** Ask questions. Get answers, even if you don't like the answers.

** Taking information in is so important.

** Have you ever heard of Sicilian Amnesia?

** How to talk to investors.

** Investors should be bringing more to the table than money.

** Get market intel and ideally sell something. You shouldn't be jumping to investors first.

** Investors can bring in other expertise.

** As an investor, I'm going to push back on you too.

** It's not a one-way interview. Both sides must ask tough questions.

** I feel like Tiny Tim.

** Do all your analysis and get market validation first.

** What do you bring to the table besides money?

** Why do you want to be involved with me and my product?

** What is your ROI and timeline? Do you need the money for bills?

** Ask uncomfortable questions.

** We lay out all the milestones and ask questions up front.

** I always ask, what else have you invested in?

** I try to test them. How are they in a crisis? How do they handle "no"?

** My fundraising mantra is, "I want alignment".

** Early on, it's like a dinner meeting.

** Real Estate investing is a completely different risk profile.

** What was the largest challenge building your business?

** The first step is a conversation. Can I work with this group?

** Uncomfortable conversations.

** It will come down to due diligence.

** Is it worth investing the time if you are not going to be good partners?

** Don't share proprietary information up front. Filter for qualified investors.

** It takes time to build relationships and trust.

** Have honest early-stage conversations.

** Investors want to see that you think strategically.

** Ideally what does this investment look like?

** I hate maybes. What else are you looking for?

** You need to keep networking. It's a numbers game.

** Build warm leads.

** Put it in writing even if it is your family and friends.

** Know what you are getting and who you are dealing with.

** Loans vs. Investments