According to research done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 60% of new businesses shut down within the first four years of operation.  With these slim chances, it seems even more impossible to get funded. But don’t run off to the corporate world yet, entrepreneurs. Instead, check out the top four things venture capitalists look for when selecting a startup to fund:

1. A Coachable and Passionate Management Team
   
   When venture capitalists set out to invest in new projects, they first examine the brains behind it all. Whether your business is run by an individual, a partnership or small management team, the VC wants to be confident that the business is built on a solid foundation. Venture capitalists look for management teams that are goal-oriented and coachable. If the management team is not willing to learn from the VC, the collaboration needed to grow the business is difficult, if not impossible, to establish.
   
   Two important characteristics that entrepreneurs need to be successful are resiliency and emotional intelligence. Resilient entrepreneurs exhibit passion and are the driving force behind the business and its employees. Entrepreneurs who have emotional intelligence also have the intuition to know when to pack up and move on to the next, more viable idea. Great entrepreneurs understand that making mistakes is part of the job description. Venture capitalists value entrepreneurs who can learn from failure and can use it as a motivator.
    
2. Realistic Business Plans and Expectations
   
   An entrepreneur must write a clear and concise business plan that defines what product and/or service their business offers.  Although a long, detailed strategy is not always necessary, a solid written plan assures investors that the entrepreneur has calculated the potential opportunities, risks and competitors in the marketplace. Having the official business name, description, competitive analysis and goals clearly outlined in the business plan will be helpful in the long run. 
   
   More often than not, startups take twice as long to get off the ground and cost twice as much as the founders expect. Clear predictions and correct expense calculations are crucial for establishing a business’ credibility to potential VC’s. For more information on what (and what not) to include in your business plan to attract the right VC, see 5 Business Plan Mistakes that Send Investors Packing.
    
3. Ability to Problem Solve and Scalability
   
   Venture capitalists look for businesses that have long-term viability. Successful startups must be scalable in nature (in other words, they must possess the ability to grow and perform with consistent quality). Venture capitalists look for businesses that solve problems that are financially worth solving. The idea is not relevant, or financially viable, if there is not a sizeable, addressable market that cares about the problem the business is trying to solve. The business needs to provide a service that people are willing to take action on, right now.
   
   At the same time, it isn’t just the idea that is important.  In fact, the process could possibly be the most critical for a startup. Herb Sih, startup consultant and co-founder of Think Big Partners, advises that “entrepreneurs seeking to gain funding from a venture capitalist should remember not to fall in love with their idea, but instead fall in love with the idea of solving their problem.”
   
   Business success is not always measured by an end result, but how the leaders react to the obstacles along the way. The ability for an entrepreneur to rebound after failure is an indicator that he or she will be successful in the future. 
    
4. Mutually Beneficial Relationship
   
   Venture capitalists are not all the same. At the end of the day, the business in question should fit into the VC’s overall portfolio and the relationship should make sense for both parties.  But how can entrepreneurs connect with venture capitalists in the first place?  To many, they seem extremely difficult to find.
   
   There are a handful of guidelines about what not to do when approaching investors. One of the worst ways to attract venture capitalists is by unsolicited email. Many times, this demonstrates that the entrepreneur has not done the appropriate research. If you have a particular VC in mind, find a way to get connected through professional acquaintances or at networking events. Use professional social media platforms like LinkedIn to stay connected after the initial meeting and attempt to develop a professional relationship through social media.  And always keep in mind that whether the benefit is high margins, proprietary, patented technology or a different advantage, a VC ultimately cares about their return on investment - and how soon they will get it.
   
   Securing adequate funding can be stressful and time consuming. If you focus on these four tips while planting your small business seed, you will reap the rewards of a credible VC and valuable capital!

Blogging brings in a lot of benefit.  Not only do blogs direct potential customers to a startup’s site, but they can also help sell a product, inform readers about a service, or act as a megaphone for thoughts and opinions. 

But did you know that blogging can bring in the bucks too?

It’s true.  If done effectively, blogging can generate extra cash for your startup.  And when you’re first starting out, any money is better than no money at all!

Many startups may already have an established blog (but if you don’t, be sure to read this article before you get started: The Blog Brawl: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Enter the Blogosphere).  Blogs can be easily set up through sites like Blogger, Wordpress or even Joomla. 

Once your blog has been created, generating interesting and consistent content is key.  When you write about topics that people are interested in reading, more users will visit your blog.  And when more users visit your blog, you have more potential customers in your market.  With patience, a blog can bring in thousands and thousands of viewers a month (or even a week!)—and that’s a lot of potential new customers. 

Once your blog has built a strong readership and is well-received by the public, it may be time to look into generating blog bucks.  But how?

1. Blog Ads
   Blogs can make money through the display of advertisements.  Many bloggers use Google AdSense, a service that pays based on how many readers have clicked on a blog’s advertisements (and it’s free!).  Other bloggers use CPM-driven tools that pay by the total number of impressions the advertisements receive.  For this, a startup can use ContextWeb, AdClickMedia, Adbrite or Adify. 
   
   If you’re interested in taking your blog advertisements a step further, look into BlogAds.  BlogAds hook bloggers up with would-be advertisers and levies a commission in return for ad placements. 
   
   The biggest concern that most startups have about advertising on a blog is that the advertisements will not match up with the blog’s theme or topic.  But tools such as AdSense account—the service pinpoints certain words in the blog so that the content matches the advertisements. 
    
2. Direct Ad Sales
   Selling space directly to advertisers can be a challenge, but it is possible!  With a highly-accredited blog, many advertisers may want to “buy” space on your blog, much like a newspaper or magazine.  Find services and products that tie into your niche market in order to place direct ad sales on your blog.
    
3. Affiliate Programs
   Blogs can serve as a conduit between readers and online sites that offer goods and services.  One of the best affiliate programs out there today comes from Amazon.com (Amazon Associates on Blogger).
   
   When a blog mentions or reviews a book, it can link to the Amazon.com page so that readers can buy the book with a few clicks of the mouse.  When people find the book on your blog and then purchase them from Amazon.com, you get paid!
   
   Other companies with great blogging affiliate programs include FlexOffers, LinkConnector, Commission Junction, Shareasale, E-Junkie, LinkShare, ING Direct, Ebates, Perkstreet Financial, Mint.com and Sharebuilder. 
    
4. Inbound Marketing
   Many blogs exist just so that users can shout their opinions and thoughts to the world.  But what about using your blog to generate business?  That’s what inbound marketing is all about.
   
   A startup can expand blog thoughts and opinions by talking about how a particular service or product can create solution or solve a problem.  By providing a call-to-action at the bottom of the blog, readers may feel a sense of urgency to look at your website or call your new startup.  Use effective search engine optimization, link building and keywording to bring more people to your blog—you never know; this could produce more customers! 

Startups can be cool, edgy and downright techy.  But at the same time, a new startup needs to ooze with professionalism—after all, startups want to land good business too.  And the only way to do that is by being responsive, eager and of course, professional.

Is your startup practicing proper professionalism?  Be sure to check off these 7 ways to build a positive, professional business image and your startup is sure to get the reputation it deserves!

1. Nail down your logo and slogans from the get-go
   
   A startup tends to look scatter-brained if its constantly changing its logo and slogans.  Professional and consistent slogans and logos that are to-the-point can brand your business and build consumer awareness.  Once you have fully decided on a logo design and effective slogan, you must consistently incorporate the two of them into every aspect of your business—from your website to your promo items, from your letterhead to your signage.  The more your consumers see your brand, the more they will remember it!  For more information about choosing your business’s logo and slogan check out the Top 5 Characteristics of a Great Logo.  
    
2. Create a kick-butt media kit and package
   
   Incorporate important aspects of your new business into a media kit and print identity package.  This includes business cards, letter stationary, receipts, envelopes, estimate forms, presentation folders, marketing brochures, catalogs, simple fliers and account statements.  This package will also include your color scheme, logo, slogan and font style. 
    
3. Launch a professional website
   
   Every business needs a website.  In fact, your online presence is one of the most important aspects of your overall business and marketing strategy.  Take the time to carefully plan what your site will look like, how you want its features to work and how it will help you achieve your marketing objectives. 
    
4. Write consistent emails
   
   Email is one of the strongest forms of communication in the workplace today.  But because of their consistency and popularity, many startups treat them in unprofessional ways.  Be sure that you are addressing clients and customers in the professionally and that you’re taking the time to look over any typos or errors.  Other quick and easy tips?  Don’t send unsolicited emails, use your business name, avoid acronyms, keep it simple and brief, check your spam inbox, and don’t rely on email for every interaction—phones exist for a reason!
    
5. Dress for success
   
   Just because you’re a startup doesn’t mean you can roll into work in your pajamas.  The better you dress, the more productive you’ll be!  When you have an important meeting with a potential client or investor, always remember to dress to impress!  For more tips, read What Not to Wear...in the Office. 
    
6. Try out business competitions
   
   It doesn’t hurt to try!  Expose your new startup even further by entering into business plan competitions.  As Entrepreneur.com says, winning business, product and customer service awards is a fantastic way to earn credibility, attract new business and build a great business image and reputation.  Check out local newspapers, community business groups, industry associations and event calendars to get in touch with local and national business competitions.  You don’t know what can happen until you try!
    
7. Choose a professional work environment
   
   Finally, it is important to choose a work environment, office or workspace that gives your startup a professional vibe.  Be sure to check out coworking spaces, business incubators and other office spaces to give your startup a positive, motivational and professional environment.  Although working from the home is cost-effective, it may not be the best place to meet with clients or potential investors.  At the very least, book your important meetings at a rentable meeting room (many coworking spaces have them!). 

It seems as if everyone is using social media these days—from your grandmother to multi-national corporations.  But the businesses that may be benefitting from social media the most are those who do not have the budget for traditional, outbound marketing: startups.

The startup community has embraced social media with open arms.  Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Foursquare, YouTube and blogs have helped startups increase web traffic, connect with clients, learn about competitors and market their business on a small budget.  So what’s not to love about this new marketing tactic?

Most startups use social media marketing very effectively—but others use techniques that make us cringe.  Learn about the top 5 social media don’ts below and make sure you’re not using them when blasting out information on the Twittersphere, blogosphere, or whatever sphere you’re into:

As entrepreneurs, we don't need much to get us through the workday—perhaps a desk, a couple cups of coffee and a full to-do list usually keeps us productive throughout the day. But when you're done checking off the to-do's for the day and need to come up with your next big idea, where do you go for inspiration?

1. Other Entrepreneurs
   In a 2011 Think Big Partners poll, 64% of entrepreneurs found inspiration from simply surrounding themselves with other entrepreneurs. This can be achieved in a variety of different ways. Many entrepreneurs choose to work from coworking spaces where they can collaborate and interact with other like-minded individuals who are experiencing the same startup issues that they are. Simply grabbing coffee with another entrepreneur can also provide inspiration and brainstorming. If you're feeling unmotivated or uninspired, sometimes sitting next to another entrepreneur during a day of work and cure your problem!
    
2. Entrepreneurial Books
   Although entrepreneurs rarely have time to sit down and have a good read, they may have time to skim and inspirational book by a famous entrepreneur. Books can provide great startup advice, smart business practices, noteworthy tips, and motivational tid-bits. Try reading books from entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, Tony Hsieh, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, etc. These entrepreneurs have been there, done that and have written about the recipe for startup success.
    
3. Startup Blogs
   In a Think Big Partners survey, it was found that 38% of entrepreneurs enjoy skimming entrepreneurial blogs and articles in order to get inspired during a hectic workday. There are thousands of startup blogs on the web (both local, national and global) that can provide tips, tricks and inside scoops about the world of entrepreneurship. Some of the best startup blogs include TechCrunch and Mashable.
    
4. Free Time
   Sometimes, entrepreneurs come up with their best ideas when they're away from work. Taking walks outside, cleaning the house or eating dinner at a restaurant can trigger inspirational thoughts on a whole new level. In fact, many entrepreneurs note that exercise is one of the number one ways to get the ideas pumping. Exercise energizes your body and your brain so use your free time wisely! Go for a brisk run, jump on the elliptical or start lifting weights to keep your body and brain healthy.
    
5. Business Events
   According to the Think Big Partners poll, 29% of entrepreneurs go to business events in order to get inspired. Many business events feature motivational keynote speakers that can provide an up-close-and-personal view on entrepreneurship, tell jaw-dropping startup stories and speak one-on-one with audience members. In addition, many business events provide question and answers sessions which can trigger important thoughts in an entrepreneur's mind. Check out events like Think Big or TEDx; these inspirational business events can be hosted anywhere throughout the nation.
    
6. Music
   Every entrepreneur has that song—the song that inspires them, that gets their feet tapping, that pumps them up for another day of hard work. Listening to your favorite motivational song in the morning before you go to work could inspire you to think big during the workday. Try setting your favorite song as your ringtone or plug it into your iPod playlist. A few inspirational lyrics can go a long way!
    
7. Entrepreneur-based Movies
   When entrepreneurs do find a little free time in their schedules, some enjoy renting a movie or going to the movie theater. Why not have a little fun and get inspired at the same time by watching entrepreneur-based movies? You can check off "date night" and "work research" at the same time! Not sure what to watch first? Check out our list of the Top 10 Motivational Films for Entrepreneurs and take your pick!