Michigan Investment Network

Business Plan Tips

What Investors Are Looking For In A Plan

Investors, whether angels or VC's, are looking for the same things when reading a business plan. They want to know how big the opportunity is, whether this is the right team to exploit the opportunity, who the competition is, what the risks are, and why they can expect this team to implement successfully. Your job in writing the business plan is to address these questions convincingly and clearly.

Emphasize Your Real Strengths

Highlight what your team brings to the table. If your business hinges on a particular competency (for example, understanding the procurement process), your plan will be more persuasive if one of your team members knows something about it and that is brought out in your plan. Rather than including generic resumes of team members, tailor the resumes to draw out the experience each member has that will make him or her a valuable contributor.

Get To The Point And Make It Clear And Comprehensive

Investors see many business plans. A 20-page plan which clearly lays out your business is far more likely to be read than a 100 page plan. Today, some entrepreneurs are using a 15 slide Powerpoint presentation. If your text is short and punchy, you won't need to repeat yourself, because the reader won't be bogged down keeping ten chapters in their head. Reading the same thing over and over, even if it's in different words, can get really tiring. The more you use brevity and give each concept a single home in your document, the more people will want to read it.

Write In Plain English

If you can't explain your idea in English, either you don't understand what you're talking about (What is a transaction enabled atomic journaling database server, anyway?) or you haven't simplified the idea enough. Think, revise, and try again.

Get Rid Of The Hype

Yes, we know you will be the "premier insert product category here of the Internet, achieving 99% market penetration with 60% customer retention in 3 months". Your product will reach "new heights in customer experience through the use of personalization and one-to-one profiling and customization". It will be "user friendly" because you will be creating a truly "ecstatic customer experience". It is a "quantum leap forward" in the marketplace for product category here. Um, yeah. Believe me, we've read it before. About a dozen times today, in fact. (And by the way, the phrase "quantum leap" really doesn't mean anything.) Stick to a tight, simple explanation of your idea. Convince your reader you'll be the best because your idea is the best, not because you can string a dozen buzzwords together.

Use Quantifiable Information

In each section, back up your assertions with solid facts. Even if you are a new venture and cannot give specific figures on the performance of your business, quote figures for the industry or your competitors. These real figures carry more weight than your assumed projections and give more reality to your plan.

Choose A Huge Market

Especially in the internet world, investors are looking more at the market than at the detailed specifics of your financials. Choose a market that is big enough to be an obvious good opportunity. A business which targets teenage girls who listen to music and has a reasonable chance of capturing 90% of the girls that are online is a huge opportunity. A business which targets net-savvy SAAB mechanics who need prosthetic limbs is not.

Michigan Investors

United States > Michigan

Looking to invest and/or have an active role in a Michigan cannabis company. I am 45 years old, married with adult-age children living in northern Oakland county. I am a results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in the military and Fortune 100 space. My experience is in developing, monitoring, and managing large-scale sales and operational teams. Offering an array of experience in strategic vision implementation, business/financial acumen, talent acquisition and development, performance analysis, campaign management, marketing/advertising, and problem fixer. Proven ability to multi-task and yield results in high-intensity, dynamic environments while driving growth and focusing on customer service excellence. I hold an MBA from Walsh College and love the plant.

$50,000 to $150,000

United States > Michigan

I am 52 years old residing in Novi, MI. I grew up in a family business environment and have been lucky enough to operate businesses from start-up to $50 million in annual revenue. I have experiencing buying and selling companies as well as starting two franchise operations. I have worked in multiple industries including Healthcare, Training and Education, Staffing and Consulting, Software Sales and Training, and Management Consulting. I have worked with clients that ranged from small business to Fortune 100. I currently work as an advisor helping business owners create and implement execution strategies and tools to grow their businesses to the next level. I have a BBA from Western Michigan University. I am interested in both hands-on and advisory roles and investments could be placed as an individual or investment group.

$10,000 to $250,000

United States > Michigan

40 years old, currently VP of Sale at healthcare company. Responsibilities include multi-year growth strategy development and execution. Skilled in go-to-market strategy, company focus and goal setting, process improvement and sales strategy. Bachelors Degree. Experience investor. I have developed several playbooks including growth strategy, go-to-market, sales process and marketing staffing. Interest and advisory experience in Cannabis with several connections. Open to both silent but would prefer advisory and potentially hands on. Individual investor.

$500 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

My name is Philip. I am from Grand Rapids, MI. I have money set aside that I want to invest in the marijuana business. Whether that is a store or growing operation, I am eager to get in with a company and into this industry. I have a bachelor's degree in communications and natural resource management from Grand Valley State University. Ideally I would like to be involved in the business.

$0 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

I am a 49-year-old husband of 23 years and father of a college and high school student. We live in Oakland County, Michigan. I work full-time as a manager in the marketing industry and have my own side consulting business providing marketing, communications, copywriting and PR support. I have been investing in the market since I was 20 and am looking to diversify my profile with aspiring or existing entrepreneurs. I would not only be willing to provide money but can serve as a consultant and advisor as needed. I've thought about starting my own business but at this point in my career prefer to participate in this way. Would love to learn more about business ideas from professionals and entrepreneurs with a drive and passion! Let's chat and see if there's a fit.

$1 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

I am looking for active and passive investments, as well as opportunities for hands-on involvement in a business. Having served in various capacities in the healthcare industry for years, including most recently as an executive, I have a broad range of experience. I have my JD and MBA, and am admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan. I am quite open to the subject matter of the business to be involved with, but will look for something that I find attractive, holds sensible promise, and has honest, hardworking, and bright people involved.

$10,000 to $4,000,000

United States > Michigan

I am in the process of moving to Georgetown Texas having just sold my consulting firm in Michigan. I started a consulting business 14 years ago after retiring from teaching. The firm has greatly impacted education throughout the entire state of Michigan as the 9+ consultants have developed disruptive formats for educating students on a personalized level. My investments have been largely in technology and other sectors that are unique and unconventional. I hope to be involved in a hands-on, advisory capacity as an individual investor.

$5,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I am a 32 years old real estate professional. I have an undergrad degree in economics and a masters in finance from Georgetown University. I worked in capital markets for Fannie Mae for 7 years and lead a team that hedges a mortgage pipeline of $1.5B. I live in Northville Michigan with my wife. I am an avid outdoorsman who also played hockey my entire life.

$1,000 to $30,000