as just another task. Allocators sense under-preparation or lack of engagement.
⚠️ Last Detail Oversight: Don’t let a small mistake at the end undo all your hard work.
⚠️ Check everything—from the accuracy of data to the professionalism of your follow-up emails.

6. BE NATURAL

Being prepared and professional does not mean sounding robotic.

Investors don’t just evaluate your strategy—they evaluate you. A natural, engaging presence builds trust and can differentiate you from the sea of managers who rely on scripted pitches.

When recording a video or presenting in a webinar, it’s always better to speak freely rather than read from a script. This allows you to maintain eye contact with the camera and create a stronger connection with your audience.

Practical Tips to Sound More Natural:

• 📌 Instead of memorizing a script, work from bullet points to keep your delivery fluid.
• 🎥 Record short practice videos and watch them back to refine your flow and presence.
• 🎤 Rehearse out loud until you feel comfortable delivering your key points naturally.

If you do use a teleprompter, ensure you’ve practiced enough to make your delivery seamless and engaging. The key is to not sound like you’re reading—allocators can pick up on that immediately.

Mastering natural delivery will make you a more compelling, confident presenter—exactly the kind of manager allocators take seriously.

The Takeaway

Your opportunity to present to a major allocator is precious and rare. Treat it with the respect and preparation it deserves.

The ONE SHOT ONLY Mindset is about recognizing the high stakes of each allocator interaction. It demands that you bring your A-game every time.

🔹 Remember: You might not get a second chance this year—or ever. Make your one shot count.

By adopting this mindset, you not only increase your chances of success but also position yourself as a manager who understands and respects allocators and their decision-making process.

Want More Tactics Like This?

If you’re ready to dive deeper into strategies like this, check out the Opalesque Digital Master Class - Asset Raising here and take advantage of all 50 Guerrilla Tactics—and much more.

Let’s make 2025 your best year yet for asset raising! 🚀

If you need help or more information, contact me here and we’ll schedule a call.

Matthias Knab
Fundmanager.Tools Founder
CEO, Opalesque

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P.P.S. Missed it? Here are all our previously published Ideas to Transform Your Asset Raising in 2025