What was that again?
Investment groups and serious investors review many proposals, most of which do not make it past the initial screening due to poorly written communication. When your proposal is in the mix of those being considered, there will be many questions the investment group will address internally through discussions and the comparison of different opportunities. Invariably the investor will seek a refresher or reminder about a certain aspect of the investment opportunity you presented.
Potential stakeholders or partners are also busy evaluating multiple opportunities. Understanding their internal process, which they rarely reveal, is critical to your success.
If the investor group can not quickly get an answer to internal questions from a review of your documents, your proposal may get shelved. Investor groups rarely have time to call you back for clarification on items that may boost your standing in their mindset – they must easily be able to get their answers with what you leave behind. Keep in mind, investors are continually looking for reasons to say “No.”
Solution
The organization of the materials provided to investors or potential stakeholders is critical. Overall the materials need to make it easy for re-referencing when you are not there to explain the answer to their question. Most sections of the materials need to be able to stand on their own and not assume the reader just read the whole document and completely understood it in one sitting. In certain parts of the documents, referencing other sections is important, while other critical explanations need to reiterate important components in order for a section to stand on its own and inform the investor or potential stakeholder in a complete manner.
There are different mindsets of investors and potential stakeholders, and each need to be addressed in materials. When done adequately, the materials you provide will promote a fruitful discussion of your proposal, and provide answers to the most critical issues.
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