Entrepreneurs making a successful pitch to venture capitalists may be one of the most critical steps for a new company that is seeking funding.

A failed pitch can breed frustration and, if enough of these occur, can lead to the end of a business before it even had a chance to start.

Canaan Partners, a venture capitalist organization, released a pamphlet of advice for entrepreneurs to avoid making a bad pitch, the Wall Street Journal reports. The idea was born from one presentation when a member of the entrepreneurial team fell asleep during the pitch.

As don'ts go, not falling asleep during the meeting should be fairly obvious. Other things to consider are ensuring the presentation is clear and concise. Canaan says executives should be able to explain a company in 30 seconds, according to the article.

If an executive brings the company's team to the presentation, they should be allowed to speak, says Canaan. Not introducing one's team may produce an image of arrogance.

Finally, Canaan urged entrepreneurs to understand the industry they will potentially be entering and to know all the statistics and figures involved in the business.