5 Practical LinkedIn?Tips for Entrepreneurs to Secure Funding

Welcome to all of this week's new subscribers to The Link Tank?? newsletter; my newsletter always focuses on the practical: Real, implementable strategies to increase your LinkedIn ROI,?sometimes focusing on the what but?always?focusing on the how.

1. Craft a Magnetic Profile That Screams "Invest in Me!" (without screaming Invest in Me!)

Your LinkedIn profile is the first point of contact potential investors will have with you.

Here’s how to make it irresistible and rank higher in search engines than your competitors:

• Headline Optimisation:

Your headline should immediately convey your role and value. For instance, instead of "Founder at XYZ Startup," use "Founder & CEO | Revolutionising the [Industry] | Seeking Strategic Investment."

Step-by-Step: Navigate to your profile and click the pencil icon next to your current headline. Craft a headline that combines your role, industry impact, and investment goals.

• About Section (Tell Your Story):

The "About" section should be a mini-story of your journey, challenges, and vision.

Step-by-Step: Start with a strong opening line that captures attention. Use a storytelling format to discuss your entrepreneurial journey. Highlight the problems you solve and your vision for the future. Close with a clear call to action for investors (e.g., "Let's connect if you're interested in disrupting the [industry] together.").

• Showcase Achievements:

Highlight your successes to build credibility.

Step-by-Step: Navigate to the "Experience" section. For each role, list specific achievements (e.g., "Led a team to achieve $1M in revenue within the first year"). Use metrics where possible to show impact (e.g., "% growth, $ raised, # of customers").

• Profile Picture and Banner:

Ensure your profile picture is professional and approachable.

Step-by-Step: Upload a high-quality, professional photo. Use the banner space to reinforce your brand (e.g., with your startup’s logo or a slogan).

2. Engage, Engage, Engage!

Wait. Step back. Before you can engage, you need to find them!

Access Advanced Search

1. Log into LinkedIn: Start by logging into your LinkedIn account.
2. Navigate to the Search Bar: Click on the search bar at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
3. Select "People": From the dropdown menu, select "People" to focus your search on potential investor profiles.

Apply Filters

Once you are in the search section, use the following filters to narrow down your search:

1. Keywords: Enter relevant keywords like "angel investor," "venture capitalist," or "private equity" to target profiles that mention these terms. Keywords help LinkedIn understand what you're looking for and refine the results accordingly.
2. Location: Use the location filter to find investors in specific regions. This is particularly useful if you are looking for investors who are familiar with your local market or if you prefer face-to-face meetings.
3. Industry: Filter by industry to target investors who have shown interest in your sector. This increases the likelihood of finding investors who understand your business model and market.
4. Connection Degree: Choose between 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-degree connections. Focusing on 2nd-degree connections can be beneficial, as you may have mutual contacts who can introduce you to potential investors.
5. Company Size and Seniority Level: These filters can help you find investors who are part of firms that typically invest in businesses of your size or at your stage of development.

Use Boolean Search

Incorporate Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT to refine your search further. For example, searching for "Investor AND Fintech NOT Junior" will yield profiles that include "Investor" and "Fintech" but exclude "Junior"

If you would like a laser-targeted search of your ideal client or investor built for you andan outreach campaign designed and implemented, schedule a call here:

LinkedIn Strategy Consultation

Now, building visibility and relationships on LinkedIn requires active engagement. Here's how to do it effectively:

• Thoughtful Commenting: Commenting on posts can build connections and showcase your expertise.

Step-by-Step: Identify key influencers and groups in your industry. Set aside time daily to engage with their posts by adding thoughtful comments, asking questions, or sharing insights.

• Share Valuable Regularly sharing content positions you as an industry leader.

Step-by-Step: Create or curate content that is valuable to your audience (e.g., industry trends, case studies, how-tos). Share it with a personalized message that invites engagement.

• Join and Participate in Groups: Being active in groups related to entrepreneurship and investing can open new doors.

Step-by-Step: Search for and join relevant groups (e.g., startups, venture capital discussions). Regularly contribute to discussions, offer help, and connect with active members.

These are some groups which you may find useful:

Entrepreneurs Meet Investors

London Family Office Club Group - UK & England Private Investors

Global Internet Entrepreneurs & Investors

Israeli Startups & Investors Meet

Private Equity & Venture Capital Investors 438,000+ Members | ?? In-Person Investor Networking

Business Buyers: Investors, Funds, Private Equity, Venture Capital - In-Person Events

Global Accredited Investor Club: HNW, CEO, CFO, Angel, Family Office, venture and Passive Investors

3. Leverage LinkedIn's Publishing Platform

Publishing on LinkedIn can establish you as a thought leader and attract investors. Here’s how to maximize this platform:

• Share Industry Insights: Investors are interested in industry knowledge and insights.

Step-by-Step: Identify trending topics in your industry. Write an article that provides analysis or unique perspectives. Publish it on LinkedIn and share it widely within your network.

• Document Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Transparency can build trust and engagement.

Step-by-Step: Write about real experiences, challenges, and lessons learned as an entrepreneur. Highlight both successes and failures to present a balanced and authentic story.

• Offer Actionable Advice: You can offer value to other entrepreneurs to grow your influence.

Step-by-Step: Share tips, tools, or strategies that have worked for you. Ensure your content is practical and easy to apply.

4. Master the Art of LinkedIn InMail

InMail allows you to connect with potential investors directly, so making it count is crucial:

• Research Thoroughly: Understanding the investor's background is key to a successful pitch.

Step-by-Step: Study the investor's LinkedIn profile, recent activities, and past investments. Note any mutual connections or shared interests.

• Personalise Your Message:A generic message will likely be ignored.

Step-by-Step: Begin with a personalized greeting. Reference something specific about the investor’s interests or recent investments. Clearly state your purpose and value proposition.

• Be Concise Yet Compelling: Investors appreciate brevity.

Step-by-Step: Keep your message to a few short paragraphs. Focus on the problem your startup solves and why it’s an excellent investment opportunity. End with a call to action (e.g., a request for a meeting or call).

• Follow Up Smartly: Following up shows persistence without being pushy.

Step-by-Step: Wait a week before following up. In your follow-up, reference your previous message and add any new updates or insights. Express understanding if they're busy but reiterate your interest.

Examples of Effectively Converting Inmail Templates

Template 1: Highlighting Traction and Vision

Subject:[Investor's Name], Let's Discuss [Your Startup Name]'s Growth Potential

InMail Message:

Hi [Investor's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m [Your Name], the founder of [Your Startup Name], a [brief description of your company and industry]. We've recently achieved [specific milestone or traction], and we're excited about the growth opportunities ahead. Given your expertise in [relevant field or industry], I believe there could worthwhile conversation to be had. I'd love to share our vision and discuss how we can create value together. Would you be open to a brief call next week?

Best regards,[Your Name]

Template 2: Solving a Specific Problem

Subject:[Investor's Name], Solving [Specific Problem] in [Industry]

InMail Message: Dear [Investor's Name],

I'm [Your Name], and I’m working on [Your Startup Name], which focuses on [briefly describe the problem your startup solves]. We've developed a solution that [describe the solution and its impact].I noticed your interest in [related field or investment], and I think our approach aligns with your investment strategy.

Please could we schedule a short call to explore potential collaboration?

If not, I appreciate your time in considering,

Warmest regards,[Your Name]

Template 3: Personal Connection and Mutual Interest

Subject:[Investor's Name], Inspired by Your Work in [Industry]

InMail Message: Hi [Investor's Name]

,I’m [Your Name], and I’ve been following your work in [specific industry or field]. Your investment in [mention a specific company or project] was particularly inspiring.

At [Your Startup Name], we are pioneering [briefly describe what your startup does], and I believe our mission aligns with your investment interests.

I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss how we can work together to drive innovation in this space. Would you be open to having a quick chat this week?

Thank you for considering.

Best regards, [Your Name]

5. Use LinkedIn Events and Live

LinkedIn’s event features are powerful tools for direct engagement with investors. Here’s how to use them:

• Host Virtual Pitch Events: Directly presenting to potential investors can be very impactful.

Step-by-Step: Plan a virtual pitch event where you present your business to a select group of investors. Promote the event through your network and invite investors. Use LinkedIn Live or LinkedIn Events to host the session.

• Participate in Investor Q&As:: Engaging in live Q&A sessions helps build rapport.

Step-by-Step: Attend live Q&A sessions hosted by investors in your field. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your knowledge and curiosity. Follow up with the hosts after the event to continue the conversation.

• Conduct Industry Webinars: Webinars can showcase your expertise to a broad audience.

Step-by-Step: Choose a topic that aligns with your expertise and the interests of your target investors. Promote the webinar to your LinkedIn network and relevant groups. During the webinar, focus on providing value and demonstrating your business’s potential.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong LinkedIn presence that attracts investors and secures funding. Remember, consistency and authenticity are key in building lasting relationships that lead to investment opportunities.

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