Here's how you can connect and cultivate relationships with potential investors in the small business world.

I have used this technique, it works like magic. I come from a village with zero network. And from there to building 300k+ online followers, I learned this wonderful technique. Before I attend any offline networking event, I do online research about the people I want to build relationships with. I try to know their background, their personal stories and something I can relate with. When I introduce myself, I bring up these personal contextual points. And people are taken by surprise. They never expect this in such a transaction event. And this gives me an instant edge over everyone else they are meeting. Then I carry forward the same level of engagement. Now I am a friend who cares about them as people. Not someone trying to extract.

Attention, small fry with big dreams! Investor love ain't a one-night stand. Cultivate connections for the long game: Know Your Value: Beyond the bucks, what unique magic do you bring? Be their unicorn, not just another zebra. Network Like a Ninja: Hit the conferences, join industry groups. Mingle, don't just pitch (yet!). Genuine Connection: Build real relationships. Ask about their passions, not just their wallets. Investors back people, not just products. Remember, investors are people too (usually)! Now, go forth and forge connections that shimmer brighter than a dragon's hoard of gold. (Although, hopefully, the exchange involves less fire and more handshakes.)

My best suggestion for initial outreach starts with a very simple, 1 or 2-sentence email designed to pique interest and create dialogue. In the instance of garnering the interest of prospective investors, I would start the conversation with, "Have you heard what (company) just launched that is turning the market completely upside down?" Are you available for a quick call this afternoon or would tomorrow be better?" Marketing in today's world should mimic an "X" post by garnering interest with eye-candy, and then encouraging the audience to engage with a simple, low-risk ask.

Connecting and cultivating relationships with potential investors in the small business world involves a multi-faceted approach. Attending industry conferences, seminars, and networking events is a great way to make initial contacts, while maintaining an active online presence on platforms like LinkedIn helps in building relationships through participation in relevant groups and discussions. Having a concise and compelling elevator pitch ready is crucial to clearly articulate your business's value proposition and growth potential. Leveraging your existing network for warm introductions can significantly enhance your credibility with investors.

It's not who you know. It's who knows you. After a first meeting, I'll take their business card and scan it into my database. If they seem to be a hot prospect, I'll keep the card on my desk. I often email them the next day to thank them for their time and remind them what I do. If they mentioned a challenged they're facing and I feel up to helping them out, I reinforce my skills to them. Or suggest someone who can help. I like to leave off saying that if I don't hear back from them, to have a great week/weekend and I'll check back in next week or two. I then put it on my calendar to at least drop them another email or give them a call. This will remind them who your are. Remember, it's not who you know. It's who knows you.

While building my personal brand from zero to 300k followers (254k on LinkedIn), I realised that lack of online presence is the single biggest roadblock they face in their growth. Here is a simple step-by-step guide you can use: 1. Find out people who matter to you - your potential investors. You can search them on Linkedin by their companies, designation, locations etc. 2. Go to their profiles and comment on their posts. They receive a notification and they will visit your profile. You are now part of their memory. 3. Send DMs related to their posts. People respond better to DMs rather than open comments. See, I did not ask you to create content. This is easy. Personal. And super effective. Do it 3-4 times a week and see the magic.

Do you use a free service like Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, or even the free account from their internet service provider for your business email account? If you are a professional business, look like one. What you you think of [email protected] or [email protected]? Sounds amateurish, doesn't it? Why are you doing it? Already have a website with your own domain? You already have what you need to get a business-based email address. It may be just a few bucks more a month, but check with your web host. Email may be included in your website hosting. Having an email address that looks professional can put you a head above your competition when being compared to other businesses. You're a pro. Look and act like it.

I grew my personal brand on LinkedIn to 254k followers in less than 2 years. This has led to 2 profitable businesses and multiple opportunities. Here is how you can do this as well: 1. Define your niche - who you want to be known to and as what? This answers everything else and is the most critical part. 2. Your online profile is your sales pitch. Talk to your potential target audience. Tell them what you do for them and how you can change their life. Don't be boring. 3. Now comment on other people's posts (only to the ones you want to impress and get attention of). 4. Instead of creating content, just document your journey. Its authentic and easy to execute. 5. Use DM to engage with people and build relationships.

I see too many companies who don't understand branding and sometimes get it confused with advertising. Branding is your image. Too often I see inconsistent fonts, different logos, and mismatched messages that do nothing but confuse potential clients. Work with someone who can build a set of guidelines for you and your branding. Nail down your logo, but include size, colors, a black & white version, and one for appearing on a black background. Establish what fonts and taglines and how & when they can be used. This is the foundation for your branding. All of this is then used across any and all advertising and promotions to deliver a consistent image and message of your business.

In my experience, thorough research is crucial before approaching potential investors. I always start by studying their investment history, areas of interest, and what they seek in a small business. This allows me to tailor my pitch to align with their goals and show how my business can add value to their portfolio. Understanding an investor's background helps me speak their language and address their concerns effectively during pitch meetings. This preparation not only demonstrates professionalism but also increases the chances of building a strong, lasting relationship.

From my experience, forming strategic partnerships with other businesses or industry influencers can significantly boost your credibility with potential investors. These alliances provide valuable resources, expand your market reach, and enhance your business's overall appeal. When investors see that reputable entities are willing to partner with you, it signals that your business is a worthwhile investment. Building these relationships takes effort, but the payoff in increased investor interest and trust is well worth it.

I recently discussed these topics with a good friend of mine who has been in the venture world since 2019. She emphasized the importance of planning for the long game. Instead of trying to sell or pitch your product right away, start the conversation as a normal human being. There's no need for a super transactional relationship. Remember, you’re not just a founder; you’re also a human being. Don’t forget that.

From my experience, clearly articulating your business's value proposition is crucial when connecting with potential investors. Investors need to understand what sets you apart from the competition and how you plan to generate returns on their investment. Focus on presenting a solid business plan that outlines market opportunities, competitive advantages, and financial projections. Your ability to communicate a compelling value proposition can make all the difference in securing an investment. Clear, concise, and confident communication is key.