Ohio 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.

Ohio Investors

United States > Ohio

I am a 67 year old retired man, married 47 years. Worked in positions of increasing responsibility in manufacturing for my entire career. Extensive domestic and international experience in all aspects of setting up and running both high volume, repetitive and large capital equipment manufacturing operations. Recently retired from full time work, but looking to stay active and help build manufacturing operations. Located in NE Ohio.

$10,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

33yo single father based in Dublin, OH. BS in Finance; MS in Accounting Diverse background in retail operations/project management Most experience in securities with 35% return. Looking to expand and support locally (preferably). Ultimately looking to transition to managing investments full time within the next 5 years. Join me! Not only is investing a passion of mine, but so is elevating others. With that being said, my involvement can be based upon what you/the business demands.

$1,000 to $20,000

United States > Ohio

45 year old. Married with 4 kids. Owned businesses since 21 years old.

$20,000 to $200,000

United States > Ohio

Army veteran. Degree in marketing and masters in public relations. Entrepreneur who has started several businesses. Individual investor.

$1,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

Experienced Senior Manager of Project Management with a demonstrated history of working in the medical device industry. Individual investor.

$10,000 to $40,000

United States > Ohio

35 year old technology/software product manager making six figure salary in Columbus, Ohio. Previous experience in management and technology consulting and finance. MBA and a Bsc in Finance.

$10,000 to $50,000

United States > Ohio

Handw on or silent partner, experience in property management, owner operator of vacation rentals, RN. Looking to invest in the right fit and opportunity.

$5,000 to $200,000

United States > Ohio

I am looking to provide working capital and assistance with starting a new business. I am married and I reside in Columbus, Ohio and I am willing to consider opportunities throughout the United States. I have a Bachelors Degree in Economics and a Masters Degree in Data Science. I am available as a silent investor or I can assist with general licensing, accounting, web site design, marketing, etc. look forward to hearing your investment ideas.

$10,000 to $50,000