Getting Started:

• Use the check list as a motivational/organizational tool.
• Delegate different tasks to the partners.
• Research, research, research! Get real information from real sources! For example:
  • Contact businesses who you would rely upon for advertising, supplies, transportation, storage, production, etc..
  • Obtain quotes from these businesses (via email, fax, in person, or in your own writing along with a cited reference).
• The financial statements are challenging, so don't leave these to the last.
• The display should actually be the last thing you work on, as it must contain only current and accurate information.

Create a project binder which includes:

• the marking scheme and check list;
• pricing quotes for every asset and every expense;
• detailed findings from primary research, ie. survey results;
• detailed findings from secondary research;
• details of any interviews with managers from a similar businesses;
• financial projections (be realistic, don't be afraid to show a loss).

The Trade Show Display:

• create displays that grab attention;
• must be professional and attractive;
• should contain graphs, diagrams, pictures and some information (most detail should be contained in your project binder);
• graphs and charts are easier to use within a quick presentation than documents.

Give out:

• business cards (Create an email address (hotmail, etc) for your business card.);
• brochures;
• samples of product.

Reach Out:

• approach investors;
• be polite and professional;
• have a step by step plan of what you will go through when presenting to the investors;
• if you are making a product, then make an actual model or prototype;
• don't be afraid to create attention grabbing gimmicks (ie. Wear matching T-Shirts with your company Logo.)

A Final Word...

Do:
• Create a backup plan. Don't assume that every aspect of your business proposal will go perfectly to plan, be sure to plan in contingencies. In other words, show that you will be able to carry on operations even if you suffer from some very slow sales periods.
• Understand absolutely every aspect of your business.


Don't:

• Don't Rush your project.
• Don't be overly aggressive with the investors.
• Don't be offended if investors disagree with your proposal.
• Don't expect an investment right away. Investors usually wait until the end of the show to distribute their cheques.

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