Master the Art of Building Authentic Relationships with Investors
Forge Powerful Bonds for Long-Term Business Success
The Morning Masterclass is sponsored by BVP Coffee Co., a startup providing specialty coffee, premium oat milk, craft mocktails, and more. Whether you’re a startup founder or angel investor, they’re here to help energize your grind!
Today's focus is on 'Building Relationships with Investors.' Beyond the capital, the true value of an investor often lies in the advice, connections, and credibility they can bring. Establishing a profound relationship can be the difference between a one-time transaction and a lifelong partnership.
Why Relationships Matter
Investors aren't just faceless entities or cash machines; they're people. Building a genuine relationship based on trust can unlock doors to networks, resources, and expertise that can prove invaluable. Additionally, in challenging times, having an investor who understands and believes in your vision can provide essential support. The art of forging authentic relationships with your investors is akin to mastering a craft. It requires patience, understanding, and genuine communication. Remember, it's not about instant returns but fostering a partnership that can weather storms and celebrate successes together.
What does it look like to build a profound and enduring bond with your investors?
Let's look at some success stories that can inspire us to master this crucial skill.
Ben Chestnut and Mailchimp
Then there's the story of Ben Chestnut and Mailchimp. Chestnut built a strong relationship with his investors through transparency and open communication. He wasn't afraid to share the company's challenges along with its successes, creating a bond of trust and mutual respect. The result? Mailchimp is now a billion-dollar company, and their investors are reaping the rewards of their faith in Chestnut's vision.
Julia Hartz and Eventbrite
Finally, let's look at Julia Hartz, co-founder of Eventbrite. Hartz believes in the power of personal connections, and she took the time to build relationships with her investors outside of the boardroom. This built a level of trust and camaraderie that transcended the typical investor-founder relationship, fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment. This approach played a significant role in Eventbrite's successful IPO in 2018.
What do these stories tell us?
It's all about passion, transparency, and personal connections. But, above all, it's about trust. Building a successful relationship with your investors isn't about getting them to write you a check. It's about getting them to believe in you, in your vision, and in your commitment to making that vision a reality.
So, what's your story going to be? How will you build those authentic, trusting relationships that pave the way for long-term success?
Authenticity is Key
When connecting with potential investors, be genuine. Share your passion, your vision, and the challenges you face. Investors appreciate transparency, and it can lead to more meaningful conversations and collaborations. Remember, your relationship with your investors isn’t just about finance—it’s about partnership. After all, they’re investing not just in your business, but in you. How can you forge that connection? Start by showing them why you're worth their trust. Treat them as part of your team, make them feel valued, and communicate openly. This will help you build an authentic, lasting relationship that will propel your enterprise towards long-term success.
Keep Communication Lines Open
Regularly updating your investors, even when there's no pressing news, keeps them engaged and shows that you value the relationship. It also ensures they're always in the loop, reducing misunderstandings and misalignments. Treating your investors as key stakeholders and not just as a cash source is a winning strategy. It deepens trust, builds a strong foundation for mutual respect, and fosters a more meaningful, lasting relationship. After all, isn't an authentic bond built on regular communication and mutual respect what we all seek?
Value Their Input
Investors often come with a wealth of experience. While you know your business best, be open to their advice and insights. Even if you don't always agree, showing respect for their perspective can strengthen the relationship. Remember, they’ve walked this path before and seen businesses rise and fall. Their wisdom can be your guiding light, helping you avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities you might not have seen on your own. Building a relationship with your investors isn't just about securing funding, it's about leveraging their experience for your long-term success.
Building robust investor relationships takes effort, time, and sincerity. Yet, the dividends such relationships can pay in terms of support, mentorship, and additional resources can be transformative for your business.
Join our virtual community to access self-guided classes and recordings to build on the content outlined today.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to learn how to leverage fundraising to accelerate your business growth.
Lastly, we invite you to try the unique products from BVP Coffee Co.! Not only will you enjoy delicious coffee, oat milk, and mocktails, but 1% of each sale is donated to student scholarships at Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Together, we can invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
Thanks for reading!
Garry Johnson III
Founder & Managing Partner