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Expert Answers to Biz Questions Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz. The Biz Question I invested a lot of money in the Cash Flow industry. I became a Cash Flow Specialist from ACFA. I knew that my marketing should be nationwide -- especially on the net. Today, two years after I got started, I ended up with three web sites. However, although the first three websites are ready to be uploaded, only one of them will be posted. The reason? In plain and simple English, I just ran out of money right before I was making it to the finish line. I've been looking everywhere; and laughably, any investor I was able to find is talking about half a million dollars. Unfortunately, because of a nasty divorce that ruined my good credit, I can't turn to a bank for a smaller amount of money. I'm very confident on what I'll achieve and the success of my Internet venture. And that's why I know I'll be able to return that money and any interest rate, no matter how high it may be. Would you kindly let me know what to do or where to turn to find someone willing to help me and also profit from this? Respectfully Yours, George Answer from our Guest Expert Jim Chesky of Jim Chesky & Associates, Marketing Communications George, I receive about 5 to 10 requests a month from people with the same question. Where do I find money to finish my project? I'll give you the same answer I give them. Finding money to fulfill your dreams is difficult at best, because these are your dreams -- not the dreams of the person with the moneybags. Share Your Piece of the American Dream A La Mode So, first things first, learn to share that dream to get others as enthused about your dream as you are. It 'll make their investing a lot easier. Be prepared to share your story at the drop of a hat, but don't try to sell everything at once. Their eyes will glaze over and they'll walk away . Instead, create an elevator story. A 60 second to two minute story that won't give away what you're doing. Just get them interested in talking further. Prepare to tell your story often. Sometimes indepth with visuals; sometimes as a short waiting-for-the-elevator story. Get good at it. The Bottomline to Getting Money Is the Bottomline Most investors aren't primarily interested in sharing your dream, George, only your profits. This means examining your biz plan. Do you have a good business plan? Have you done your due diligence? With your experience as a Cash Flow Specialist, I'd hope so. But since you ran out of money at this stage, it doesn't speak well of your business plan. Be prepared to explain this. Also, an investor may want to place somebody else in charge -- a new CEO perhaps-- are you prepared for that? Remember people invest in whatever will further their interests. If their interest is profit, then that's what they'll look for. Does Your Biz Have the Right Stuff? The flip side, however, is there's more to your website than making a profit. Take what you offer and break it down to its most simple parts. What is it that you offer people who come to your website? Who else would want to see that done? (Look for allies with money; associations, grants from trusts, companies that would profit from ancillary products -- forms, software, training.) Keep the faith. If you truly believe in what you propose, it'll show. You may have to work on this a long time. Are you prepared to keep the faith? Good luck, Jim Chesky Jim Chesky & Associates, Marketing Communications Have a biz question of your own? 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