Pitching your startup to potential investors can be a scary experience. The entire future of your company hangs in the balance, and getting things right is of utmost importance. So, how do you ensure that you absolutely nail your pitch? Follow these six tips:
Leave Your Mark
The first thing you’re going to want to do is find a way to leave a lasting impression on potential investors well after your pitch has concluded. Out of sight really does mean out of mind, but if you can leave your mark on the room, you’re far more likely to receive funding.
In some industries, you may wish to do this via a grand demonstration (or by providing tasty treats if you’re in the snack business), the value of custom corporate gifts should never be underestimated. They’re universally beneficial, so as long as you select relevant and useful items, you can’t go wrong.
Know Your Market
You know your product or service is good, but if investors can’t see the possible financial return, it’s unlikely that they will choose to fund your venture. While it is obviously important to showcase the features and benefits of your offering, it is equally important to be able to clearly communicate where you will be positioned in the market. This includes having a solid understanding of your target demographic and competition, as well as being across information such as standard price points, market gaps, and general consumer sentiment.
Research Your Potential Investors
Potential investors want to know about what you can offer them specifically, so researching the people that you’re pitching to is key. For the purpose of your pitch, consider your potential investors to be your target demographic. In other words, the more you know about their situation, pain points, and desires, the better value you can showcase and the higher your chances of closing a deal.
Read the Room
No matter how well prepared for your pitch you are, there is no guarantee that potential investors will respond the way that you are anticipating. This is why it is always important to have a backup plan for how you will present your startup. From here, you’ll be able to read the room and switch up your tactics if you don’t appear to be on track to achieving the desired results.
Showcase Your Talents
As important as it is to show the value of your startup, it is just as vital to present your own talents. No matter how good your idea is, your potential investors won’t feel comfortable putting money behind your startup if they can’t also see the value in you.
If you excel at a certain area of business, now is the time to showcase that. Great at marketing? Bring a sample plan with you. Super confident making sales? Bring a sales script. Perhaps you’re great at accounting? Create a detailed report on current financials alongside projections. You get the idea.
Provide Extra Value
Finally, it is important to highlight how your startup can benefit others as well as yourself and your investors. Everyone loves supporting things that do good for the world (and in turn, allow them to showcase the social value of their portfolios). So, if you’re involved in any positive initiatives or practice social procurement, now is the time to break out that info and add it into your pitch.
Now that you’re armed with our top six tips for nailing your startup pitch, all that’s left to do is get it together and get pitching. Good luck!
We live in a digital era where new technologies emerge regularly all over the world. Similarly, after the meteoric rise of the first digital currency (i.e, bitcoin), the majority of people began to discuss cryptocurrencies.
It exploded in popularity across various digital sectors. It is only reasonable to build your business around cryptocurrency.
You are probably wondering how to do this. According to Ryan Hoggan, there are several ways and avenues to achieve this.
Ryan Hoggan who is an entrepreneur, corporate leader, and venture capitalist with many years of experience gives us ways on how you can position your business in around the cryptocurrency field:
1. Cryptocurrency exchange: One of the best cryptocurrency businesses is to start your crypto exchange platform. A cryptocurrency exchange is a website where you can purchase and sell a variety of cryptocurrencies safely and conveniently.
Examples of cryptocurrency include Binance, Coinbase, Local Bitcoins. You can charge users for the costs of withdrawing, depositing, and moving cryptocurrency may then be charged. As a result, you can easily build your own safe trading platform using the trusted premium bitcoin exchange software.
2. Starting a bitcoin payment gateway is another cryptocurrency business concept. Businesses use cryptocurrency payment gateways to accept payments online in a variety of cryptocurrencies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93fcN8rA3qI
Because security is the key benefit that crypto payment gateways offer, a significant emphasis on security is required.
3. Cryptocurrency wallet: The cryptocurrency trading platform has a crypto wallet feature that allows users to securely store and receive coins. It also keeps track of the cryptocurrency on the trading platform.
In large exchanges, there are two kinds of wallet storage: hot wallets and cold wallets. The hot wallet is an online wallet, whereas the cold wallet is a physical wallet. For safe transactions, the majority of crypto traders utilize cold wallets.
4. Escrow services for cryptocurrencies: The oldest and best business concept in the crypto industry is to start a bitcoin escrow company. It enables users to swap multiple cryptocurrencies in the presence of an escrow administrator.
The crypto transactions will be handled by the escrow administrator. Additionally, each transaction will have its own private key, eliminating the potential of hacking and fraud.
As a result, you may start a company by releasing escrow-enabled services utilizing bitcoin exchange software and earn a lot of money with little effort.
5. Selling services in exchange for cryptocurrencies: Online shopping is used by a large number of individuals to purchase items and necessities. You may post your things for sale on a shopping website or application.
When a consumer buys anything from you, instead of asking for money, you might ask for cryptocurrency. As a result, by launching this company, you will be able to make more money.
6. Provide Crypto Industry Freelance Writing Services: freelancers who can write about cryptocurrency for blogs, internet research, content marketing, SEO, and other purposes are in high demand.
To learn more entrepreneur tips and advice from Ryan Hoggan, check out his previous interviews with StreetTalkLive.com and GotNewsWire.com.
It is a common misconception that those who work for a living invariably hate their jobs. While it is true that it is not many people who love what they do, these workers have proven themselves time and again to be more dependable and harder working than others. When you genuinely enjoy the process which takes up a lot of your time, there are benefits such as increased enthusiasm and job satisfaction. Keep reading for the full list of reasons why pursuing your dreams can help you reach your business goals.
1. You Will Think Better On Your Feet
Being passionate about your job will make you strive to be better, always coming up with creative solutions to issues that pop up. Use this creativity to find and invest in the best tax free investments. This will really be a beneficial trait at any point in your career. If you are enamored of your industry, you will be curious and always look for reasons and new developments that can improve your output. You will be better equipped to deal with any snags that you might stumble upon. This is the secret to loving and truly comprehending your business.
2. You Will Get More Work Done
Just as you will be inspired to learn all you can about your career, you will become extremely motivated and become imbued with the drive to be better than you were before. If you do not love what you do, your performance will be lackluster and lack passion. Loving your career can put you in a better place mentally and emotionally. This, in turn, will make you more productive and will give you more free time to spend on your hobbies. You will be inspired to learn about every aspect of the industry, which will make it simpler for you to attain excellence.
3. You Will Be the Inspiration for Others
Whether it is turning a hobby into a career or pursuing a subject about which you are passionate, the sad fact is that many people are too fearful to go after what they really want. When you show yourself capable of that risky behavior, you can be the inspiration for people just like you. As a person who greets work every day, you can inspire those close to you and those who are impressionable. You can demonstrate how to take risks and have them pay off.
4. You Will Be Internally Motivated
Different people have different motivations for why they pursue their careers. A lot of that motivation is outward, be it a roof over their heads or food on the table. These are incredibly important factors for going to work, but the more rewarding is the internal motivation that you will get from a day’s good work at something you are passionate about. Studies have shown that when workers are internally motivated by good energy, they are more productive and have better job satisfaction.
5. A Balance Between Work and Life Will Be Easier to Maintain
We all know the importance of keeping a good work-life balance. Being able to work productively and still have time for the things which bring us joy is crucial to avoiding burnout and living life to its fullest. Not only will it be easy to devote time to all the things you are fond of but you will take delight in every aspect of your day. Having more time to do the things you love can also help you look at work in a better way.
It is cliché to think that everyone hates their careers. In fact, many people love and are passionate about the industry that they are in. Finding something about your job to love will make you more curious about it, seeking out new information and coming up with new things to do. When you excel at something you love, you might just inspire some new people to be the best that they can be. Finally, if you love your career, every day will be happier than the last.
When people have plenty of choices, it’s easy for them to jump from one to another. It’s true if you run a restaurant. You’re not the only option in the area. Even the items on your menu are available elsewhere. If you wish to retain the loyalty of your current customers, you have to prove your worth. There are some helpful tips to make people come back after dining with you once.
Improve your menu
Nothing beats the quality of the meals when you’re running a restaurant. It’s the reason why people decide to dine in the first place. If you consistently offer excellent dishes, you can expect customers to come back for more. You also want to give them the same flavour each time. It helps if you have the best suppliers. The ingredients used in your dishes are key in guaranteeing consistent results. You can check out https://www.kiril-mischeff.com if you need help in getting the best ingredients.
Listen to your customers
Provide an option that allows people to express their views about the restaurant. Whether it’s the traditional suggestion box or an online feedback form, it doesn’t matter. As long as you give them a direct line to your business, it helps. Of course, it’s not enough to offer a tool for them to air their views. You also need to listen and show that you’re willing to change.
Keep the prices the same
Sure, the inflation rate will force you to increase the prices on your menu. The ingredients used also became more expensive. However, it helps if you try to bear as much of the cost as you can. Don’t increase the prices if you’re still making a profit. You might lose your loyal customers if you suddenly increase the price.
Be engaging on social media
You need to advertise on social media. It’s a popular platform. You can find everyone on social media these days. You will remind people that you exist and your services are worth paying for, with the help of your social media gimmick. Try posting regular updates. Respond to enquiries. Try to connect with anyone who contacts you on social media. Not all of them will become your customers, but they’re still worth paying attention to.
Another strategy is to come up with games and other fun activities that offer rewards. You will make people feel that they matter and you show that you care about them. You’re not only after potential profits. Let your loyal customers be the first ones to know about discounts and promotions. They will feel more valued if you do so. You can also offer promotional merchandise to entice them to keep coming back.
Customer loyalty isn’t easy to gain. Some people are picky. Others will only try the restaurants once before moving to a different option. You have to work hard to make people believe in you. They will continue to spend money to get what you have to offer. It’s the reason why some restaurants stay popular even after generations of operation.
Many people often settle for jobs that bring them little passion or joy and don’t take their hobbies seriously enough.
Don’t waste many years of your life in a role you hate. It might be time to take the plunge and turn your pastime into a career.
If you are eager to give up your current job and grow your finances, here are the five hobbies you could turn into an income.
If you have a talent for illustration, don’t allow it to go to waste and pursue a career as a professional illustrator.
Many companies are often happy to hire talented artists on a freelance business to create unique marketing projects or corporate portraits.
You also could generate a regular income on freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and People Per Hour.
If you know the difference between cowboy shot, close-up, and extra-wide shot, you could turn your photography hobby into a career.
While taking photographs of your loved ones, landscapes, and objects for personal use might be rewarding, you could generate a large income by starting a photography company.
You are bound to feel nervous when first starting your business in photography, but it could help you to embrace your passion on a full-time basis and earn a higher income each year.
While you might love to spend many hours tending to your flowers, shrubs, and lawn, many homeowners dread the thought of gardening.
If you are tired of your job and would happily spend your days improving and maintaining gardens of all sizes, consider a career as a professional gardener.
People would happily pay good money for you to tackle their lawn, weeds, and hedges on their behalf.
You will be able to spend more time outdoors, which can support both your mental and physical health.
You don’t need a gastronomy degree to enjoy a successful career in food.
If you love whipping up delicious dishes for you and your loved ones, you could make money each day from your cooking passion.
You could start a food blog or YouTube channel and generate an income from advertising.
Other options include launching a food truck business in your town or city, creating innovative cooking products, or selling tasty dishes to the public.
If you have crafted many beautiful items for your home or upcycled furniture and accessories, you might have what it takes to launch a crafting business.
There are many products you could make to earn a superb annual income, such as:
Crafting is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and there is no reason why you can’t secure a share of the increasingly popular market. In addition to selling the products to your friends and family, you could boost your revenue by marketing your homemade items on social media, Etsy, eBay, and via your website. You also could attend local craft fairs to showcase your creations and generate a bigger revenue.
The idea of quitting the 9-5 grind in pursuit of endless adventure is a dream for many. If you’re thinking of ditching your soul-crushing job for something more exciting and relevant to your talents, you might want to consider the following alternative lifestyles.
While exchanging time for money can buy you a good lifestyle, it can also rob you of the opportunity to do the things you truly love. The good news is, the internet offers a number of solutions that can give you both time and location freedom.
Once you sift through the get rich quick schemes and scammy programs, there are many unique business models that offer a sustainable alternative (eCommerce and affiliate marketing being two of the most profitable).
In addition to low start-up costs, most online businesses are simple to operate with a laptop and internet access. If you happen to outgrow the home office, serviced office suites are available to hold meetings and provide an affordable change of pace.
The FIRE movement stands for Financial Independence to Retire Early, and it’s aimed at individuals who are looking to take control of their lives and finances. We’re living at a time when safety nets are disappearing, corporations are promising less and less, and fewer jobs offer pensions or paid retirement anymore.
The FIRE movement posits that with very strict budgeting and extreme measures to reduce expenses, it’s possible to quit stressful jobs and enjoy a fulfilling life. Having accessed all this free time, you can spend your best years pursuing passion projects, from writing a book, starting a blog, or traveling the world.
The key to success with the FIRE movement is to be mindful of your spending and cut out extra expenses that don’t bring you happiness. Focus on increasing your take-home pay every year, and when you do get pay raises, don’t spend the new money you’re earning. Instead, put it into savings and investments and you’ll get closer to early retirement each year.
The thing about a vocation is that it affects your entire lifestyle, including your location, your mindset, your circle of friends, your diet, and even the time you spend in traffic.
If you find yourself daydreaming about ocean waves and sombreros while at work, then you might want to consider becoming a nomad. The great thing about the nomadic lifestyle is that you can leverage your existing skills to make a living while traveling the world.
Nomads have been known to take up unique vocations, from harvesting strawberries and bartending, to being lifeguards and scuba diving instructors.
If you have a social media account, then you’ll be familiar with travel influencers who get paid to travel the world. All you need to get started as a travel influencer is a large and loyal social media following and a penchant for taking aesthetically pleasing pictures, and an understanding of how to monetize your photography and social media presence.
Though international travel was halted due to COVID-19, there are still opportunities in the local tourism sector of most countries, and companies are doubling down on digital marketing as a way to stay relevant.
Unlike regular nomads, digital nomads work for themselves, running successful online businesses or consulting practices on the go.
They’re innovative movers and shakers who seek greener pastures past the traditional 9 to 5 lifestyle, and they want to get the most out of their best years before they settle in any one place.
Which of these 9-5 alternatives is calling your name?
Starting your career is one of the most significant milestones of your life, and whether you are just starting out or are heading on a career change, there are some actions that you need to take to be prepared for whatever your career throws at you. To find out more, read this article for a complete guide on how to set your career up for a good start.
The first thing that you should do is to research the types of careers that are available to you and which align with your interests and the lifestyle that you are looking from. To conduct career research, you should consider taking career assessments or quizzes to get some idea of which careers are open to you and which may suit your personality. You can also conduct research by reading online resources and career-based journals, which can help to profile a range of different roles that may appeal to you.
Conducting research about the industry that you are about to enter is paramount, as this can allow you to stay up-to-date with any advancements that are occurring and which could affect your job and the requirements of the roles that you are applying for. You can stay up-to-date by following industry-specific news, reading online industry journals, and joining professional networks, which can keep you in contact with the most significant developments in the business.
You should also keep track of the requirements that are needed to enter the career of your choice, as this can ensure that you are prepared when it comes to applying for a job that suits you. This can include checking the requirements of college courses that are necessary for your career, as each of these demand different GPAS and SATS records for applicants. To do this, CampusReel can give you access to a range of information, including the Denison acceptance rate, which can help you to find the college which can most advance your career in the future.
Before you start applying for job roles that interest you, and even while you are still at college, you should create a resume that can profile your successes and strengths and encourage employers to want you on their team. You could also couple this with a professional portfolio and a personal pitch to elevate your chances of getting the career that you are looking for. What’s more, you can use social media platforms to create a personal brand that can help to open opportunities to you and link you to employers who may be interested in what you have to offer.
Lastly, before you begin your career, this is an excellent time to improve the skills that you will need within your career. This includes essential office and admin skills such as knowing how to send a stellar email, how to prepare an invoice, how to pitch an idea, and how to communicate with clients and your manager.
Although small businesses now have a range of lenders who are willing to lend to them instead of just traditional banks, the problem is that even today, most lenders only consider creditworthy businesses or those who can put up security against the loan.
Arranging security against a loan can be a challenge for small businesses that have limited assets, to begin with, if they fail to repay the loan, they risk losing the only valuable assets they own, resulting in business operations coming to a halt.
Thankfully, several lenders are willing to provide unsecured financing without the need for security. You just have to make your business seem like a safe investment option for them. Here is how you can obtain an unsecured loan for your business:
1. IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT RATING
Although you can get an unsecured loan even with an average credit score, you will have to pay higher interest as a result. The better your credit rating, the higher your chances of securing an unsecured loan at a reasonable interest rate.
How can you advance your credit rating? The fastest method to do it is by reducing your credit utilization, which is the proportion of your available credit limit used. It makes up 30% of your total credit score. If you are using more than 25% of your current limit, you are damaging your credit score. Pay off your debts, close down any credit facilities you don’t need, and make sure your credit report is free from errors.
2. WORK ON YOUR CASH FLOW
If you want a business loan with no money down or security, you need to ensure that you have sufficient cash flow to be able to keep up with the interest payments and also repay the loan. Before you apply, come up with cash flow projections to see whether you have the funds needed to keep up with the loan payments. You are only putting your business’s survival on the line if you choose to obtain a loan you can’t afford to pay off. The lender will also want to see future cash flow projections to ensure that their money is likely to be repaid.
3. HAVE A CONVINCING BUSINESS PLAN
To convince lenders that your business is not a risky investment, you need to put up a business plan that demonstrates this. Create a business plan that includes the vision and objectives of your business, its sources of revenue, and detailed financial statements. You also need to state the purpose for which the loan will use. Most lenders need to see promising revenue generation for at least a year before they approve a loan.
4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOAN FOR YOUR NEEDS
Here are some of the most common unsecured business loans:
I. SBA LOANS
These are loans backed by the Small Business Administration to support small to medium-sized businesses. Most SBA loans do not require collateral and even have reasonable interest rates. However, the process is longer than other loans, and you must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify.
II. TERM LOANS
Many online lenders offer both short and long-term unsecured loans to businesses for a variety of purposes. Application and approval on these loans are often relatively quick and straightforward, although the interest rates may be higher, particularly on short-term loans.
III. BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
This funding option is known to all businesses, and it is a suitable way to finance the business in the short term. Many business credit cards come with an interest-free introductory period, which can be as long as 15 months, making it a desirable financing option. However, a defined repayment strategy needs to be in place to avoid running into financial trouble due to the misuse of business credit cards.
IV. INVOICE FACTORING
Under this arrangement, you get funding against your outstanding receivables and repay it once your customers pay off their balances. It is a great way to fill a cash flow shortage in the short run.
V. TRADE FINANCE
If you need financing to pay your suppliers, a trade financing loan can be an ideal option. The lender pays your supplier, allowing you to repay the loan within an agreed period, which is usually 120 days.
Trade financing is an excellent way for small businesses to fulfill any large orders quickly, as the suppliers can pay and the necessary inventory procured without any hassle.
THE BOTTOM LINE
To sum up, if you need to obtain a business loan without security, you can easily find several loan options in the market. If you have a decent credit score, sufficient cash flow, and a promising business plan, you should be able to find an unsecured loan that suits your business needs.
Just make sure to consider the terms of an unsecured loan to determine whether it is the best option for the business. Some of these loans come at a higher interest rate than secured loans or require other forms of personal guarantees, which is why you need to be sure that an unsecured loan is what you are after before you opt for it.
Holding an extraordinary corporate event promotes your company and provides an exciting opportunity for business owners and professionals to mingle and make connections. But how do you cultivate the perfect environment for success?
Here are five secrets to holding the perfect corporate event:
Your corporate branding needs to be bold and beautiful so everybody at the event knows who you are. With social media, you can reach even further than the confines of the venue with the use of high-quality banners. Products like media wall banners will allow all of your guests to have their photos taken in front of it, providing beautiful, shareable content for them and your company on the day and long after the event has ended, especially if you promote an event hashtag effectively.
Statistics tell us that 91% of people check their email every day, and most importantly, 78% of event creators list email marketing as their most effective marketing tool, accounting for nearly 50% of overall sales. Be sure to make the most of the knowledge you’ve gained from this research by including an incredible subject line to get your emails opened. Inside, use catchy copy and talk up any special offers and additional benefits to lead recipients to book or enquire. Don’t forget to follow up emails with a second wave of event marketing to hoover up anyone who just needs a swift reminder to buy their tickets.
Your event may require catering, entertainment, management, security, and plenty of other elements. A carefully planned out budget will ensure that all of those things are booked, but you could likely save money by partnering with companies who want a place at your event. B2B events generate over $1.07 trillion in spending annually, and there are plenty of businesses who will want a piece of that action. All you need to do is ensure you pitch the partnership properly, making the benefits so clear the offer can’t be refused.
Studies tell us that, on average, every company in America organizes at least 20 events or meetings a year, and the amount of events they are organizing is increasing by about 20% annually. This is fantastic for business culture, but it does also mean you have a high chance of clashing with a competitor’s event and losing potential attendees in the process. This can be especially problematic if speakers who will draw guests’ attention are booked up. Get up close and personal with the biggest events in your industry and when they are likely to be held so that you can organize yours at a time most people will be able to attend.
Use analytics to track the success of your event so that you can future-proof the next one you hold. Keeping a close eye on factors like email campaigns, social media campaigns, signage, and offline link-building will boost focus. In addition, analyzing their effectiveness is highly beneficial to your business event, both now and in the future, identifying weak points, unnecessary spending, and areas to capitalize on next time.
By following these five tips, and truly keeping your eye on all aspects of your event, you will reap plenty of rewards from your efforts. With fantastic branding, analytics, timing, partnering, and marketing, your corporate event is sure to be a success.
It’s an age-old struggle: the introvert at the networking event. Luckily, the cards are falling in your favor as there are many tried and tested techniques people have been using for years to network efficiently. While you will probably still feel far from your comfort zone at such events, this can actually be worked to your advantage. Here are five modern methods for getting through a networking event as an introvert.
Connecting with new contacts doesn’t stop at the networking event. Handing out high-quality corporate gifts is a great way to make a positive impression that lasts as your contacts have something to remember you by. Choose your memento wisely and keep it classy; don’t go for a box of sweets when the event is for the dental health industry, and be sure to choose something small and lightweight. You don’t want your fellow guests to have to struggle around with something heavy or bulky out of politeness. Though, they’d certainly remember you for it!
Being early can seem daunting, but the period before the event starts is actually one of the best times to meet people at any networking function. Everybody is usually a little awkward at the beginning of these things; people are trying to find their places and will look for someone to engage with to help them feel settled. You can easily start a conversation by helping someone find their place. Alternatively, you can be patient and wait for one of the talkers to come to you. This is the time for ice-breaker questions like, “Have you been to one of these before?” and “How did you hear about this?”
An unbelievably easy way to be involved in the group and swap a few names without having to rack your brain for conversation starters is to hang out in an area that’s designed for communal activity. This could be by joining in on a game or going to the area where the food and drinks are being served.
Whether it’s a business associate, friend, employee, or your spouse, if you have the opportunity to bring somebody along who you feel comfortable with, you should consider it. The only thing worth noting is that you should be sure your “plus one” is a little bit more open and can help you with introductions or simply be a positive presence. Since you want help in meeting more people, you probably won’t have much luck if you invite somebody who is painfully shy or not interested in socializing.
It’s the same advice we give to children who are going into an unfamiliar class for the first time, and you can be sure that it applies to us all in adulthood. Remember the reasons you have for attending these events; are you looking for collaborators? Potential business affiliations? Or tips on working in your industry? Chances are, most other attendees will have similar questions and experiences to you. Nobody is looking for an entertainer, and you do not need to put on a character to connect. Be yourself, remain professional, and be honest in your introductions.
Keep these five tips in mind, and you’ll not only survive your next networking event but thrive. Don’t forget your business cards and a bag or generously sized pockets so you can politely accept business cards from others.