| When you are starting a new business or product, | | | | reputable sites that connect with these kinds of |
| often the search for funding is a job in and of itself. | | | | investors and sending emails to them can be helpful, |
| Developing a business plan, conducting product testing | | | | never assume that this is enough. At the same time, |
| and development, implementing strategies, and finding | | | | don't continuously spam your potential investors with |
| and approaching investors requires a great deal of | | | | your requests, as that is one of the fastest ways to |
| time, effort, and research. In addition, it also requires a | | | | get your proposal thrown in the "do not call" pile. |
| great deal of networking. While it should never deter | | | | Instead, focus on developing an effective elevator |
| you from starting a business or seeking funding | | | | pitch, attend events where investors are likely to be |
| altogether, getting in the door with angel investors and | | | | present, and connect with local investors and |
| venture capitalists is often a matter of who you know. | | | | middlemen who are likely to be able to introduce you |
| This doesn't mean that only the elite get the | | | | to investors. |
| opportunity to meet with these kinds of investors | | | | Middlemen are often your best bet for getting the |
| about their business proposals, but that meeting and | | | | opportunity to meet potential investors in person, make |
| connecting with the right people can be an effective | | | | an impression, and share something about your idea or |
| strategy for getting an investor's attention. Many of | | | | project. Middlemen come in a variety of forms, but |
| today's investors and venture capitalists are funding | | | | most often are the people that interact frequently with |
| fewer and fewer proposals and are swamped year in | | | | investors. A middle man can be another entrepreneur, |
| and year out with proposals and business plans for | | | | other investors, lawyers, accountants, and market and |
| startups and new ideas. Most of today's investors are | | | | technology executives. Before you begin your search |
| often approached with more ideas and requests for | | | | to obtain funding, it is important to learn about who |
| funding than they can ever actually have time to | | | | your local investors are first, as these are often your |
| review. Because of this, today's startups need to be | | | | best bet for obtaining funding. In addition, you are more |
| more competitive and innovative than ever before | | | | likely to be able to attend events where you can |
| when it comes to seeking funding. | | | | mingle with these types of investors and their |
| While posting your startup information on a number of | | | | middlemen and share your ideas. |