Potential investors and partners are often more interested in an entrepreneur as a person than in the business plan. That document is important, but be sure to also show these three characteristics:
- Passion and purpose. Investors want to know if you’re the right person for this idea. Make your personal connection to the business you’re launching clear.
- Resilience. The road to building a business is full of speed bumps. Share some failure stories to show you can bounce back from challenges.
- Resource magnetism. Can you attract money, people, and other resources? This is more important than charisma. Whether or not you have a thousand-watt smile, you need to be able to persuade people to join your cause.
Adapted from “Entrepreneurs: You’re More Important Than Your Business Plan” by Rich Leimsider and Cheryl Dorsey.
