There are all kinds of people out there looking for successful entrepreneurial ventures to invest in. These include angel investors, venture capitalists etc. The question is does your idea have the necessary leverage to sway their money into your accounts? Do you have powerful, convincing story that makes them see things your way? And do you project yourself as the honest, reliable person who will do justice with their money?
If the answer is yes, then don’t wait around in the shadows for an investor to pass you by, instead create the opportunities for you and your business to meet and impress them.
Here are a few tips to learn how to connect with an investor for the benefit of your entrepreneurial venture:
- They have a lot of resources but one that they never have enough of, is time! So instead of wasting what little they do have, get to the point. Say hi and then present your case. The longer you spend beating about the bush, the less relevant you will seem. In short, you want their money, ask for it!
- Don’t take the rejection to your heart. When they tell you that your idea sucks, listen to the underlying complains and issues they have with it. Listen to their feedback and take down notes. Fix up whatever issues they may have with your business and go back to them to let them know how serious you are about being an entrepreneur.
- Make friends with people who know these investors. There is a world of difference between you introducing yourself to an investor and you being introduced to them by one of their friends. The trust level goes up exponentially.
- Don’t be afraid of the big, rich investor! He is every bit as human as you. So even if all you want to do say hi. By all means, go ahead and do it. Networking has to become a way of life for you if you really want to succeed at finding someone willing to invest in your ideas.
- Don’t be a flatterer, everyone can smell them from a mile away and no one is willing to trust them with their money. So even if you are just saying hi, get to the point and if you want something from them, ask for it.
- Study your potential investor thoroughly. Do everything but stalk them. And you can even do that online. Look for them on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and Linked In before blindly jumping them. Read up on them and if they have written any books and blogs, devour those for information about your favorite investor!
- Develop an honest, friendly decent personality, the kind irresistible to investors and you will be well on your way to finding one for our project.
- Do not have any hidden agendas. This means, become the sort of person who does what he says and says what he does, all the time, every time. If you don’t want to help other people, you will find others unwilling to help you as well. So learn to facilitate others in their life’s quest and pay it forward when someone helps you out.
