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 […]
Investors
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 […]
Think Ahead When Raising Your Early Investments
Some businesses just can’t fit within the angel capital or friends and family model for raising funds. Sooner or later you may need to seek venture capital and accommodate the needs of the venture community in negotiating the terms of an investment. What VC’s can and cannot do First, VC’s in general cannot invest in ‘S’ […]
How Much of My Business Do I Have to Give to an Investor?
If you’re looking for growth capital, this one’s for you. We’ll cover what information you’ll expect to provide, your range of expected values and amounts of investment to expect. All to help you set your expectations. OK? Financial History and Projections Let’s start with the basics. If you are a growing business with a track […]
10 Good Reasons Not to Seek Investors for Your Startup
Before you buy into the myths about startup investors, first consider whether you actually want startup investors for your new business at all. No, I’m not bitter … I had VC money in Palo Alto Software for a few years and they were helpful, collaborative, and good people. I’m not a bitter victim. And I’ve […]
