Two Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Answer

Posted by: Today's Tip Contributor on September 09

Every business needs money. As an investor, I’ve developed a good understanding of what to look for in pitches for investment money. Often, what business owners and entrepreneurs seeking money don’t say or don’t know is as telling as what they do say and understand.

As an investor, I always look at what my return on investment will be should I choose to invest in a given company. I gauge ROI based on a number of things, but primarily on two simple questions. If a business can answer these questions, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll at least be interested enough to continue listening. These questions are:

1. Who are your customers? Entrepreneurs and business owners are always passionate about their product or service. This is, of course, important, but often they overlook the critical component of who their target market is and who will buy the product or service they provide.

2. How are you going to make revenue? Although this question seems simple enough, in my experience, more often than not, it cannot be answered. This is important for the simple fact that without customers or somebody to buy the product or service you want to provide you’ll never make any money.

These questions may seem elementary and simple, but by understanding who your customers are and how your business will make money you’re building a solid foundation that will help lead to long-term success.

Alan Hall
Founder and Chairman
Grow Utah Ventures
Salt Lake City