Venture Capital and Getting A Professional Image For Your Australian Company Part 2 © Paul Wetton

When it comes to raising venture capital for your business, there are several things you can do to be better prepared and to make your business more ttractive to a potential investor. One thing is to make sure that you have a professional image. In part two of this aticle I want to look at the impact your business cards, stationery, dress and speaking skills can have on influencing a potential investor.

Get Business Cards.  Even if you don't have physical office space yet or office number you still need business cards.  And not just any business cards.  Make them stand out from the crowd. 

The designer who works on your web page can probably design them for you (or at least refer you to someone who can). 

Your logo, name, business name, mobile phone number, e-mail address and website are all you need at the beginning. 

Glossy cards with U.V. coating on thicker card stock (15 pt is fine) will serve you well and stand out from 95 percent of all other business cards out there.  

Double sided cards - with a slogan and logo on one side and contact information on the other - can be especially eye-catching.  

Matte with satin is nice, too, as is a textured card.  It depends on the type of business you have. 

IMPORTANT: Whatever you do, don't print them out yourself on your own printer.  Business cards are so inexpensive now there's no reason not to order them online or from a local printer.

Get Stationary/Postcards/Greeting Cards.  At the beginning you will be making presentations to investors, talking with potential customers and potential suppliers. 

You'll be asking for favors upon occasion. 

After every single business meeting and  lunch you should send a thank you note. 

You should also send notes when someone receives an award, has a company anniversary or some other milestone.  Or even just to say hello and keep in touch.

Ideally you should use cards or stationary with your company logo and name.  Handwrite the notes, if possible, or at least sign them by hand.  If your cards are attractive or creative enough the person might tack it on their bulletin board, thereby keeping your company name more visible.

Dress like a Professional.  You represent your company, so you need a professional image too.  It doesn't matter if you created your product in your basement while wearing ripped jeans or if your business is an internet business that requires little interaction with the outside world. 

While you're meeting with investors, interviewing potential managers, meeting with suppliers, attending chamber of commerce meetings, etc. you should wear business attire. 

Even while on the golf course you should not look overly casual.  Save the cargo shorts for home.  It doesn't take a lot of money to look professional. 

Proper fit is as important as anything and tailors are not expensive.  There are probably at least a couple of people in your life with good fashion sense; ask them for their input. 

Develop Public Speaking Skills.  Chances are you will be giving presentations to investors or at local community business meetings or explaining your business to potential employees.  If you have never taken speech or acting classes and do not have experience speaking in public you may want to consider signing up for BNI or another similar public speaking group where you learn public speaking skills and practice before fellow group members.  Fumbling your way through a Power Point presentation at a VC firm will not help your cause.  Even if you are entirely at ease speaking in public you should take care to make sure your talk is focused and organized and does not ramble.