How to Inspire Others to Invest in You

In business, the old adage often still rings true: ‘it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.’ When you’re looking to find people to back you, whether it’s a sponsor for your MBA or funding for your new business venture, relationships matter.

To inspire others to invest in you, you need to show them that you are a valuable and trustworthy investment. Your personal brand is what will get people to buy into you before they buy into your idea.

How then, do you become “backable”?

1. Spend time developing your personal brand – People buy into people first. Before you spend time on your business case or proposition for a potential backer, make sure that you’ve developed a strong personal brand. What is it that makes you unique and differentiates you from your competitors? That’s the first sell – the pitch is actually the second one.
2. Develop a detailed and comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, strategies and financial projections. This will give potential investors a clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve and how you plan to achieve it, and how your business will generate returns. Be transparent with potential investors about the risks and challenges involved in your project or business. This will demonstrate your honesty and help build trust.
3. Identify why your goal is meaningful. People are more likely to back you if your objective is not purely self-centered but serves a higher purpose or cause. You’re also more likely to persevere if you believe that your goal will benefit others too, whether your goal is to better provide for your family, or you’re developing a business that doesn’t just make money but also makes a difference to your community and society as a whole.
4. Work on your powers of persuasion. I don’t mean studying up on sales tips (although that may well help you). I mean that others will invest in you if you are compelling – if you have clarity about your goals, what you can deliver and where you can add value. When given the opportunity to share your plans and hopes, you should be able to make a simple, convincing case because you know exactly what you want to communicate, rather than waffling and missing the key points.
5. Prove your trustworthiness. People choose to back individuals that they trust, and trust is earned through consistency and continual excellence in delivery. Nobody will invest in someone who has a track record of letting people down and failing to deliver on promises. If you want others to back you, make sure you have a history of being a good investment.

Remember, you are judged by the company you keep, so surround yourself with a team of talented and experienced professionals. This will show potential investors that you have the expertise and resources to execute your business plan.

About Seed Academy

Since its inception, Seed Academy has relentlessly and passionately championed the growth and development of women and youth entrepreneurs, driven by the belief that entrepreneurs create economic growth, uplift communities, and create a more equitable future for all. Seed’s holistic approach combines business development training with technical skills development, personal leadership, mentorship, coaching, and addressing the challenges women and youth in business face. All while fostering a community of entrepreneurs and strengthening the ecosystem overall. Read more about our AccelerateHer, AccelerateYouth and ESD programs on our website or contact us for more information.