Attracting Money in 2011
by Adam J. Kovitz
A new year is upon us and with it, a new hope for continued success with our emerging enterprises. Depending upon who you read, the outlook is positive for job growth, and therefore, economic growth this year. For us entrepreneurs, we have to do our parts as well to spur on a sluggish economy - after all, at the heart of a healthy economy are fruitful enterprises who can provide jobs and increased profit. by Adam J. Kovitz
Of course, to make money, we have to have money. But unless we have lots of wealthy friends or family members who want to bank roll us or a sizable 401K we can "dip into", we have to find it wherever we can. And while banks may be starting to lend more and other corporate wallets are starting to loosen up, we have to properly prepare ourselves to look our best for potential investors.
So what are investors looking for?
Here's a hint: They are looking for the same things they always look for, aside from being in a hot market at the right time or just having a great idea:
1.) Demonstrated revenues: Nothing attracts money like money, and if you're showing a regular monthly revenue stream and can demonstrate what that stream would look like with a healthy infusion of capital, you have yourself a winning combination.
2.) Being frugal: Investors love a healthy looking company or website that looks like a million dollars, even if you paid next to nothing and are holding it together with duct tape. Minding your expenses shows others not only that you appreciate the value of money but that you're resourceful (innovative and/or influential) as well.
3.) Knowing your s&%t: Having demonstrated knowledge in a field (for example: starting an online company when the founders have direct experience in web development, architecture and design) puts investors at ease that you're not reinventing yourself because you couldn't find a job and are passing the experience off as an "entrepreneurial startup".
4.) Demonstrating a clear return on investment: Too many CEO wannabees confuse crowdfunding with investment. Yes...startups can get initial funding from friends, family and their immediate network by showing your company as a cause, but bigger investment sources don't care about anything but the bottom line. By showing investors their ROI (i.e., how much money do I get back, when do I get it back and how do you know?) you're on the road to entrepreneurial heaven.
5.) Having a winning team: Sometimes having a great idea is just not enough, and often being the idea person does not necessarily qualify one to run a company, let alone manage a team. Not good with finance, programming or marketing? Sure you can learn on the job, but why do that when you can find real professionals with real experience to provide the rocket fuel to take your company to the stars.
So, in 2011, make it your business to position your emerging enterprise for capital. Take the steps now to be an attractive force for investors - the world is counting on you.
All my best,
Adam
www.TNNWC.com
http://adamjkovitz.blogspot.com
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