Getting the money to start or expand your small business can seem daunting. As an experienced business coach who has worked with over 400 entrepreneurs, I’ve seen both the right and wrong approaches when it comes to securing those crucial funds. Here’s my advice on avoiding common funding pitfalls and setting your business up for sustainable success.
Know Your Options (And Their Risks)
Turning to friends and family may seem like an easy out, but it often strains relationships when money is on the line. Professional investors have requirements you need to meet before they commit funds. Understand each funding source so you can pursue the ones that fit. Do an analysis of both financial and relational costs for each avenue. Map out terms, exit strategies, and contingency plans. Have frank money conversations early so everyone is aligned on expectations. Outcomes over assumptions prevent future conflict.
Craft a Solid Business Plan
A strong business plan shows you’ve done your homework on the market opportunity, customers, financial projections, and more. Generic templates scream amateur hour. Thoughtfully map out your unique business strategy to demonstrate your commitment, vision, and readiness to potential backers. Articulate your differentiators clearly. Investors need to see market viability and growth potential. Compare financial projections to industry benchmarks. Model out various adoption rate scenarios. Demonstrate how you’ll get the word out to customers.
Prove Your Concept with Revenue
Investors want to see that customers exist and you can deliver something of value before they provide capital. Generate early revenue to indicate market viability, even if initial sales volumes are modest. This evidence goes a long way. Don’t wait until you have a perfect product. Release a minimum viable product to start getting traction. Offer discounts or free trials to incentivize sign-ups. Capture testimonials from early adopters. Leverage their feedback to improve.
Lead from the Front with Skin in the Game
Ask yourself what an outsider would think if you aren’t willing to put your own money on the line. Investors want to see you have enough courage in your idea that you’ll personally sacrifice to make it work. That passion is contagious. Share your journey transparently to build trust and belief before asking others to chip in. Detail past bootstrapping efforts in your pitch. Account for exactly how you have directed funds and resources to date.
Growing a business requires grit, vision, and intelligent planning. Avoid the pitfalls I’ve seen trip up too many entrepreneurs by understanding investor expectations and building operational momentum before you seek outside funding. When you lead from the front and demonstrate commitment, you inspire others to invest in your success, too. Need guidance on strategic business planning or growth funding? Reach out to me, Danny Creed, to discuss your goals. I’m here to help.
