ARTICLE):
Your Credibility as an Authority Can Attract
Investors When
You Need to Raise Capital
by
Andrea Reynolds, Copyright 2000 - 2024
Here's my story. . .On
an email discussion list for publishers someone asked the
question, "How do I secure venture capital for a book
publishing project?" Another publisher replied, "Venture
capitalists don't usually consider a project unless the
financial need is greater than $100,000 or even $500,000."
Well, I decided it was time to share my experience with
investors who backed my book publishing project with the
$25,000 I needed.
In 1986 I wanted to publish my book
The Halo Factor: How to Get Attention and
Recognition,
but like many authors, I was discouraged by many rejections
from traditional publishers. My friend, a lawyer, said
simply,
"Just find investors. How much money do you need?"
"Twenty-five thousand."
"Easy," he replied, "Sell 25 shares at $1,000 each."
"OK!"
I set about to write the
Investor's Background
Information
and the
Offering Memorandum.
What really helped me write a successful proposal was
that I'd paid my dues over the years by having
established myself as an authority. Here's how:
1.
By publishing a directory,
a few years before, which listed my competitors across the
country, the business press and media began to quote me as
the spokesperson of my profession.
2.
Having generated national and international press
coverage,
I had clippings from
Time Magazine,
Success,
USA Today,
etc., to add to my portfolio.
3. As a result of the press coverage,
I was invited to speak
at various conferences and meetings and was hired to teach
at an "open university" the course that allowed me to test
the book's material.
4. The data collected from
my students provided specific facts that became my market
research,
which proved there was a need for the proposed book, and
gave me a clear picture of who would buy it.
5. The speaking engagements I was generating were added
to
my promotional plan.
My investors would later love it because having audiences
meant having back-of-the-room book sales.
6. Best of all,
the press release I wrote
for the book project was picked up by the largest talk
radio station in the country. I talked about The Halo
Factor; about how many of us feel invisible and wish we
could have a formula for getting more respect, attention
and recognition. And my book offered the formula.
The interview was lively and animated because I was
passionate about the book's content. At the end of the 15
minute interview, the host offhandedly asked, "So, you're
looking for investors?" Startled, I said simply, "Yes!" and
she gave out my phone number on the air.
By the time I got back to my office, my answering machine
was filled with messages. Ten of those people bought all 25
units, and friends and family bought five more. With my
lawyer's help I put together the Limited Partnership.
I'm not saying it's always this easy, but being recognized
as an expert made the difference to investors. Having
credibility opened to the door to market research,
testimonials from students, promotional opportunities
provided by paid speaking, and poise and confidence from
addressing groups which I could summon when making a
presentation to each investor.
No matter how small, or large, your financial requirement,
your investors will have more confidence in your ability to
make your venture a success if you have established your
credibility as the leading authority in your field or
industry prior to making your proposal.
Read more about the
three investor documents
Andrea developed which actually raised $30,000. Obtain them
to use as templates to raise capital for your own venture.
Or obtain your copy of Andrea's report:
25 Creative Ways to Raise
Capital
for your venture ...without bank loans, credit cards, or
selling a kidney.
Meeting
Planners:
Andrea Reynolds is a former marketing strategist for
consultants and specialists and is available to conduct
an
ATTRACT YOUR OWN "ANGEL INVESTORS"
seminar
to your members! (656) 227-1130.
Current
Titles | Future
Titles
Sponsorship | What
I Offer
Previous
Effort | Qualifications
Progress
Blog | Contact
Me
Patrons | Sponsors
Andrea's
Story
