Entrepreneurs tend to be action oriented with an urgency to “get it done” and see progress. However, we often fail to take the initial steps necessary to assess the idea and the market.

Some entrepreneurs fail to leverage the knowledge and experiences of others by failing to create advisory boards. These boards are a critical component required to scale strong entrepreneurial opportunities.

Pitches are presentations created in order to help entrepreneurs communicate with investors to raise money to fund their venture.

Men have typically dominated the angel investing world. However this is changing as a result of a growing numbers of women entrepreneurs, investors and mentors.

Photo Courtesy of Earl Neikirk/Neikirk Image

One of the best kept secrets of the southeast United States is a region made up of Bristol, TN / Bristol, VA, Johnson City, TN, and Kingsport, TN. Known as the Tri-Cities, this unique area possesses some of the best resources of a major city, without the problems and hassles of a major metropolitan area.

Investable companies don’t occur by accident. In fact, the opposite may be true; many companies may accidentally become un-investable.

The most important factor is a buzz word heard in every industry – diversity. So why is it the MOST important factor for creating an advisory board? And how does it resolve issues for entrepreneurs?

Angel and venture capital investors may receive hundreds or even thousands of executive summaries each year. With their time being limited and the competition for their attention intense, it is extremely important that the entrepreneur provide executive summaries that “Wow!”

An efficient board of advisors is not accidental; they require planning. Here are twelve suggestions for creating highly efficient advisory boards.

If _______, you might be an entrepreneur: