There are a lot of things someone new to the world of startups should know. Indeed, if you’re new to the world of entrepreneurship, you’re in a much riskier boat than most. Maybe you’ve just come up with a product or business idea, and you need to know where to go next. Well, the number […]
Investors
5 Startup Stages and the Right Investors For Each
Time is too precious to waste trying to close a deal with the wrong investors at the wrong time. Luckily, not all investors are looking for the same thing, so it pays to know what type of investors are most interested in what your startup brings to the table. The key is understanding how potential […]
4 Ways to Finance Your Small Business
Opening your own business is a thrilling venture. It can represent financial freedom to many, but worry about those finances remains part of the job for small businesses. Financing your business is an important part of starting a company that can make or break your business within the first year of operation. Here’s what you […]
10 Strategies That Will Fail At Attracting Investors
Many new entrepreneurs are so excited by their latest idea that they can’t resist contacting every investor they know, assuming the investor will be equally excited and want to contribute immediately. Others will work hard on a business plan, and then mail it indiscriminately to every potential investor they can find on the Internet. Both […]
5 Simple & Smart Ways to Finance Your Business Even During Hard Times
Starting a business is exciting, even during uncertain times. But no matter what industry you’re planning to enter into, you’ll need money to make it happen. There are dozens of ways to finance a new business, but some of them are better than others. Here are five proven and easy ways to get your business […]
7 Proven Techniques to Streamline Your Sales
Sales. For many new entrepreneurs, putting on a salesperson’s hat is anything but enjoyable—but it’s a necessary evil. During the first years of your business—if not the whole life cycle of the business—you are your company’s best spokesperson. Even if you eventually hire a sales guru or a sales team, you must still represent your […]
8 Indications of an Entrepreneur Sought by Investors
An entrepreneur is literally “one who creates a new business.” The best new businesses are ones that have never been done before, so mastering creativity and recognizing creativity are key skills and mindsets. But how does one recognize and nurture creativity in a person or team? In researching this question, I reviewed a classic book […]
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Restaurant Financing
Running a restaurant can be hectic—and when it comes to maintaining positive cash flow, you might be feeling the heat. Business funding may be the answer to keeping things running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explain: How you can put financing to use for your restaurant. Factors to consider when weighing your restaurant loan choices. […]
Here’s How NOT to Define Your Competition
We investors see this all the time. An entrepreneur pitches using a deck with no slide for competition. When asked (as we always do) the response is, “This is new. We have no competition.” Niet! No! Unh unh. Professional investors laugh when they hear an entrepreneur come out with that one. That statement has killed more […]
What’s the Minimum Information to Give Your Investors?
Every investor wants regular information from companies taking their money. And most of us investors are frustrated by the lack of regular communication—unless, of course, the company needs more money. On the other side, entrepreneurs and CEO’s usually have a natural fear of giving too much information to us investors after the initial investment is […]
