How to prepare for a meeting with an investor

How do you prepare for a meeting with an investor? If you have a meeting with an investor coming up, the meeting is not spontaneous and you have time to prepare, it is better to use that time. First of all, put together a business dossier on your future conversation partner. Google them, find information about them and their past business history: where they worked, what they did, which companies they worked for, which startups they invested in and so on. This will allow you to immerse yourself in their story and to mention in conversation, for example, their previous investments, their talks, interviews and so on.

As you know, everyone enjoys attention to their person, so if your conversation partner learns that you have taken an interest in them, they will certainly be pleased. On the other hand, it will also help you understand their preferences, their line of activity and so on, and see where your interests overlap. Second, put together a moral and psychological profile of your future conversation partner: what views they hold, what they like and dislike in society. This will also help you in the conversation, first, to understand that you are like-minded, and second, perhaps to avoid certain sensitive issues and topics that are better not mentioned in a business conversation.

And finally, find common interests. Anything that unites you can become a bridge to your future relationship. For example, maybe you are both into football or alpine skiing. Maybe you support the same football team and so on. These connecting topics of conversation are very useful and very important for breaking the ice of a cold contact and then building a good, friendly relationship. Even if they do not become your investor, you may gain a good friend and a like-minded person for the future.