How to Impress In An Investor Meeting
Trying to land investors for your new entrepreneurial endeavor is very much like heading on a first date. You want to seem confident and approachable without appearing either too forthcoming or too desperate. Each potential investor is different, and the approach you take should be tailored to each one. There are, however, some universal rules that will guide you in creating the perfect investor pitch and help you land the investment of your dreams!
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Dress the part
In today’s competitive world, you only have one chance to make a good impression, so it’s important to dress confidently and professionally. Find a good retailer like Shein or Old Navy that sells smart, business, and formal wear at modest prices. This way, you’ll be able to invest in several outfits appropriate for every business setting. Using this Shein coupon code, you can find some great business wear essentials without having to make a huge initial investment.
When preparing to dress for an investor meeting, it’s important to think about the nature of the industry you’re seeking investment from. Many industries like tech or fashion allow for more relaxed and fashion-friendly casual business wear. For these environments, ditch the two-piece suit and choose something smart that allows a bit of your own personal style to shine through.
Choose a pair of trousers in a neutral color so that you can play with the rest of your outfit. For a top, keep it simple – a chiffon top, turtleneck sweater, or patterned blouse are a few great choices. Lastly, choose a few minimalist jewelry pieces that show some personal style without being too bold or distracting.
If the environment is more formal, remember that a blazer can instantly smarten up any outfit. Choose a dark blazer in a neutral fabric. You can pair that blazer with a pair of dress trousers for a formal look. If your industry is more creative, you can even get away with pairing a blazer with a pair of dark denim jeans. Just make sure they’re not ripped or too form-fitting.
Know your numbers
While some investors may share in your enthusiasm for changing the world or saving the planet, many of them are there for the sole purpose of seeking a profit through their investment. This is why it’s critical to know all your numbers. Presenting promising margins is a great way to entice potential investors. According to the research, what you say isn’t as important as how you say it, so be confident and bold when presenting your numbers.
It’s important never to lie or make claims you can’t follow through with. Presenting your company and its numbers in a favorable, optimistic light is one thing, but completely fudging the numbers or lying about business relationships or milestones is another. Once you lose credibility with an investor, it’s almost impossible to win it back. Be prepared to talk about your company’s margins in a promising and inspiring tone without too much embellishment.
Prepare for tough questions
There’s nothing worse than presenting in front of a group of people and being left flustered by a question that you don’t know the answer to. Doing a trial run of the presentation before the actual meeting is essential! When practicing your performance, it’s important to think about what potential questions your investors will be asking you so that you don’t find yourself unprepared in the moment—practice executing your pitch and responding to questions in a confident yet friendly manner. A good trick is to record yourself giving your pitch from start to finish. This allows you to pick up on any unwanted mannerisms or annoying gestures you may be committing without even realizing it.
When trying to come up with potential questions, ask yourself what problems your project or brand could face in the future and how you’re prepared to address them. If you can find a flaw within your project, so can a potential investor. Showing that you have critically thought about your company’s potential weaknesses, and are ready with a plan to confront them, will inspire confidence within your investors. Remember, not all weaknesses are terrible, and if you have a clear understanding of the obstacles you may face, investors may be more willing to take a risk with your business.
Investor Meeting: Follow up
Many investors don’t invest after only one meeting. After the first meeting, follow up with any investor requests or questions that emerged during the initial meeting. If you don’t hear from a potential investor, don’t be afraid to follow up within a few days with a phone call or email. Be a polite pest but don’t harass or contact your investor every day. You don’t want to dissuade them from working with you.
Meeting with potential investors is always a little overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel anxious. But hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be able to go into that meeting confident and ready to show everyone that you and your entrepreneurial venture are the way forward! Good luck!
