Investors I need your advice!

[sfattah]

Ladies and Gents,

First off, please forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong section. I am currently in the planning stage of starting a business, and I really can't go farther than planning and writing a solid business plan if I can't find any investors, so that is why I am here to see what you investors think!

So, I currently reside in Florida, and I am considering starting my own ammunition manufacturing business. Me and my partner both load our own personal ammo, so we do know what we are doing. This would be a start up, business not an expansion. I was thinking of starting off with your basic handgun/rifle rounds, and moving up to the more exotic rounds (eventually). Does anyone know where to start? What would I need to do to find investors?

Any help would be appreciated at the moment.

Thanks,
Sabri

[mcstartup]

You're going to need a presentation where you explain what's so great about the market you're going into, what your position in that market will be, and why you will be successful. Product and market positioning will be key to making the pitch up front, followed by an explanation of how you will get your product into the hands of customers (direct, mail order, retail partners, etc). Why one type of round over the other? Why would I buy yours and not just walk in to Walmart? How will I know you exist? These are the types of questions that immediately jump to mind.

Beyond market and sales strategy, the next question is how does an investor get paid back, when does that happen (based on your expectations), and how much do they get if/when things go well?

You might try a couple of my recent blog entries for further help:
• How to pitch investors
• Sources of funding for startups
• Friends and family investors

Good luck! I think you have a lot to think about before you're ready to make that investment pitch. Market positioning is not an easy thing to arrive at.

Jeff

[Neustance]

Completely agree with above. Try to look for that innovative factor that separates your business from all your competitors. If low prices and great services is all you offer you wont get much interest. They want to see your vision of your company, as something different and with lot of potential for growth.

Of course if your passionate about your business, then emphasize on that. It really depends, some investors only look for high profit forecasts while other look in your personality and start from there.

Either way, good luck and keep going!