Truth is you cannot convince any investor, bank or VC to provide financing for any business that is not viable or ill conceived. After all the strength of the bank lies in the wisdom of its investments, and it is their responsibility to their depositors to ensure that the money is put into good enough projects that they can expect some level of return (or at least, assurance that it will not be lost). Banks are in fact some of the most conservative investors you can find, and you will need to make very impressive, very convincing presentation to get them to back your business. Here are some pointers.

· Format: At the early stage some VC’s will prefer to see a PowerPoint presentation. Some are accepting proposals via a audio file and if interested they will get back to you.

· Connect the dots: Make sure you clearly state in the beginning WHO the customers are, WHAT problem is being solved, and HOW the company’s product/service accomplishes it.

· Meeting: If you are meeting with them face-to-face do not let empty air dominate the conversation. Make sure you control the timing and pace of the meeting.

· Research the VC: do some research in advance. Find out who you will be meeting with and make sure they invest in your type of companies

· Follow up: Do not be timid about following up with them.

· Push for a Decision: They will want some time to think about your proposal and you will not get an immediate decision.

· Be Real: Do not pretend to be something you aren’t. Be real, be you, be authentic.

Final Thoughts

You must have confidence in your business idea and have a well thought out business model and plan. If you focus on innovation and the viability of your business model, serious investors will want to take a good look at it.

Every major decision — to invest or buy involves getting the other party to buy into your idea. To get that strong emotional buy in - you must first get their attention. This involves spending a significant amount of time preparing and thinking through what makes your business idea special, unique and viable.

If you cannot explain it clearly — how in the world can you expect someone else to understand it?! How can you expect them to invest in your idea if they do not understand it?!

Spend your time working on your pitch to get their attention. NOTE: be careful not to over inflate your business concept and viability. You must also have a good business plan that supports the statements you made trying to get their attention. Remember: a presentation that cannot stand under scrutiny will fail to get investment dollars.

After you get their attention — you have to be able to get them to understand the business idea and prove its viability. This will require a well written business plan to close the deal.

Another thing — you will need a good list of potential Investors or Venture Capital companies to pitch your idea to. Make sure you have enough good prospects so that you do not run out of prospects before you refine your business plan and presentation.

Keep smiling! If you have a viable idea, you will find money. It is just a matter of time and your ability to learn, shift and adjust.