Download - Use LinkedIn to Find Investors
Course Objective
To understand how to use LinkedIn to find investors that are appropriate for your business.
Key Learning Outcomes
● Build a robust LinkedIn profile● Know how to find investors● Understand how to use LinkedIn groups● Use LinkedIn as a thought leadership
megaphone
LinkedIn is:● A great way to find investors and influencers● A way to find commonality● A way to keep track of people after they
change jobs● A forum to demonstrate that you are a
thought leader in your industry
Why LinkedIn is Important
Unprecedented Access to People
● Investment bankers and third party finders were able to charge a premium because of their rolodex. The value of that premium has decreased because you can find the same people they know.
● Real investors want to be found● It is not just investors it is also influencers● Don't waste time with the wrong people
● 67% of LinkedIn users are between the age of 35 and 54 years old
● 39% of users have senior titles● 40% of users reside in the US● 10% of users are business owners● The finance industry has the second highest
concentration of users● Entrepreneurs have the highest
concentration of individual users
Why Use LinkedIn?
Building a Robust LinkedIN Profile
● Quality Picture● Use headline to show industry Passion ● Customize your name● Description about
yourself/passions/capabilities. ● Arrange sections to best position yourself● Make sure to include skills● Customize your "canned" LinkedIn requests
Upgrade to LinkedIn Premium?
When:● If you are fund raising● If you are active in business development● If influencers can help grow your businessWhy:● Great way to see who is viewing your profile● Keep notes on people
Who to connect with?
Establish a parameter that works for you:1. LinkIn with Anyone2. LinkIn with only people you have met3. LinkIn with only people you really "know"factors● You can send someone an InMail
without being LinkedIn with them...● There is a certain social standing with
500+ connections...
Integrate LinkedIn to Workflow
● Spend 15 minutes every day● Send personal message for invitations● Share your content, thought leadership and
what you find interesting● Interesting learning opportunity
● Hacking Existing Connections● Searching
○ By title○ By location○ By company/industry
● Building a list of investors and influencers○ Use a CRM○ If you aren't already using a CRM use a CRM!
Finding Investors
Eliminating Investors
Don't waste your time educating people who don't understand your industry
Opening Conversations
● Do NOT ask for MONEY!!!!● Find Commonality● Ask for small increments of time
○ Share thoughts on industry○ Ask for validation of an idea/opportunity
Action Plan● Establish robust Profile
○ Complete profile○ Speak to personal passions○ Brand "You"
● Integrate LinkedIn into Workflow○ LinkIn with people after meetings○ Interact with the people via the platform
● Publish Thought Leadership ○ Link to published articles○ Link to videos○ These will break down barriers with cold
connections