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Raising Cash on Twitter - Personal Branding Tips(4-min read)
Welcome to 2024. A Personal Brand will make your life easier in many ways, including raising capital.
Last week, I received an investor deck from someone I met on Twitter(X). This week, according to an email I received, the offer has been completely subscribed (at $50k min contributions). He claims the ~$6mm was raised mostly from followers on Twitter.
People are actively using Twitter, and I presume LinkedIn, to raise capital. And they are raising it.
The pressing question arises: how can you trust someone on social media? In the case of the entrepreneur I mentioned earlier, he has over 80k followers who seem to trust him quite a lot.
That, my friends, is a personal brand.
I Love Change.
Transitioning from a background of raising capital over steak dinners and bourbon, this shift is refreshing. It is quickly becoming the new standard.
To state the obvious: A strong brand provides leverage. It unlocks doors to new opportunities, networks, and valuable partnerships.
So, let’s delve into personal branding and its relevance to entrepreneurs seeking capital.
Understanding Branding
Set aside logos and color schemes for now. Your personal brand revolves around providing social proof. This is the testament that you know what you're discussing and that you've accomplished what you claim.
Is it about flaunting your cars? Uh... Well, yes, sometimes it can be. A repeatedly posted Ferrari does indicate some level of wealth. However, that alone won’t convince me to invest in your company. In fact, lacking further evidence, I might wonder if you're looking for me to cover your car payments.
So, what is it then?
On Twitter and LinkedIn, it's about written content that demonstrates your knowledge. It means you'll need to write, sorry.
But don't fret; it's not as daunting as it seems. If you're just starting on Twitter, follow other entrepreneurs and comment on their posts. You’ll frequently find me commenting when someone has a question or post related to raising cash.
Continue this, and they’ll start following you back.
When posting, I recommend using templates initially. Check out typeshare.co. It’s an excellent resource for proven Twitter and long-form essay templates.
PRO TIP: If you really detest writing, utilize TypeShare templates as ChatGPT prompts, with your expertise, and you can generate dozens of tweets in an hour. Use Hypefury.com for scheduling these. Hypefury also offers a plethora of other features that simplify responding and inspire tweet ideas.
Your brand should answer basic questions for anyone viewing your profile: Who is this person, and what do they do?
Why Branding Matters When Raising Capital
In short, I don’t invest in businesses unless they are listed on the S&P. When I make private loans or equity investments, I invest in people.
Your brand is pivotal in establishing credibility and authority. And if you consistently say the right things on social media and build a following, you'll eventually forge connections.
As of this article, I have only 1,475 followers on Twitter. I speak to 2-3 new and interesting people a week by phone. Out of 40-50 calls, most have been super interesting, with only one odd call to date.
Branding Strategies for Entrepreneurs - Basic Steps:
Online Presence: Establish an online presence on at least one platform. Your digital footprint often serves as the first point of contact for potential investors and partners. Utilize platforms like Twitter to network, share expertise, and establish credibility.
Networking: Build meaningful connections within your industry. Engage in conversations, participate in industry forums, and foster relationships that unlock new opportunities and insights.
Visual Identity: When you're ready, you can start getting creative with banners, logos, and the like. Develop a memorable visual identity that resonates with your target audience, from logos and color palettes to your website design and marketing materials. Why do you think I wear a cowboy hat on Twitter? Aside from the cowboy hat being dope?
Showcasing Expertise: Establish yourself as a thought leader by creating and sharing insightful content. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also cultivates trust with your audience.
Storytelling: Connect with your audience on an emotional level through storytelling. Share your journey, challenges, and successes to humanize your brand and inspire others.
Exceptional Experiences: Surpass expectations in every interaction. Delivering unmatched value fosters loyalty and propels word-of-mouth referrals, crucial for raising capital.
Effective branding is an ongoing process of refinement and engagement. As you evolve, collect feedback, adjust, and remain aligned with your core values and mission.
Reach out and add value. When the timing is right, ask for a call about your venture. Or ask for feedback on your deck. I have forwarded several investment opportunities to my contacts from entrepreneurs I met on Twitter.
Bottom line, in the world of entrepreneurship, your brand is your most valuable asset. I wouldn’t have said that 2-3 years ago. But I do now.
See if your business is ready to raise capital:
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To all my subscribers I can’t thank you enough for letting me write for y’all. If there is anything I can do for you or any topic you’d like me to cover, please hit me at [email protected], I will do my best to bring it here.
Finally, check out our new landing page for the private equity fund. I will be bringing all kinds of resources here. I made a course too for anyone looking to learn what I learned raising $100mm.
