Would you walk into a venture capital (VC) meeting wearing jeans and a tatty t-shirt?  Hopefully, your answer is a resounding NO!  Keeping this in mind, your entire business concept should not be presented to venture capitalists in ill-conceived metaphorical jeans.  You want to ensure that your business “look” is far from sloppy.

Your business look consists of everything that a potential customer sees when interacting with you.  That means your name, logo, paper and other printing materials, and website all must display a look that is attractive and welcoming to your customers.  A well designed business look will show venture capitalists that you have taken considerable time and effort to present your business in the best possible light.

What elements should you consider for your business look?  It’s all in the details.  Evaluate your business look to make sure it incorporates the following:

Name and Logo – Your business name and logo are one of the single most important marketing elements.  Your name may be incorporated into the logo.  Choose typeface and fonts carefully based upon the branding and image you want to project.  For example, a creative or designing firm should use an edgy style that reflects the firm’s innovative ideas.  On the other hand, a financial consulting business should design a logo using a more traditional serif font that reflects sound financial strength.

A logo should always be professionally designed by a graphic designer.  The money spent on a well-designed logo is money well spent.

Color Psychology – The colors you choose for your business look are important as well.  Avoid using too many colors that end up difficult and expensive for professional printing.  One or two colors are best for a logo, and no more than four.  Consider backgrounds as well.  A safe background for printing and website is white.  Gray letters or logo against white is low contrast and difficult to see, and the same holds true for your website.  Use contrasting colors that make your logo and name pop out. 

Also keep in mind the different moods that colors invoke.  Red is the color of fire, strength, and power.  Blue is more subdued and relaxed.  Purple represents a royal or regal aura.  Your color choice for your business logo and name has a lasting effect how customers and venture capitalists view your business.

Clean Layout – Logos and names should not be overpowering or too distracting.  The use of white space and balance in a logo is important.  On your printing materials, your logo should appear on the top of your letterhead aligned right, left, or centered.  A slogan is also sometimes included.  Your business contact information should incorporate similar fonts as your name or logo. 

A business name and logo with the right design elements and layout will help a business attract customers, as well as help VC’s view your business as professional and ready to take on the market.  Remember, venture capitalists are not only analyzing your innovative idea, but your entire business savvy as well.   Show them that you understand how to reach your customers by putting your best logo forward. 

Tags: angel investor, angel investors, Find funding, startup funding, vc marketing plan, venture capital, Venture Capitalist

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