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Step 1
Get your business license in order to legitimize your e-Business. Once you have your license purchase or create your business cards. You will also need a website for an online business. There's simply no way around the need for a website. Along with the website, get yourself a free Blog, set up Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. This is the "diligent" aspect and you are just getting started. It's important not to disregard the Social Networking side of an Internet Venture because it's all free and will go a long way in getting your business on the Cyber map.
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Step 2
Write your own Grant Proposal. Don't waste your money on paying the companies or individuals that will charge you thousands of dollars to write one for you. Why? Because, look at it this way, you have to give them all the info to put your Grant together, correct? Well since you know the in's and out's of your business, all you need is the correct format to put your Grant Proposal in, once you have the template for your Grant, you can most assuredly do it yourself and save a good deal of money. Check the resource link at the end of this article for info on writing your own Grant and your own Business Plan.
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Step 3
Write a Business Proposal and practice your presentation skills. You will need to be sharp when making your presentation to potential investors. A good presentation will get you the funds you need to get your business off and running. A shabby proposal and presentation will do just the opposite.
Before you go into any meetings with Investors, practice and really hone your presentation on your business, this can be even more critical than your business plan. This is true because if you are motivational and inspiring, the investor will go to their pockets much quicker.
Join a Toastmasters group, about $50 per year, and practice for 4 to 8 weeks until you have your presentation down pack. -
Step 4
Go to your local Chamber of Commerce to find potential investors. You also should look into "Angel Investors." If you are a member of a relatively large church, you will find one or two Angel Investors. Pardon the pun, for Angel Investors has very little to do with the Church itself, it's just the name for entrepreneurs who give in philanthropic ways to help you get your business started. Check with your church, your PTA, the American Legion, and anyone else who will lend you an ear.
Comments
jandruth said
on 11/11/2009 This information is very useful. Ironically, I mentioned to my sister last week that she and I should join a local Toastmasters.