finding investors

Congratulations - you have done the work and build your business up to a point where an outside investor could legitimately be interested in it. Many leading businessmen say that finding investors is the hardest part of of retaining outside sources of funding. Private investors are notoriously, well, private, and with good reason. People with that type of money are approached all the time with half-baked business ideas and other general wastes of time.

As you look high and low for your pre IPO investor, you must consider that the investor of this caliber is also looking for something just as rare ' the business that is actually worth investing in. In order to find and court these types of investors, you must present yourself the right way the first time.

Below are a few tips on how to find investors that are worthy of your business.

' Check online angel investor websites.

Many investor groups and local private investors will actually invest their time and energy into websites for in the know business operatives in the area. This allows them to keep their privacy while screening ideas through e-mail, only dealing with those businesses that they feel are ready. It is this added digital wall which makes people much more open to suggestion. If you make a professional entrance here, you may well be invited into the doors.

' Consult with local banks and business organizations.

If you have a good relationship with your teller at your bank, you may be able to ask him or her for leads. After all, they do hold the keys to the kingdom, and it benefits them directly if they bring together a good business idea and a financier. Gain their trust through good business and then ask for a partnership in finding private investors. Also, local business organizations such as your local SCORE chapter may also be a good place for leads. Many times, these retired business people are actually angel investors in disguise.

' Pound the pavement.

Sometimes is the best way to find out who has the money in your area is to check the society pages of your local newspaper and the community newsletters. This is where you will find Angel investors at their most social. Find a way in and make the most of the opportunity.