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

Experience with IT, taken break from job market. Good with finance.

$10,000 to $100,000

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

We are Two Married CPA's.

$1 to $200,000

United States > Michigan

My Vice President role for a 100+ employee marketing agency and creative production studio has given me a unique perspective on what it takes to provide successful business management, strategic planning, operational support and team leadership to service the world’s largest companies and brands. As Vice President of Account Management, I created a completely new leadership and operational structure with an emphasis on service, quality and value. During my tenure, the account team grew from 6 to 14, sales doubled and the company experienced 6 of its most profitable years in history. In addition, I successfully began implementing a lean continuous improvement culture to reduce waste, speed training and improve quality. Recently parted from my agency, I am currently looking for new entrepreneurial investment opportunities and am committed to bringing continuous improvement to the operations of any organization.

$10,000 to $200,000

United States > Michigan

I have a masters degree in teaching. I co-founded an educational company. I work overseas as an educator. I am for looking opportunities to partner on rental complexes in the Orlando Florida area.

$10,000 to $500,000

United States > Michigan

I am a 31-year-old professional with 8 years of operations support as a Health & Safety Manager. I am currently studying Finance as part of the Full-Time MBA Program at Michigan State University. I am a Michigan-native seeking to invest in a Michigan company. I am interested in limited partnerships as well as full partnerships which require strategy and operations support from me. I am looking to invest between $5k-$50,000 in a high-growth industry with realistic exit opportunities. Additionally, I have access to 60 acres of agricultural land which is available as part of my offering.

$5,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

I have over 25 years of experience in investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, capital formation, venture capital and emerging company development. I began my investment- banking career in New York with the firm of Hornblower and Weeks. In 1974, I moved to Bache Stuart Halsey Inc. as vice-president of mergers and acquisitions. In 1979, I joined Asset Management Investments, a private venture capital firm, with $22 million under management. Since 1985, I have been involved with start-up companies, developing coherent and innovative financing strategies. He is an author and a frequent speaker for entrepreneurship forums and venture capital seminars. His experience as an entrepreneur/business owner, investment banker, and venture capitalist provides a unique and comprehensive perspective for VIP’s Portfolio investments and Investing Partners.

$500,000 to $5,000,000

United States > Michigan

Work in automotive industry. Looking to be an investor and partner.

$100,000 to $250,000