“When has cleanliness ever impacted my decision to invest in someone? Do I have a story for you!” Bea is an angel investor, part of a Boston group that funds small start up businesses. “We’d had a candidate make it through the first two rounds of our process. I was in their neighborhood on other business, and stopped by their office unannounced.”
“Right away I knew this opportunity wasn’t for us. The smell alone was enough to knock you off your feet – talk about funky! Every flat surface was piled high with file folders; there was a stack of cardboard boxes against the wall that was absolutely covered with dust. I was going to dip without saying anything, but the candidate saw me, and came out with a big smile on her face. It was like she was totally unaware of the mess around her and I couldn’t help thinking: if she’s not seeing this, what else isn’t she paying attention to?”
Cleanliness = Trustworthy. Cleanliness = Attention to Detail.
“Did this particular business owner have a good idea? Yes. Was their technology interesting? Clearly, or we wouldn’t have gotten that far in the process,” Bea said. “But when you invest, you’re investing in more than an idea. You’re investing in more than the technology. You’re putting your money into a person’s hands and saying “I trust you to make this happen.” And when someone shows me they’re not taking care of their environment – and by extension, they’re not taking care of their employees – that puts a limit on how well I believe that they will take care of my money.”
“Honestly, if you’re far enough along with your business that you’re going after funding, spend the money it takes to have a professional janitorial service near Hingham come in and keep your place clean. You’re inviting people to be interested in you. You’re trying to attract attention to your business. Make sure you look good!”