Why You’re Not Getting the Investment You Deserve (Yet)
Why You’re Not Getting the Investment You Deserve (Yet)
There are many founders out there with different business models who have the potential to be great business leaders. They have innovative ideas, working products or services, and the trustworthiness to back them up. But despite their confidence, many still struggle to acquire investors. If you’re one of these founders, you might be asking yourself: Why am I struggling to get investment? Why can’t anyone see what I see and trust that I’m going to work as hard as I can to create a profitable business?
Here’s the deal. Straight up—you’re a nobody until you make yourself a somebody. Harsh? Maybe, but it’s the reality of the business world. Your brilliance doesn’t matter until others can see it too. That means you’ve got to put in the hard work to not only build your product or service but also prove yourself to others.
How to Stand Out: Don’t Just Tell—Show
- Professional investor decks: Your idea needs to look as polished as it sounds. A well-organized, professional investor deck is non-negotiable. It shows that you’ve put thought into your business plan and that you’re serious about growth.
- Slick website: Your website is your digital storefront. It’s where potential investors will learn about your vision and product. A sloppy website can turn off serious investors before they even hear your pitch. Make it clean, professional, and aligned with your brand.
- Polished social media: Keep personal posts off your business social media. It’s all business, baby! Your social profiles should reflect professionalism and your brand’s mission, giving investors confidence that you can appeal to the right audience.
Make Sure Your Product or Service is Top-Notch
Having an incredible-looking pitch is one thing, but without a great product or service, it won’t mean much. Your product or service is what you’re truly selling to investors. It’s the heart of your business and what will ultimately generate returns.
Think of it like this: investors are taking a risk when they back a new business. They don’t just want to see potential—they want to see proof. A well-rounded offering of a solid product, great presentation, and evidence of demand is how you make them believers.
The Harsh Truth About Getting Investment
Here’s the reality: until you prove to investors that you have what it takes, there will always be an uphill battle. There are countless other founders out there with proven track records, impressive products, and services that are already making money. Why should an investor choose you over them? They don’t know you. That’s the mountain you have to climb.
Start Close to Home: Family and Friends
The best place to start is with the people who already know and trust you—your family and friends. They believe in you and are likely your best shot at securing early-stage capital. This approach worked wonders for my latest company, Grocery Dealz. But even then, sometimes you have to wait. Sometimes, bootstrapping your business is the only way forward until you have enough traction to get serious investor interest.
Be Smart with Your Money
When you’re bootstrapping, every dollar counts. Don’t waste resources on ideas that don’t lead to great consumer experiences or drive revenue. As you grow, you’ll start to see interest in your business that wasn’t there before. This is when things start to get exciting.
The Power of Revenue: Prove Yourself
Once you post revenue, everything changes. Investors want to see that your business has real earning potential. It’s at this stage that you’ll start to prove yourself as a business founder. This is just the beginning of a beautiful ecosystem that can propel you from a scrappy startup to a fully functional, trustworthy company.
Final Thoughts: Value Yourself Over Money
At the end of the day, bet on yourself. You know what you’re capable of, even if others don’t see it yet. Resilience is the most important characteristic of any successful entrepreneur. There will be challenges and setbacks, but the ability to keep pushing forward is what separates the dreamers from the doers. Value yourself, your vision, and the journey—because you are the one who will make it all happen.
