I recently attended a "pitch" event where some outstanding startup companies were "pitching" their businesses to a panel of investors. The businesses had potential, but what I see frequently is tha t no matter how great an idea is, without being able to translate that into "what's in it for me" to an investor, the funding isn't always forthcoming.
Before even considering going to an investor, do your homework. Have you developed a strategic business plan that includes competitor analysis, market positioning and customer demographics? What about financial projections showing how much money can be made and how you are going to make it?
Prepare a great presentation that is in laymen terms regarding your product and why it so great. Back that with supportive business model that explains who your customers are, how you will reach them and how much money that equates to an investor. Remember, you get one shot to impress an investor to fund your business, treat it like your very business depends upon it.
As we prepare to offer more services to our trusted clients, we are adding additional office space near the Empire State Building. In a time when companies are down-sizing, it is comforting to know that we are expanding in order to better serve client needs.
We will be updating our services in February to include Litigation Readiness and Compliance consulting, along with a few others.
We look forward to building long and meaningful relationships as we strive to grow more companies.
I recently attended a great NYEBN event presenting Microsoft's BizSpark program for new technology startups. With over 15 years of hands on technology experience as a teacher, trainer, database analyst, project manager and manager in both government and legal environments, it reminded me of how much I truly love the field! I guess you can say that I am a "geek" at heart. I once sat on a software development team where we went through the complete design, documentation, testing and deploying of a new application for the Federal Aviation Administration. There were so many integrated players and pieces that had to fit together. It is truly amazing how technology advances are moving us ahead into a "Jetsons" life.
I gave my first 2010 presentation last night on Developing a Marketing Mindset. One topic we discussed was that of the Know-Like-Trust factor that is critical in building customer relationships. This always makes me think of how important it is to emphasis how a business is built over time, one hand shake at a time. How have you reached out today?
Marketing is at the heart of every company. No matter how good you or your products are, marketing and establishing your marketing presence is key. Design and implementation are critical. Make your number one New Years Resolution be Marketing.
Make marketing your priority
Designate certain days just for marketing. These include meetings, designing materials, writing articles, etc.
Buy a large laminated calendar and color code it with your marketing targets
I can quickly glance at my calendar and know what days I am with clients, attend certain networking events, etc.
