Category Archives: Raising Capital

Ep. 057 – Do You Really Need a Business Plan?

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SIB-Blog-2Are long-form business plans really necessary for every startup? Are they even all that useful? Are there better alternatives? This week, host Tom Ryan takes on this controversial topic, explaining his skeptical view of traditional business plans and offering some other options for fledgling entrepreneurs.

Tom is on the road this week, requiring a slight change of format from two-person discussion to solo show format. As a result, he’ll be taking on a variety of listener questions. Continue reading →

Ep. 044 – Why Sales Is Vital For Building Traction

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350x350-6Do you know what the most important core process is when it comes to building traction for your business? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, host Tom Ryan explores the importance of building a strong sales process in attracting outside investment.

Joined by co-host Jason Pyles, Tom examines why sales is such a key element for creating traction, why investors place a strong sales process at a premium, and why so many startups struggle to develop this core part of their business. Continue reading →

Ep. 043 – The Importance of Traction

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350x350-5In this episode, host Tom Ryan discusses the importance of traction for startups seeking investment. But what is traction, exactly? And how can a young, vulnerable business gain traction to increase their business momentum?

Joined by co-host Jason Pyles, Tom takes listeners through a step-by-step examination of traction, from understanding its importance to investors to exploring some of the most common indicators that a business is gaining real momentum. Continue reading →

Ep. 031 – How Much Money Do I Need to Start My Business? Part 2

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Good morning! Today it’s Monday and we have a great show for you today! On Episode 31 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan concludes his answer to great listener voicemail question from Kristen. She is asking how to figure out just how much money she needs to get her business started. Tom teaches the importance of bootstrapping. Then, he advises that entrepreneurs do their homework and carefully estimate their expenses and their sales. Give yourself a 3 month long runway for a smooth take off. Thanks for listening! Continue reading →

Ep. 030 – How Much Money Do I Need to Start My Business? Part 1

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Good morning! Today on Episode 30 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan answers a great listener voice mail question from Kristen. She is asking how to figure out just how much money she needs to get her business started. Tom explains that first she needs to find out how long this money will need to last. She’ll want to estimate start up and recurring expenses and then deduct her estimated sales. She’ll need to raise enough money to keep her company going until she has three months in a row where her sales exceed her expenses. Thanks for listening! Continue reading →

Ep. 029 – Convertible Note Financing

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Good morning! Today on Episode 29 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan dives deeper into the topic of convertible notes. He breaks down the formulas that you’ll need in order to make your own calculations. Click here for the Convertible Note Financing calculations you’ll need! Thanks for listening! Continue reading →

Ep. 028 – Convertible Notes 101

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Good morning! Today on Episode 28 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan introduces the topic of convertible notes. He describes what it is and how it works. Learn everything you need to know in order to decide if this type of funding is right for you and your business. Thanks for listening! Continue reading →

Ep. 020 – Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Part 5: How Do I Raise Money for My Business?

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Today’s episode is a continuation of the series, “Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business,” which was initiated by one of the show’s listeners, Kathy. She is making the shift from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and is in the works of starting her first business; she asks, “What do you suggest that I consider and avoid before taking the leap of faith?” Tom discusses the fifth thing to remember before starting your business.

Key Takeaways
Tom works with entrepreneurs and startup businesses every single day, and the number one thing that Tom encounters through coaching and mentoring is the question regarding capital. In today’s episode, Tom discusses the 5 tips for understanding the basics of raising money in order of priority.

Tip 1: Understand the options

First and foremost, you Continue reading →

Ep. 004: What is the Least “Expensive” Form of Capital?

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Welcome to Episode 004 of the Success in Business Podcast with Tom Ryan. In this show, Tom explains that the right sales foundation is the least “expensive” form of capital. So, what exactly are the four components of a sales foundation? Join us! Continue reading →

Ep. 003: Capital Doesn’t Necessarily Equal Customers

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Welcome to Episode 003 of the Success in Business Podcast with Tom Ryan. In this show, Tom explains why capital doesn’t necessarily equal customers. He also talks about how relationships are a valuable currency that can open doors that cash alone can’t open. All of this and much more in Episode 003. Join us! Continue reading →