If you are very lucky, you might have been able to start your business on your own. Either because startup costs were low, or because you had the capital to go it alone. But, if your business was more significant, it might have needed more, and even a smaller company often needs investment if it wants to continue to grow.
But, with investors, comes uncertainty. If you want your business to continue to grow, you need to keep your investors happy. One way to do this is by showing them returns. But, sometimes their happiness is out of your control. Changes in the economy, political events like Brexit and general elections, new trade agreements, and other things that are entirely out of your control can influence how your investors are feeling. Other, none economic issues within your company can also decrease investors confidence in your business. The money is still coming in, but they have lost faith. Bayer ordered to mediate pending lawsuits following a third court loss has seen a massive drop in investors confidence, and their stock has fallen significantly.
So, what do you do if you are worried about how your own investors might be feeling? Or if you just want to give them a little boost, considering all of the uncertainty in the world at the moment? Let’s take a look.
Demonstrate Your Focus
Today’s market is full of passionate and exciting entrepreneurs, starting small businesses, and working on their own. They are keen to grow, to try new things, and to be a part of exciting ventures. This often means that they try to grow too soon.
Taking your time is a good idea when it comes to inspiring confidence in your business, whether from investors or elsewhere. Try to do too much too soon, and you are taking risks. Slow down. Take your time. Enjoy each stage of growth, spend time perfecting each area of your business, and you’ll prove to everyone that you are in it for the long haul. You’ll show that you are passionate, but also that you are focused, keen to succeed, and happy to take your time to get there. Investors want returns, but they also want stability and a business that they can trust.
Look at the Big Picture
Being focused and taking your time doesn’t mean that you can’t have big goals. It just means that you want to get there and stay there, instead of rushing to the finish line only to fall straight back down.
Your business should have goals. You should know where you want to be in five, and even ten years time. Investors are usually playing a long game, and they want to know that you are doing the same.
Break it Down
So, you’ve got a big-picture goal but know that you need to take your time to get there? Break it down. Have a clear road map for the next 12 months. Be as detailed as you possibly can be. If an investor wants more information on how you are going to hit your goals and meet their needs, make sure you’ve got this information ready for them. Think about what you are going to do, why you are doing it, who you need help from. Have a well mapped out vision instead of just vague ideas and quick targets.
Become a Brand
There’s a difference between a company and a brand. Running a company is great. But, turning it into a brand is even better. As a brand, you’ll have a story, a mission statement. You’ll have principles, Morales and ideals and the world will know about them. Becoming a brand shows that you can think big and inspires trust and loyalty from your investors. They are more likely to take a risk on a brand than they are a company.
Keep Calm
Showing your passion for your company is great. You should know it inside out. Its strengths and weaknesses, its goals, and targets. You should know how it works, where it needs improving, and what it believes in. This kind of passion will always inspire investors and boost their confidence in you.
But, you also need to keep calm. Many small business owners make the mistake of panicking about things that they can’t control. You can’t control the economy. You can’t stop elections and political unrest. Don’t panic and try to make changes because of things that you can’t control. Remember, these things are affecting everyone else too. Keep a cool head and focus on what you can influence.
