Initial fundraising is tough and requires perseverance. It also may be the source of unforeseen opportunity that must be seized.
One of my happiest memories of Net2000 was the day we were making a pitch to George Mason Bank (later bought by United Bank). We were at their headquarters location in Fairfax, Virginia and were meeting with Kevin DeCoste, an officer and EVP of the bank.
We had begun to present our multi-slide, omni-color PowerPoint describing why our business idea was so good and why they should lend money to us. Part-way through the presentation -- way prior to our closing slides -- Kevin said, "Stop, can you help us?"
It took a few seconds to register but we all looked at each other and realized we had our first prospect. We had done such a good job detailing the client problem(s) that Net2000 would solve that our (future) banker recognized the issues of his own organization.
Two weeks later we were meeting the entire board and presenting the very first Net2000 proposal. We were so convincing that both our business loan application was approved and we landed our first client! We understood that it is critical to be alert and seize every opportunity!!
