Trust Your Instincts

Dear Founders and Investors,

This week, I’m sharing seven important insights to help you navigate business relationships, stay focused on what matters, and build value through actions. Here’s what’s been on my mind:

1. The Best Way to Tell Someone What You Do is to Show Them What You've Done

When it comes to credibility, nothing speaks louder than a track record. Demonstrating your traction, success, and impact with specificity will always outperform vague claims. Whether you're pitching to investors, partners, or customers, let your results do the talking.

2. Fundraising is a Full-Time Job

Raising capital isn’t a side project. It requires focus, strategy, and commitment. If you can’t dedicate the time and resources required, consider outsourcing to a fundraising consultant. Having someone experienced guide the process can be the difference between a successful raise and wasted time. Your business still needs to run while you raise capital, so make sure you have the right support.

3. You Can’t Wait for the "Right Time" to Get Something Done

If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to act, you’ll be waiting forever. The key difference between passivity and progress is taking control of your timeline. Don’t wait for opportunities to line up—create them.

4. Everything That's Not a Priority is a Distraction

As entrepreneurs, there are countless directions we can be pulled in. But if it's not aligned with your goals, it’s a distraction. Stay disciplined, focus on what moves the needle, and cut out the noise. Success comes from clarity and direction.

5. When Doing Business with Friends or Family, The Closer the Relationship, the Stronger the Contract

Personal relationships can complicate business, and clarity is everything. The stronger the relationship, the more important it is to have a solid contract in place. This ensures expectations are aligned, and it keeps your personal relationships intact while protecting your business interests.

6. Don’t Invest Until You Understand Cultural Nuances

Before you make any investment, take the time to understand the local culture and business environment. As billionaire investor Michael Lee-Chin puts it, “I wouldn’t invest in a country where I’m not comfortable standing in a court of law.” Trust your instincts and do your research.

7. Showing Off or Being Helpful? Your Instincts Know the Difference (Especially for LinkedIn)

There’s a fine line between self-promotion and providing value. Especially on platforms like LinkedIn, it’s easy to cross the line from sharing value to self-promotion. Always ask yourself: am I showing off or providing genuine value? LinkedIn is a platform for sharing knowledge, offering insights, and building value—not for boasting. Trust your instincts and focus on helping others with what you share.

That’s all for this edition. I hope these insights help sharpen your focus and guide your decision-making in the weeks ahead. Remember, the best way to create lasting impact is through thoughtful actions, strategic moves, and authentic value.

Until next time, keep building value.

Best Regards,

Kevin Valley