Daymond John here.
In the world of angel investing, reputation is key.
A good reputation can help you source world class deal flow, build out a market crushing portfolio, and rake in potentially life changing returns on your investments.
And ultimately, having a great reputation can help you land just about whatever deal you want.
But what does it take to have a good reputation in startup-land? Let’s talk about it.
To start, you’ve got to know how to network. Because the truth is, it’s all about who you know.
Good deals can come from just about anywhere, and the more people you have in your circle, the more chances you’ll have at hitting an angel investing home run.
It all depends on your brand. Your brand is what separates you from the pack, what convinces entrepreneurs they want you on their team, and what makes them want to keep inviting you back to invest time and time again.
But your brand doesn’t have to be about throwing on a fancy suit and sipping cocktails with the world’s angel investing elite. You can start building your network and getting your name out there, no matter who you are.
Now, we’ve talked about branding before here. I told you all about how my first ever angel investor was my mom, who worked hard to make sure I had what I needed to achieve my vision.
We also talked about how offering value, connecting with your angel investor community, and keeping up to date with the latest startup news can kick your deal flow up a massive notch.
But there’s one thing we haven’t touched on yet… and in my opinion, it’s just as important.
The single best way to keep your reputation in the clear and attract more (and better) deal flow is to listen. Listening is the single best way to help out your entrepreneurs, and it’s the best way to be your startup’s favorite investor… one that the founders will likely turn to again in their next venture.
What are your company’s challenges? What do they need? And of course, how can you help in a way that’s valuable… but not overly pushy?
I firmly believe that you can be a mentor to a startup, no matter how much money you’ve invested into a company. Use your time and your resources to help pay it forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Anyone with that kind of drive – entrepreneur and investor alike – can create change, execute a vision, and become wealthy.
I know because I did it. And I’m here to help you do the same.
It all starts with developing your brand. So right now, here’s what you need to do:
That’s all from me for today, but I’ll be in touch next week. Remember to leave me a comment, say what’s up, and let me know if there’s anything you want to hear from me over the next few days and weeks.
Talk soon,
Daymond John
In the world of angel investing, reputation is key.
A good reputation can help you source world class deal flow, build out a market crushing portfolio, and rake in potentially life changing returns on your investments.
And ultimately, having a great reputation can help you land just about whatever deal you want.
But what does it take to have a good reputation in startup-land? Let’s talk about it.
To start, you’ve got to know how to network. Because the truth is, it’s all about who you know.
Good deals can come from just about anywhere, and the more people you have in your circle, the more chances you’ll have at hitting an angel investing home run.
It all depends on your brand. Your brand is what separates you from the pack, what convinces entrepreneurs they want you on their team, and what makes them want to keep inviting you back to invest time and time again.
But your brand doesn’t have to be about throwing on a fancy suit and sipping cocktails with the world’s angel investing elite. You can start building your network and getting your name out there, no matter who you are.
Now, we’ve talked about branding before here. I told you all about how my first ever angel investor was my mom, who worked hard to make sure I had what I needed to achieve my vision.
We also talked about how offering value, connecting with your angel investor community, and keeping up to date with the latest startup news can kick your deal flow up a massive notch.
But there’s one thing we haven’t touched on yet… and in my opinion, it’s just as important.
The single best way to keep your reputation in the clear and attract more (and better) deal flow is to listen. Listening is the single best way to help out your entrepreneurs, and it’s the best way to be your startup’s favorite investor… one that the founders will likely turn to again in their next venture.
What are your company’s challenges? What do they need? And of course, how can you help in a way that’s valuable… but not overly pushy?
I firmly believe that you can be a mentor to a startup, no matter how much money you’ve invested into a company. Use your time and your resources to help pay it forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Anyone with that kind of drive – entrepreneur and investor alike – can create change, execute a vision, and become wealthy.
I know because I did it. And I’m here to help you do the same.
It all starts with developing your brand. So right now, here’s what you need to do:
- Think about who you are, and what you can bring to the startup table. And try to sum it up in 3-5 words.
- Listen to your portfolio founders and ask them how you can be the most help.
- And of course, make that connection last. There’s value in the relationship between a startup company and its angel investors… and that relationship can be your single best source of wealth as you progress in your angel investing journey.
That’s all from me for today, but I’ll be in touch next week. Remember to leave me a comment, say what’s up, and let me know if there’s anything you want to hear from me over the next few days and weeks.
Talk soon,
Daymond John
Follow @angelsandentrepreneurs
Eager to promote innovation
Sup D! Question. What is the fee for an Angel Investor when a company goes public in order to make an “exit?”