Want Investors to Fund your Idea or Business? [Practical Walkthrough]

It's definitely frustrating to go across multiple channels of financing only to find out that you are not approved or do not qualify.

If you're a business owner, I'm sure you've come across these frustrations, especially if you're seeking investment capital into your business or simply financing at an early stage.

A - What kind of feedback are you getting?

Many don't appreciate the rejections since they believe it is something negative and not worth pondering over. However - rejections open up doors to a variety of feedback that is worth considering.

In many examples, I've seen business owners get frustrated with rejections and continue their journey without taking any input from the experiences.

Feedback from investors and funding sources are invaluable. They provide clarity and direction - especially if you plan on continuing your journey on raising capital.

B - What are you starting with?

Often times, business owners come to the table with requests for raising millions of dollars. It's normal to expect an investor to ask you on how much you are planning to contribute.

Sure, there are times when you are cash poor, however, don't expect to walk off with millions of dollars without some level of contribution.

Do you bring forward...

• Assets?
• Intellectual property that is in high demand?
• Experience that is highly sought after?

Because at the end of the day, there has to be something that you can show and contribute - especially if asking for large sums of money.

C - Have you tested your plan or concept?

No one likes to gamble, especially investors.

Bottom line is - make sure that your concept is working or has worked. And - from that, demonstrate that you're able to enhance it and exponentially grow it. It's important to keep in mind that investors don't get too excited often, which is why you need to make sure that you have something that will work.

D - How does the team look?

Strength in numbers. The stronger your team - the higher the chances of successfully completing a funding round.

On average - it's ideal to have each of your team members have at least a minimum of 7 + years of experience in their respective fields prior to coming on board.

Mistakes such as hiring someone because they are "good" or "enthusiastic" may be a mistake. This goes without saying that such traits are looked favorably upon, however, they do not contribute significantly towards an investor's decision making process.

Have a solid team - who each have their own strengths to add value to your company.

E - The golden rules of Money

As Brian Tracy himself would say:

1. How Much In?
2. How Much Out?
3. How Sure?
4. How Fast?

Whatever you are asking for in terms of investment, it's important to clearly present the above referenced points in elaborate details so that investors get the picture. The more clarity that you're able to provide in terms of how the funds are to be invested, the higher the likelihood of you walking out with a check.

F - Get out there and Network!

At the end of it all - you need to be present - in front of investors sharing your business and idea. The more networking you do at the right places, the more reach you will have. And, depending on your goals and targets, networking strategically will help you open more doors that you thought possible.

In Summary

Raising capital is not that difficult if you are positioned right. It takes work but pays off tremendously when all the collective pieces come together.

If you need help or direction in reference to getting your deal across investors, please contact me. Please remember that you must have met all the above referenced criteria for me to look into it.