How To Get Investors And Bankers To Part With Their Money For Your Business

Time and time again entrepreneurs are losing out on getting the capital they need because of making basic mistakes in their pitch. It's great to have a magic product and tons of enthusiasm, but it's not enough. Follow these five rules and see your success rate climb.

1. Look like someone who can make money.

At the start of the presentation walk in vigorously and shake hands. Look them in the eye. Look at all people on a panel. Dress formally - dark suit, white shirt/blouse, black clean good-quality shoes and smart accessories. For men a yellow/red tie with no patterns and women ? good quality jewellery ? not overdone. Forget the crap about being yourself. You may be a creative or software or artistic genius and work in your shorts and t-shirt. If you dress like this in the presentation you'll loose.

2. Show tons of energy and excitement.

It's not naive or stupid to show excitement ? you must. First of all investors are buying you and your belief that the venture will work. They're looking for passion ? that burning desire that will carry you through when times get tough. Do not memorise a set speech. Talk from the heart ? explain why you love what you're doing. Talk quickly and loudly (but not too quickly and loudly). Gesticulate and smile. Move about a bit. Take the time to set up your display, visual aids ? don't rush. If you're afraid of presenting get help.

3. Tell and show exactly what your product/service is.

Explain clearly what your product/service is or does in one sentence. More importantly, explain exactly in one sentence why people will buy it. What benefits does it give purchasers? Use samples ? give them something to see/touch. Do not use jargon, acronyms or technical terms. Keep slides and posters simple and limit to three. Give some numbers regarding market size and expected sales.

4. Listen, listen and listen and be polite

During question time show you are listening. Acknowledge good points/comments and show you can take criticism. You're asking people for money so be polite. Do not interrupt. Don't show them you think they're stupid. Avoid responses like "You are entitled to your view". Investors are looking to see if you can take advice.

5. Give confidence by explaining away problems.

Every new venture will have problems. Prepare by thinking of all the things that could go wrong or could hinder progress. Have answers/solutions. Pick the top three problems and raise these in your talk. Investors want to know you have your head screwed on and feet on the ground.

Dr Bill assists companies and small businesses hone their bid documents and presentations to dramatically increase the chances of success. bill@profitimprovers.com

---

How to Save Money and Take the Vacation You Always Wanted

Many people don't realize how much money they spend on... Read More

Financial Planning for Beginners

Financial planning at an early age may seem complicated, however... Read More

Budget Tips

To budget, to have a budget and to be on... Read More

Four Pillars of Creating Wealth

Some people in this world are thinking that their poor... Read More

Wealth Management, Wealth Protection, and Tax Planning

U.S. Supreme Justice Louis D. Brandeis"I live in Alexandria Virginia.... Read More

Let Me Inspire You - You Aint Seen Nothing Yet! (PART-1)

You know about compounding right? You understand what pyramiding your... Read More

High Flying Market Makes Good Buys Hard to Find

AS THE MARKET FLIES HIGHER, GOOD BUYS ARE BECOMING HARDER... Read More

Plan For Wealth

One very important wealth creating habit is to set up... Read More

Lesson 2 - The Commodity Of Kings!

What is "The Commodity of Kings""Power is simply "the ability... Read More

Q and A: Financial Independence Tips For Women From Coni Cecil

As a woman Netpreneur, I sat down via e-mail with... Read More

Real Estate Stories that Show You How!

Let's begin easing you out of the pits. I mean,... Read More

21 Secrets of Self Made Millionaires

Self-Made Millionaires are not smarter or better than you. They... Read More

The Predicament of the Newly Rich

They are the object of thinly disguised envy. They are... Read More

Want Money? You Got It!

Six out of six people who were asked to list... Read More

Personal Budget Programs

Do you have financial problems? Then a budget is the... Read More

Starting With Smaller Goals First And Work Your Way Up Until You Achieve Financial Freedom

While you need to have a lot of positive-thought and... Read More

Self Improvement and Financial Security for the Future

Any successful person, or any anyone interested in self improvement... Read More

How Much Do You Need To Earn Per Hour To Achieve Your Yearly Financial Goals

Have you ever asked yourself what your highest income producing... Read More

Building Wealth by Paying Yourself First

When I look around at all of my friends, and... Read More

10 Ways To Find The Money Hiding In Your Paycheck

No matter how tight things are financially for you; no... Read More

Endowments and Endowment Shortfalls - What You Need To Know

Endowments and endowment mortgages have received a lot of bad... Read More

Residual Income - The Myth

"Join our program and retire in 3 months..." yeah, right.We... Read More

Learn How to Bank Like a Banker

The business of banking has changed dramatically over the last... Read More

Tax Strategy - Theres More to Building Wealth than Clipping Coupons

We talked recently about the wealth formula:Spend less than you... Read More

The Wealthy Mindset

What is the difference between wealthy people and poor (even... Read More

Financial Freedom for Every Employee

You may think you have to be an entrepreneur to... Read More

Why Get Rich When You Can Be Wealthy?

"Any fool can rich, the wise get wealthy." Chris WidenerGetting... Read More

Compounding: The Science Of Exponential Money Generation

It all begins with a simple calculation.You are home on... Read More

Steps to Financial Freedom

Financial freedom is the power to do what you will... Read More

Is Accumulating a $1,000,000 Net Worth Easy? Yes and NO

Is accumulating wealth as easy as following a 3-step plan?... Read More

Rich or Poor - Get the Knowledge

Most people work hard all their lives only to "retire"... Read More

Wealth Secrets: Saving Your Way to a Fortune

SCENE 1: Pharaoh has just woken up from a very... Read More

Simple Strategies to Making Financial Gain

Now is a great time to make it a habit... Read More