Course Objective

To understand how to use LinkedIn to find investors that are appropriate for your business.

Key Learning Outcomes

● Build a robust LinkedIn profile● Know how to find investors● Understand how to use LinkedIn groups● Use LinkedIn as a thought leadership

megaphone

LinkedIn is:● A great way to find investors and influencers● A way to find commonality● A way to keep track of people after they

change jobs● A forum to demonstrate that you are a

thought leader in your industry

Why LinkedIn is Important

Unprecedented Access to People

● Investment bankers and third party finders were able to charge a premium because of their rolodex. The value of that premium has decreased because you can find the same people they know.

● Real investors want to be found● It is not just investors it is also influencers● Don't waste time with the wrong people

● 67% of LinkedIn users are between the age of 35 and 54 years old

● 39% of users have senior titles● 40% of users reside in the US● 10% of users are business owners● The finance industry has the second highest

concentration of users● Entrepreneurs have the highest

concentration of individual users

Why Use LinkedIn?

Building a Robust LinkedIN Profile

● Quality Picture● Use headline to show industry Passion ● Customize your name● Description about

yourself/passions/capabilities. ● Arrange sections to best position yourself● Make sure to include skills● Customize your "canned" LinkedIn requests

Upgrade to LinkedIn Premium?

When:● If you are fund raising● If you are active in business development● If influencers can help grow your businessWhy:● Great way to see who is viewing your profile● Keep notes on people

Who to connect with?

Establish a parameter that works for you:1. LinkIn with Anyone2. LinkIn with only people you have met3. LinkIn with only people you really "know"factors● You can send someone an InMail

without being LinkedIn with them...● There is a certain social standing with

500+ connections...

Integrate LinkedIn to Workflow

● Spend 15 minutes every day● Send personal message for invitations● Share your content, thought leadership and

what you find interesting● Interesting learning opportunity

● Hacking Existing Connections● Searching

○ By title○ By location○ By company/industry

● Building a list of investors and influencers○ Use a CRM○ If you aren't already using a CRM use a CRM!

Finding Investors

Eliminating Investors

Don't waste your time educating people who don't understand your industry

Opening Conversations

● Do NOT ask for MONEY!!!!● Find Commonality● Ask for small increments of time

○ Share thoughts on industry○ Ask for validation of an idea/opportunity

Action Plan● Establish robust Profile

○ Complete profile○ Speak to personal passions○ Brand "You"

● Integrate LinkedIn into Workflow○ LinkIn with people after meetings○ Interact with the people via the platform

● Publish Thought Leadership ○ Link to published articles○ Link to videos○ These will break down barriers with cold

connections