As a financial manager, you may have to deal with different types of investors, each with their own preferences, goals, and expectations. How can you adapt to their styles and communicate effectively with them? Here are some tips to help you understand and adjust to different investor personalities.
Before you pitch your idea, proposal, or report to an investor, do some research on their background, interests, and track record. What kind of projects have they invested in before? What are their criteria for evaluating opportunities? What are their pain points and concerns? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message, highlight the benefits, and address the risks in a way that resonates with them.
Different investors may have different preferences for how you present your information, arguments, and recommendations. Some may prefer a concise and factual style, while others may appreciate a more detailed and emotional style. Some may want to see hard numbers and data, while others may want to hear stories and testimonials. Some may focus on the big picture and the vision, while others may zoom in on the specifics and the execution. Use the right language for each investor style and avoid jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate them.
Communication is a two-way street, so don't just talk at your investors, but listen and engage with them. Pay attention to their body language, tone, and feedback, and adjust your approach accordingly. Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective, needs, and objections, and show that you value their input. Respond to their questions and comments with clarity, honesty, and respect, and avoid being defensive or aggressive. Demonstrate your enthusiasm, confidence, and competence, but also your humility, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
After you communicate with your investors, don't leave them hanging or forget about them. Follow up with them promptly and thank them for their time and attention. Provide any additional information or clarification they requested, and reiterate your key points and next steps. Keep them updated on your progress and achievements, and report any challenges or changes that may affect your plan or performance. Follow through on your promises and commitments, and show them that you are reliable, trustworthy, and accountable.
Ultimately, your goal is to build rapport and trust with your investors, so that they see you as a partner, not just a vendor. Rapport and trust are built over time, through consistent and positive interactions. Show your investors that you care about them as individuals, not just as sources of funding. Learn about their personal and professional interests, goals, and values, and find common ground with them. Express your appreciation and gratitude for their support and guidance. Celebrate your successes and milestones together, and acknowledge your mistakes and failures. Be transparent, authentic, and respectful, and treat your investors as you would like to be treated.
Depends on how you can influence the investor: 1-If you can give surplus, give more surplus more pleasantly when the Investor has made something good, like philanthropy for instance. 2-If you are going to give bad news: choose the entourage well and feed dairy products to the investor first. 3-It depends much in your power and your tools. 4-bring into perspective that (if the investor is domiciled in S?o Paulo) no matter the loss. If the Megalopolis S?o Paulo—Rio de Janeiro hás 20.000.000 people. If you lost 20.000.000R$ and each person gives you 1,00R$ you end up break even. So it is never the end of the world if you lost no matter how much you lost. It only depends on how you are going to monetize to earn more.