Once upon a time, there was a lonely blog – it was a nearly empty page on the internet, little more than a smiley face welcoming visitors to its little postage stamp sized space in the ether.

Then that postage stamp grew as its owner wrote more and more, until it changed from being completely and utterly insignificant and it became merely….um…if I’m honest…just ‘insignificant” – whew! Progress.

And that’s the story of, I would guess, 50% of all blogs out there – the other 49% didn’t even bother to write more and more…

Blogging is a nice idea, you create the presence, maybe you even write a few articles and when, the flood doesn’t come crashing down the virtual door…more often than not, the blog gets left to wither and die before it even really lives.

Isn’t that a little sad? Doesn’t it tell us that we need to persevere in life if we are to create ANYTHING of value? humm….

Andrew – Is there a way to change that dynamic?

No – there isn’t A Way…I believe there are a combination of ‘Ways’ – some internal and some external.

Huh? Internal and external? Could you be any less clear Andrew (Sarcastic tone dripping…)

Alright subconscious – let me explain -

Internal ways are those things you need to do within yourself…

• You need to ‘Commit’ to blogging daily or every other day for six months…
• You need to not just blog regularly but you must commit to trying not to blog about what you did last night in front of the television -
• You need, more than anything, to make it useful, interesting and valuable for your readers.
• And You need to be thinking often about how you can improve your blogs presence externally….

Which brings me to the external…

What is a blog?

It’s a collection of words and ideas, right?

Well, not exactly – its information – and information can and should be packaged so it can be consumed by the people who need that information, when they need it.

Let me show you what I mean…

The Blog Evolution / Revolution:
Day 1: There was ‘Blog’ – a written page
Day 2: Then there was Blog + Podcast (Audio – download and streamed)
Day 3: Then there was Blog + Podcast + Videocast
Day 4: Then there was Blog + Podcast + Videocast and mini- or real time blogging  (Twitter)
Day 4: Then there was BlogTalkRadio and Blogs on itunes and more

Now for all those blogging experts out there (hey – thanks for reading my blog post – I’m flattered! ) – Yes, I know that that’s not the sequence but I’m trying to make a point here…

THE POINT: Blogging isn’t just about writing great content any more…you have to be thinking about how your information digesters want to consume your information and make it available (making sure it references your blog wherever the information appears).

So consider – Do they want to read it? Do they want to listen to it? Watch it? Read an excerpt on twitter? How?

So what does any of this have to do with a “Virtuous Circle”?

A virtuous circle is a term I’m using to explain how each element of your Blog Strategy works together to create more and more momentum…and momentum can be used to create a following, a mailing list, and an intimacy with your digesters so they can tell you what they want ongoing…so you can provide even better content via your blog, via podcasting, via YouTube, via Twitter, Via iTunes…so you can create momentum, continue to build your list, connect with your….you get the idea right?

Stop there Andrew…back-up…

Blog Strategy? Er…how do I get one of those…

How? By spending some of that daily blog time on extending the reach of your blog information – And I’m not talking about link sharing here, the days when you can just focus on sharing links are longggggg gone….

No – What I’m talking about is extending and expanding the ways that your ‘customers’ can ‘CONSUME’ your information.

For example – Some elements within my Blog Strategy…

Content:
1) An attractive blog
2) Develop a strong foundation of value added content
3) Create podcasts
4) Create video

Ways to Consume:

1. Blog (http://www.AndrewIve.com / http://www.TheFundingGuru.com )
2. RSS (http://feeds.feedburner.com/AndrewIve- with all the bells and whistles)
3. Twitter (http://twitter.com/TheFundingGuru)
4. Andrew Ive iTunes channel (Search: Andrew Ive)
5. YouTube: (http://www.youtube.com/user/andrewive)
6. BlogTalkRadio – check it out!

And how do you take all of that and create a Virtuous Circle?

By bringing people back to your blog at every opportunity, continuously creating valuable and powerful content and pushing out so it can be consumed in multiple formats. And do it all over again, every day…

Creating a postage stamp in the ether is still an option but you’d be better writing yourself a postcard and putting an actual stamp on it and mailing it to yourself – than at least two people will read what you’re writing – you and the postman!

Now where can you find out about the tactical elements of a lot of the above?

I’d recommend Yaro’s blog – and here’s a link to some ‘must do’s’ for those wanting to take a look at podcasting for example:

Seven Secrets of Podcasting

If you would like to be kept updated about postings – Sign up to my mailing list. I NEVER sell or share your contacts with anyone. Period!

Here’s to Your Success!

Andrew

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What are you trying to achieve when you meet with VCs?

You may think it’s to close in on a, let’s say, a $3million dollar investment for example and you should always keep the goal in mind but there are stages when building the relationship. You need to recognized them and make sure you are delivering at each step of what I call “The Stages of Captivation”.

Why do I call it that? Because that is exactly what you are trying to do – you are trying to captivate a VC at each stage of your interaction – from the first communication all the way through to term sheets and a deal. Why?

Because you are trying to establish and build a relationship with a VC – you are trying to attract them and encourage them to want to build something great with you – it is not about the cash, it is not short term and is not a loan – it’s a relationship so you can create something worthy of both their and your efforts.

So what is the First Stage of Captivation – The Hook

Before you even get through the door…you need to hook them.

How do you do that?

By making yourself look attractive.

Most often that first touch with a VC will be from your initial introductory email or executive summary.

Now be careful – with these two tools you are NOT trying to get your entire life story into as small a space as possible – you are trying to do just what I said before “You want to Hook them”. In other words, you are trying to entice them – to wet their appetites just enough that they want to meet you.

So, focus on the business opportunity and in particular, the size of the opportunity i.e. the upside if you manage to create a company which delivers on your expectations but a note of caution – try not to use to much hyperbole – keep the fact that you are about to change the world to yourself for the moment, instead cover the industry you are focused on, the business you want to build, why you are the right team to build it – If you cover those elements I would consider stopping there – with one added element –

If you are reaching out to a few VCs (and you should) – you should consider mentioning this point within your initial pitch – Why?

Because it’s human nature –

If you are attractive and popular with others then you’ll be more attractive and popular with these VCs.

And aside from the psychology of it – VCs want to find out about attractive opportunities before their VC competition – so consider briefly mentioning “We are meeting with a select group of VCs in Sand Hill Road” for example, suggests there may be interest from other VCs too – You have begun to create an ‘Impetus for Investment Action’.

…and because of it they will be more compelled to consider your opportunity and act themselves.

So – and let me make this point very clearly – one element of the hook is to suggest interest from their competition – Why? So you can create momentum.

What do I mean?

You want them to want you. And what will create that impulse?

A great initial hook, competition and a closing window of opportunity.

Throughout the process – at the start and all the way through – subtly mention that others are also interested in your opportunity. Capitalize on human nature – being confident and showing a certain demand is critical. A note of caution – there are not many bullets in this gun – do not try to suggest competition over and over again – use those few bullets selectively and wisely.

So – that covers the First Stage of Captivation – The Hook.

I’ll cover the second stage on the next podcast.

Until then – remember establishing a relationship with a VC is a two way relationship – Always keep in the back of your mind “what can they bring to the party aside from cash? Do you like these guys? Do you trust these Guys?”

So – Thank you for listening.

Please go along to AndrewIve.com to sign up for my mailing list and get update when other Podcasts and postings are available.

Here’s to YOUR Start-Up Success!

Andrew

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When its time for you to go out there and raise thousands or millions for your business – you’ll probably want to talk with VCs (or Venture Capitalists). If you’ve never done it before then it can be intimidating – even if you have the beginnings of the best business on the planet. 

To help you, I recorded a brief overview of what VCs are, some of their key motivations and some invaluable tips that could move you closer to raising millions for your business.

Take a listen and if you have any questions or would like me to go deeper into a particular element of this overview – post in my comments section and I’ll be happy to reply.

If you’d like more tips and thoughts that could help you and your business – consider joining my mailing list and get my free “Start-Ups Launch Blueprint” today.

Here’s to YOUR Start-Up Success!

Andrew

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I have been following the blog postings of Yaro Starak for quite some time – I would say I was a big fan if it wouldn’t sound too hokey! Dammit! It slipped out..oh, well, it’s out there now. Gulp!

So who is Yaro and why am I a fan?

Well, Yaro can do a much better job of telling you who he is – in fact, that’s one of Yaro’s things, he’s open about who he is and what his motivations are – he’s a refreshingly regular guy that has worked every day for the last four years plus to learn and navigated his way through and over the hurdles of building a business on the internet within the blogging community. Yaro is slowly and surely deploying those lessons to grow his business and help others do the same.

I would really check out his blog – it’s got some great information if you are interested in building a blog, traffic or online business (or all three at once) but one point that Yaro made which resonated more than any other for me was to think about how you can create value in your blogs – don’t go out there trying to make money from day 1 but focus instead on giving your readers (even if there are only five of them ) a reason to keep coming back, give them VALUE!

For that reason, I thought I would create a blueprint showing people how they can create a company for under $87. Why?

Because you can go online and spend anything from $$$ to start your own business if you use a lawyer or an online service (assuming they do a good job?) and many people starting companies for the first time will think that the only way to do it — mainly because they’ve never done it before and setting up a company sounds daunting and complicated. Let’s face it – anything you’ve never done before often sounds daunting and complicated but after you’ve done it a few times — easy!

So, the “Start-Up Launch Blueprint” brings a number of resources together to help the first time entrepreneur to start their own company, simply and with little fuss.  I also included access to a number of free resources such as online books to help entrepreneurs determine what kind of company – LLC or Corporation — the pros and cons of both; finding a good accountant; attorney; bank; licenses and permits requirements and other key elements necessary to successfully start a business.

 If you are interested in Starting Your Own Business – read “Start Your Company for under $87 Bucks – A “Start-Up Launch Blueprint”

And how do you get a copy?

Well, for a short time only, I’m giving it away FREE if you sign up to my mailing list.  I don’t want the ‘ad’ for this blueprint to clog up my blog for long, so I can’t guarantee, if you don’t get it today, that you’ll be able to get it tomorrow.

So, sign up to my mailing list and get “Start Your Company for under $87 Bucks – A “Start-Up Launch Blueprint’ NOW!”

Thanks Yaro and thanks reader!

Andrew

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I just read an article about a thirteen year old boy who started an online business - he’s basically setup a wordpress blogging platform and created an environment for people with a ‘Scottish’ heritage to join together.

Is it tough to set up a wordpress blog? Absolutely not – it takes, from start to finish, probably about 30 minutes but that’s not the point – the point is, the barriers you believe are stopping you from starting your own business are more inside your head than in reality, especially if you consider starting small and growing it over time.

Now, in fairness, I don’t know what this kid being thirteen has to do with anything – except that starting a business is first and foremost a ‘mindset’ thing which may (?) be rare in thirteen year olds…

But given the shaky economy – its an ideal time to start pursuing your dream to start a business, whatever your age.

Here’s the article:

http://uk.techcrunch.com/2009/01/05/if-a-13-year-old-can-launch-a-startup-you-have-no-excuse/

Let me know what you think and consider joining my mailing list if you would like more.

Here’s to your Start-Up Success!

Andrew

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