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

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

Single male, located in Michigan. Currently work as a Firefighter and have experience in public service, transportation management, property management, and am a self taught home renovator. Hoping to collaborate on new business venture - open to explore many industries. Looking to serve day to day or as needed - silent partner is optional. Would prefer to be hands-on and have a mentor or someone willing to teach the ropes of the business.

$5,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I am a married 71-year-old retired male. I have spent 45 years running my own business and have invested with partners in various other business. I have been involved in real-estate investments, automotive repair, boat dealership, restaurant and home and business rentals. I am looking for an investment with minor involvement to keep me engaged during my retirement.

$5,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

38 year old female in the Title industry. I’m looking for investment opportunities to provide financial independence and security. I want to diversify my portfolio. I would like to be a silent partner or partner to learn more on investing.

$1,000 to $40,000

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

United States > Michigan

CFO and minority shareholder of a family owned manufacturing business in Jackson, Michigan. Very interested in cash flowing and tax advantaged investments. I invest for myself, my family, and on behalf of an investor network. Experience with acquisitions of operating companies and real estate.

$25,000 to $250,000

United States > Michigan

Metro Detroit investor looking to grow portfolio with successful entrepreneurs. Business owner in food and beverage industry and operations experience. Willing to consider both silent or advisory roles.

$1 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

Physician located in the Michigan. Currently invested in multiple real estate projects, clinics and three restaurants.

$10,000 to $300,000