Make an Online Capital Connection

By Lydia Dishman

Eager and enthusiastic entrepreneur with a dynamite concept seeks like-minded investor to provide funding for a mutually rewarding long-term working relationship.

You can laugh at this "personal" ad, but let's be honest: Finding funding for your business can be a little like romance. You have to put your best face -- ahem -- ideas forward in order to woo potential investors. Indeed, Web sites such as Go4Funding.com are online portals that function as global matchmakers for entrepreneurs, investors and business experts. Entrepreneurs and business owners can post their company's capital requirements in the Funding Needed section or scour the profiles under the "Looking To Invest" section.

Other sites, such as RetireAt21.com provide a forum for young entrepreneurs to ask questions, get critiques for their Web sites and ideas, and make connections that may lead to a deal with potential investors.

Even seeking financing through social media is a bit like signing up for online dating: substitute your bio for your business goals and personal interests for your product or service focus. But experts say that, just like in dating, being your authentic self is critical throughout the getting-acquainted phase. It's all about building the trust required to persuade an investor to enter into a long-term relationship with your company.

Show Your True Colors
"In today's digital world, striking deals without meeting in person is the norm," says Lolita Carrico, an Internet entrepreneur and founder of ModernMom.com and MyGLOSS.com, who estimates that about 90% of the people she's worked with over the past few years are those she's met online or through social media. "I've met very few of them in person, unless we happen to be at a conference together," she says.