X7 - What Do You Do? Answering This Question When Raising Money for Your Business Startup – Writing the Perfect Tagline

How do you answer the question what do you do when raising money for your business startup - tagline

One of the toughest things to answer when you own your own business is "What do you do?" 

In a previous post, I warned Remember, when someone asks you the question “what do you the fire hose? When someone asks you the question  Sips of water... It is a big mistake to try winging this. You need to have a script and a plan. The solution is having a tagline. This isn't an elevator pitch, but if it is well executed, it will lead to you giving elevator pitch.

What is a Tagline?

A Tagline describe the company in 50 characters or less. Simple English, no marketing jargon. It should provide a compelling sense of what we are doing and make people want to ask "How are you going to do that?"

If and when they ask this question, you have permission to go into your elevator pitch. If not, stop. They may ask again later. Maybe not during this exchange, but maybe another day, week, month, etc. Maybe a phone call. Maybe an email. Maybe never. This is critical. You don't want to be annoying. People don't invest in annoying.

If they don't ask you for more information, you are done. They may not be the right target. Your tagline may just need work.

Sips of water.

This is why a tagline is so important. It needs to spark interest. Your tagline should focus on a pain point of your customer, not necessarily the solution you are providing. The tagline needs to focus on something people will want.

Examples

It’s Amazing What Soup Can Do! - Campbell Soup
Simplifying home and life - Costco
Everything’s $1 - Dollar Tree
We bring good things to life - General Electric
Fuel Your Fire - Monster Beverage
Accelerating Financial Freedom Through Angel Investing - Omega Accelerator

Notice the difference between our tagline, Accelerating Financial Freedom Through Angel Investing, versus those of the billion-dollar companies listed. Our tagline needs to be more specific until we are a billion dollar company. This is simply due to the budgetary constraints of our marketing budget relative to the others.

Are you looking for funding for an idea or business, send us your stuff and we will take a look, Funding@OmegaSeedFund.com

Are you interested in investing time or money into any of our businesses, info@omegaseedfund.com

Are you interested in promoting your product or service to our audience, contact Opportunities@OmegaSeedFund.com

Disclaimer: This is only for informational and discussion purposes. This does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service. We are not offering any legal, investment, tax, or medical advice. 

Sources and Links
https://kopywritingkourse.com/company-slogans/
https://copywritingcourse.com/how-to-create-a-great-tagline/

https://medium.com/@zreitano/the-yc-application-broken-down-and-translated-e4c0f5235081
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rencarlton
https://rencarlton.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/RenCarlton
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmxQWgUDlPJo0IHCIa6SzrQ
https://omegalegacyacceleratorx.com/924-2/https://www.faceboyok.com/TheOmegaAccelerator/
https://www.instagram.com/omega.funding/
https://rencarlton.blogspot.com/2019/09/funding-session-with-ren-carlton.html

Funding Session with Ren Carlton

I, Ren Carlton, offer one-on-one funding sessions to help you find the funding you need for your business. These funding sessions are typically done via phone or Skype. These sessions include:
-Reviewing your investment materials
-Listening to your pitch
-Evaluating the investment opportunity
-Providing candid feedback
-Offering advice on how to find funding
-Register you in our funding opportunities database, if applicable

I will also consider investing in your business.

Unlimited follow-up meetings

After our initial funding session, you can pitch me again in the future as many times as you want without additional cost until you find funding.

I charge $750 for this service.

100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back

I also offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied, let me know within seven days of your evaluation and I will give a 100% refund.

Click Here to order your one-on-one funding session with me.

Are you interested in angel investing and helping us fund early-stage businesses? Email info@OmegaAccelerator.com. 

Sources and Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rencarlton
https://rencarlton.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/RenCarlton
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmxQWgUDlPJo0IHCIa6SzrQ
https://omegalegacyacceleratorx.com/924-2/https://www.facebook.com/TheOmegaAccelerator/
https://www.instagram.com/omega.funding/
https://rencarlton.blogspot.com/2019/09/funding-session-with-ren-carlton.html


Disclaimer: This does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service. We are not offering any legal, investment, tax, or medical advice. Please consult the appropriate professional before doing anything you learn from the content posted on any of our digital properties. All stories are based on true events, but are altered to protect the identity of the individuals involved.

Ren Carlton's Book - Profitpreneurship: Creating a Business that Produces Outstanding Financial Results

Whether a company is driven by sales, operations, or that app/widget that everyone must have, success is still measured by the bottom line: profits. In Profitpreneurship: Creating a Business that Produces Outstanding Financial Results, entrepreneur Ren J. Carlton shares his extensive knowledge about how to create a business and the steps that must be taken to guarantee its success. Topics covered in this book includes understanding the basics of business development and setting goals, budgets and the importance of dashboards, maximizing the potential of employees, smart financing, and accountability, Carlton's concept of Profitpreneurship makes sense...and results in higher profits. Founder of Dynamic Advisory Solutions (DAS), Carlton introduces his DAS Profit Process, developed by the author to guide companies toward financial growth. The result is a straightforward guide that explores every element pertaining to the expansion of a company's profitability.

Table of Contents – Profitpreneurship

Introduction Creating a Profit-Driven Business
Chapter 1 The Case for Profitpreneurship
Chapter 2 Budgeting – Setting Powerful Targets
Chapter 3 Dashboards – The Numbers That Drive Your Business
Chapter 4 Employee Scorecards – Maximizing Employee Performance
Chapter 5 Cooking the Books – Helping Your Business Shine
Chapter 6 Financing – Securing the Cash Your Business Needs
Chapter 7 Financial Management – Building Your Profit Team
Conclusion Time to Execute!

Click here to purchase your copy of Profitpreneurship today! 

Shark Tank, Y Combinator, And Other Business Accelerators: What Are Your Chances of Getting in?

New startups need to consider working with a business accelerator since they provides a means for a business to grow quickly.  According to Entreprenuer.com (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/271000), there are more than 170 accelerator programs in the U.S. which offer early-stage startups assistance, mentorship, and/or investment in exchange for equity and/or fees. 

However, getting into a business accelerator is not always easy.  Forbes Magazine has assessed, “Prestigious startup accelerators like Techstars and Y Combinator (YC) have a lower acceptance rate (only 1-2%) than Harvard (5%). (https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulinaguditch/2017/05/30/get-into-a-top-startup-accelerator/#147f68e1725f).” 

In the article entitled, “The Top Seven Startup Accelerators and What Makes Each Unique,” Entrepreneur.com takes on this trending issue.  According to Entreprenuer.com, “Y Combinator remains the largest and best accelerator in the nation, and they have an unparalleled global reputation in the tech world. The traits that set them apart are their incredible mentorship and capital network (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/300026).”

There is also 500 Startups.  "500 Startups is a seed and early stage venture capital fund, consisting of 4 major funds and 13 micro funds which have invested in startups in at least 60 countries. Funded startups include Udemy and Credit Karma. Exits have included sales to Google and Rakuten (https://www.forbes.com/sites/alejandrocremades/2018/08/07/top-10-startup-accelerators-based-on-successful-exits/#393f78734b3b).” It is a well-established accelerator that has well proven the many benefits of connecting with a startup accelerator.  Several of the companies that have successfully exited their program are now known “worldwide.” 

Then there is Shark Tank, the reality show in which entrepreneurs present their business idea on national television.  According to ABC news.com, the show has reinvigorated entrepreneurship in America.  Contestants pitch their ideas to “sharks in a tank” who are industry moguls that have already established their own empires.  Contestants pitch their business ideas in order to get the sharks to invest in their company.  When more than one of the sharks decides to invest, it can result in a bidding war, thereby increasing the investment.  The show represents a televised accelerator experience for business startups (https://www.cnbc.com/shark-tank/).

What are your chances of getting on Shark Tank?  45,000 people apply to get on the show every year. But less than one percent of applicants get to pitch their idea to the sharks — and of that group, only a handful actually make it on TV. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/17/5-tips-for-getting-on-shark-tank-from-people-who-have-done-it.html

Is it worth it?  According to Business Insider, Techstars has achieved a 90 percent overall success rate.  While “Y Combinator” also produces roughly about an 88 percent success rate.  This means at least this percentage of the companies they have worked with are still up and running or have been acquired by other businesses (https://www.businessinsider.com/why-hardly-any-techstars-companies-fail-2013-3).  In fact, just a few of the successful accelerator exits include Airbnb, Twilio and Classpass. 

This is one of the reasons I founded Omega Accelerator.  For more information on how to apply to our accelerator programs, visit http://omegaaccelerator.com/contact/ or email me at Ren@OmegaAccelerator.com

You can also contact me if you would like to advise or invest in our startups.

Finding a Lead Investor

What is a Lead Investor

Are you struggling to secure the funding you need to take your business to the next level?  Maybe you should you consider the benefits of finding a lead investor.  A lead investor is the first person to make an outside investment in your company (simplecrowdfunding.co.uk/help/faq/what-is-a-lead-investor).  They also take the lead by introducing your company to more potential investors.  Ideally, this produces a chain of investors that helps you meet your fundraising goals.

There are several reasons why it may be difficult for a start-up company to find investors.  In the article entitled, “25 Reasons Why I Will Not Invest in your Start-up,” Entreprenuer.com provides greater insight into this critical issue (entrepreneur.com/article/236999).  Reasons cited include, you have an inexperienced team, you cold-called me, you are way too early for my money, there aren't any other investors.  These objections can be overcome by finding a lead investor. 

You can click this link for help finding a lead investor for your business start-up, http://omegaaccelerator.com/contact/.

There are many benefits to becoming a lead investor.  Lead investors often enjoy a larger percentage of the profits than later investors.  They also may enjoy a seat on the board and have an active role in management (https://blog.funderbeam.com/faq_item/what-is-a-lead-investor-and-how-do-i-become-one/).  These investors may also negotiate special perks, such as exclusive vendor/customer relationships, networking opportunities, employment, etc.

Click this link to subscribe to our newsletter and learn about lead investor opportunities, http://omegaaccelerator.com/.

Here are some quick tips for finding your lead investor

• Strong MVP
• Compelling 1-page executive summary
• Don't worry about the valuation until later
• Network
• Pitch friends and family first
• Put some of your own money in the company
• Make traction
• Market like crazy
• Be persistent, not annoying
• Enjoy the process

Sagoon, a Gateway to Connect, Share and Earn

Sagoon Inc.- Ecommerce, Social Media, https://www.sagoon.com/ - Woodbridge, VA - Sagoon is a social commerce platform that enables people of all ages to Connect, Share and Earn. It allows users to build a true connection, share useful experiences, and earn while socializing.

Social media has become a steady influence in our everyday lives, with 2.8 billion people across the globe now using at least one network. E-commerce is no different, as we’re now able to shop from anywhere, at any time, on any device, bringing a world of products to our fingertips.  However, what’s missing until now is a platform where users can both communicate socially and shop - and be rewarded for doing so. Sagoon was founded to fulfil this growing demand.

The team includes:

- Govinda Giri: Founder/CEO - 12 years of experience as a system engineer in the US Army at Pentagon, 10 years of experience in product design and development

- Swati Dayal: Co-Founder/Director - Operation head/Lead product design and development, • 10 years of experience in web and mobile product design and development

- Kabin Sitoula: Co-Founder - 20 years of experience in finance and marketing

Read what people are saying...

"Their business model appears ready for expansion or acquisition."

"Sagoon shows great potential for hitting it’s predicted growth trajectories as its short but rapid expansion has proven there is a need for a combination social platform for buying, earning and networking all in one."

"I like the fact that the key team is comprised of members with various backgrounds and experience. They have a clear vision of the future of social networking, growth of E-commerce, implications of globalization, and the positive impact of financial incentives."

For more information, contact me at Ren@OmegaAccelerator.com

Lonerider Distillery, Spirits for Outlaws

Lonerider Distillery - Food and Beverages, https://loneriderbeer.com/ - Raleigh, NC, USA - Lonerider Brewery has built a distribution system by forging relationships over eight years.  Lonerider Distillery will utilize this system and create high quality spirits to sell within this distribution footprint. The Lonerider brand of beer stands for quality and using the branding for the liquor will help with brand awareness and grow the brand faster nationwide and also internationally.

Small distillers need to age whiskey that has to sit in barrels for two to three years before they can sell that whiskey as super-premium spirits. This limits their growth and speed they can get their liquor to market. Also, small distillers do not have large distribution channels to distribute their product once these spirits are ready to be sold. This leads to high prices for quality whiskey with a limited product line.

The team includes:

Chris Mielke (President): 20 years in large scale operations management. Researched practices at over 50 US distilleries.

Sumit Vohra (Chairman): Founder of the Lonerider Brewery, entrepreneurial advisor and investor.

Read what people are saying...

"I like their model, I like their leadership. They are already operating and have a distribution plan which includes 10 states and 2 countries (UK & Netherlands) Steady growing social media."

"Lonerider Brewery is making new waves in a continuously growing market which has a rate of 141% on the Super Premium end of whiskey, and an impressive 25% on the more average end. Although Lonerider is breaking in to the whiskey business, their more predominant market of craft beer is expecting an 8% growth in the coming years. The team seeks to bring their expertise and passion into the world of spirits with signature recipes and take on market head on."

"I like the fact Lonerider has used its unique branding to tap into the growing market of high quality craft whiskey and bourbon. This market is trending towards that of the craft beer boom which has enjoyed a well-known expansion and popularity throughout not just the United States but also the world."

For more information, contact me at Ren@OmegaAccelerator.com

LeaderLync, Enabling Student Success by Developing Their Interpersonal and Leadership Skills

LeaderLync - Social Education, EdTech, http://www.leaderlync.com/ - Gainesville, FL, USA

LeaderLync is a mobile platform that enables student success in the innovation economy by guiding them to develop their interpersonal and leadership skills.

Even with a $100B market for HR assessment tools and lots of competition using AI and predictive analysis, employees are not happy, women are not mentored, student debt keeps growing, and graduates do not have skills companies need. LeaderLync redefines leadership and human capital by helping connect students to diverse career pathways. Our research-based leadership index is like a financial confidence index for leadership and helps students to identify, develop, and connect their interpersonal and leadership skills with diverse career pathways.

Leaderlync is a skills-logging and tracking mobile application. Skills seekers are encouraged by an AI assistant to identify, develop, and improve their leadership and interpersonal skills.

The Team Includes:

Anita Anantharam, CEO

Yolie Olavarria, Partnerships, Relationships, Mindfulness

Duncan Kabinu, Architect, Engineer

Laura Guyer, Health Disparities Learning Officer

Read what people are saying about LeaderLync

"I like that the business is focused on the needs of the current student. Skill sets are often overlooked in the academic environment. If you have the right skill sets, good-for-you, if not, you're on your own; this is the way most institutions function. LeaderLync has addressed this problem by offering a simple solution to help students overcome such hurdles."

"I also believe this app’s ability to streamline the process of connecting qualified workers and employers will carve a deep niche within the workforce for generations to come."

For more information about LeaderLync, contact me at www.OmegaAccelerator.com

#1 MFS - Raising Money for a Business Startup - Introduction

I have decided to document my journey of trying to raise money for a business startup.

The goal is to give you an unfiltered look at what it is really like to raise money for a new business

This is going to be 100% real, so there is a possibility that this it will not be successful

I have raised startup money in the past, but normally the process is not done in public, so I am not sure if broadcasting this journey will help or hurt the fundraising process.

I plan on publishing at least once per week.  Feel free to contact me with any questions, ideas, or comments.  I also ask that you share this with anyone you know that is interested in raising money for a business startup.

Want more?

You can watch the videos and subscribe to my YouTube channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmxQWgUDlPJo0IHCIa6SzrQ

Questions or comments?

​Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rencarlton

Twitter: @RenCarlton

IG: rencarlton