When you have a great idea and no capital to make it a reality, reach for the skies and you just may reach an angel, investor. Angel Investors are out there and not only are you looking for them, they are looking for you. Jeff Sloan and Norm Pappas spent the hour discussing what is angel investing and how to find these investors for your business. In studio were special guests David Weaver and Brad Oleshansky.
The average angel investor is always looking for the next big idea or just looking for a solid business plan from someone who needs a break and could provide a solid ROI. You need them, they want you now where do you find these “Angels”? According to Brad, it’s all a numbers game. The more people you talk to, the better your chances of catching that angel. So, brush up on your elevator pitch and start talking to friends and family. Then join networking groups, attend trade shows. Many more examples were given, click on the link below to hear the show.
David told us what to expect from an Angel Investor. They are looking to help the small business man or inventor to get their product to market and act as their mentor – a person to go to for advice and business connections. They are typically not looking to buy your company nor take control of it. They want you to run it with minimal time and effort on their part. When you succeed, they succeed. And they feel good knowing they helped someone’s dream come true.
Jeff’s Takeaway:
“So, the bottom line is………..There are people out there willing to help you make your business dream a reality. Make sure your business plan is in top shape, practice your elevator pitch and most of all be confident. Angel Investors invest in people. If you believe in you and project confidence, they too will believe in you. In addition to the tips that our guests provided, listen to our September 6, 2014 show which covered Personal Branding – the art of selling you. Then listen to David, Brad and Norm tell you how your personal branding can attract an Angel Investor
If you follow the advice given by David, Brad and Norm , we’ll likely be featuring your story on a future edition of StartupNation Radio.”
Our Guests:
David Weaver – David Weaver has over 30 years of senior management experience, including serving as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Somanetics – from its incubator stage through IPO and NASDAQ listing. Mr. Weaver has negotiated numerous corporate partnerships, consistently expanded corporate growth and business development, and guided development of medical products through successful launch. He is also the Chairman of Great Lakes Angels and a founding member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, and has worked with many start-ups in the life-science space in various capacities to formulate business models and implement strategy. Recently, Mr. Weaver served as an Executive-in-Residence for the Pittsburg Life Sciences Greenhouse, and he remains the principal consultant and President of Aimattech Consulting, LLC. He joined Blaze in 2010.
Brad Oleshansky – Mr. Brad Oleshansky served as Chief Operating Officer of Big Communications from 2004 to 2008 and later became its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Oleshansky led all aspects of Big Communications business, including strategic planning, finance, business development, legal and operations. Mr. Oleshansky left Big Communications in December 2012. He worked at law firm Lowy & Zucker and subsequently as In-House Counsel at several companies, representing clients in the entertainment, licensing, and. He also spent two years as Vice President of Business Affairs at Game Show Network, where he was responsible for structuring all business relationships and developing ancillary revenue opportunities. He serves as Member of Advisory Board at Huron River Venture Partners. Mr. Oleshansky is on the advisory boards of Ditto Labs, Inc., First Sense Medical, LLC, VitaPerk LLC and Pitch, Inc. He is also a board member and of ORT Michigan. He is an entrepreneur and corporate attorney with a demonstrated track record in executive level leadership positions. He was honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for Michigan & Northwest Ohio in 2012. Mr. Oleshansky is a graduate of Ithaca College and Southwestern University School of Law.
