Hey, everyone! Today, I’m excited to share some tips on how to win over investors when raising capital. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
P.S. Click here to watch my full YouTube video on this topic!
The Do Nots
So, you’ve just bought a general admission ticket and a plane ticket to a huge networking conference. Woohoo! But then, the introverted side of you takes over, and suddenly you find yourself doing anything but meeting new people. What a waste, right?
Trust me, this happens to a lot of people. Here’s the thing: everyone at the event is there because they want to meet other people. So go and talk to them! They’re probably just as nervous as you are.
Another important tip: Don’t be a taker. You need to consciously think about how you can add value to others' lives and businesses. An egocentric capital raiser will always lose.
Now, let’s shift gears to the good stuff!
The Dos
Here are the 3 stages of Raising Capital (today, we’ll focus on “Connect”):
- Get in the room
- Connect with others
- Close
So, let’s say you’re already in the room. When you meet someone, take a mental note of what they do or what they’re interested in. Then, start connecting people as the night goes on.
For example, if I learn that Sarah is involved in a manufactured housing fund, and I remember that John is in the same field, I might say (or yell) to John, “Hey John, you’ve got to come meet Sarah. She’s super great at ___ and is looking for ___.”
By doing this, Sarah and John benefit from the easy introduction (where I hyped them both up), and I can move on to find more people to connect! No more awkward situations where you feel like you can’t leave someone’s side. Plus, you’ve just built rapport with two individuals at the same time!
After just 30 minutes of this, you’ve built solid relationships with almost everyone and are seen as a connector. This act alone breaks down personal walls and opens up business opportunities with everyone.
The Business Partner Trick
Here’s another tactical tip, though it only works if you have a business partner with you (which is probably most of the time). After briefly meeting someone new, you can call over your business partner, “Dan, come over and meet Jennifer!” You make generous introductions, then slip away to find someone else.
Repeat the process: call Dan over to meet your new friend, get them acquainted, and slip away again. This way, you avoid the awkwardness of leaving and joining conversations, and soon enough, you and your business partner have met everyone!
Trust me, this process feels more natural than planned when you’re in the moment.
The Name Game
This last tip is a little more common, but it’s still invaluable. When you meet someone new, don’t just take a mental note of their name—say their name back to them.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ted.” “Ted, tell me about X.” “Thanks, Ted!”
Of course, don’t overuse it, but be genuine. As Dale Carnegie said, “A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” This will help you remember their name!
Want to take it a step further? Take a selfie with them and send it to their phone! That way, you’ll both remember the interaction.
Conclusion
So, did you learn how to win investors when raising capital? Don’t be shy or a taker—tactfully work the room with or without a business partner, and remember names!
P.S. Click here to watch my full YouTube video on this topic!
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DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to be taken as tax, financial, or legal advice. You should always consult a legal professional before taking action. Furthermore, this is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. The content is solely just the opinion of the authors.