Finding Early Stage Investors: 10 Tiny Tips

Today we have a Guest Blog by Caitlin Smith.

If you’re looking to go it on your own, embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and start your own business you may need a little help in the funding department to get you off the ground. If you have solid ideas and a great business plan, this may not be a problem, but if you’ve never gone about looking for investors the process can seem a bit daunting, especially since times are tough all over. Here are some helpful tips to make finding funding a little less stressful.

1. Do some research. Ask around, look on the net, and see who some likely candidates to support your business are and who will be able to provide you with the requisite capital to get going.
2. Use the web. There are numerous sites out there that are dedicated to hooking up investors with entrepreneurs. Take advantage of them.
3. Attend forums and conferences. One way to find investors is to go where they are, including conferences for venture capital and investment. It might cost you a bit, but you’ll get the chance to pitch your business to a wide range of people.
4. Use your existing connections. You may already know people who can put you in touch with investors looking for a viable business venture. Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family and former coworkers.
5. Find those with similar interests. If your business is designed around creating new tools for doctors then why not look to wealthy practices or doctors as sources of funding? Many may be interested not only in your business but the potential benefit to their own work as well.
6. Inquire with business retirees. Just because someone has left the 9-5 grind doesn’t mean they’re ready to call it quits on business altogether. You may find former entrepreneurs and execs who will be excited by the prospect of investing in a new idea.
7. Find a partner. Unless you’re dead-set on going it alone, finding a partner can be a godsend for a fledgling business. You may bring one asset to the table while you partner can bring another. Together you may find you have enough to get things going.
8. Invest your own money. If you’ve got the cash to spare and the confidence in your success why not invest in your own company? Whether it pans out or fizzles you’ll only be accountable to yourself.
9. Get a great team. With an efficient and intelligent management team, your business will have a better chance of succeeding and attracting the kind of investment you’re looking fot.
10. Get competitive. Try submitting your business plan to websites to get feedback and compete for investor attention. It might be hard work, but it could pay off big time in the end.

Caitlin Smith who writes about top accredited online degrees. She welcomes your feedback at CaitlinSmith1117 at gmail.com