Saturday 15 May 2010: Today a very young Australian adventurer, 16-years old Jessica Watson, sailed into Sydney harbour after sailing 23,000 nautical miles around the world. Single-handed, non-stop, and unassisted. Her story has several lessons to the founders of companies who are seeking to raise capital and grow their businesses. The key ones are:
1. Persistence: The first time Jessica set sail she collided with a big ship, broke her mast and had to turn back to port for repairs. She was unfazed by the setbacks. Many accused her of naivety and underestimating the challenge. She proved them wrong and lived her dream. Never give up on your dream.
2. Visibility: Jessica kept the world informed via her blog and many interviews as she sailed across oceans. Companies looking to grow and achieve relevance in the eyes of the market and investors need to always be visible. When raising capital you have to keep communicating your story to potential investors.
3. Modesty: this young 16-years old woman was always self-deprecating and modest in all of her comments. He message was “I am not a hero; I just want to live my dream”. Company founders who brag more than deliver need to take note of Jessica’s modesty. Her understated strength won her thousands of fans.
4. Support Team: Yes, Jessica did it on her own. But she also had an on-shore support team to provide technical support, such as meteorological advice. Company founders must always sail their own ship but need advisors on technical issues such as capital raising.
Overcoming the odds was achieved one nautical mile at a time. In the same way that companies looking to raise capital need to win over one investor at a time. There is no big-bang road to success.
Business Accelerator assists the founders of small and mid-size companies with raising capital. For a confidential inquiry please email capital@accelerator.com.au or call 1300 004 888.