How, and when, to talk to funders for your business: an interview with Robert Bailey, author and investor

Robert Bailey, author, investor, and advisor to the mission-driven entrepreneur

Robert Bailey is a Capital Broker/Advisor to entrepreneurs and innovators in the renewable energy & biofuel industry, author, speaker on financing entrepreneurship and innovation. Rob often speaks about reverse engineering your way to “common sense” solutions. And having one or more “Plans B.”  He is also the founder and producer of SourceNewport, the economic think tank and conference on sustainable historic & urban development. He is the producer and host of the Solutions Radio program, and the author of “The Billionaires Little Black Book.”

SC:
What industries are you seeing as particularly relevant toward solving our global economic and environmental challenges?

RB:
Generally, manufacture and distribution… industries that add (actual) value.

SC:
Lack of capital for inception, expansion, and growth is frequently cited as the number one problem facing entrepreneurs.So if we want to see green economic development, it’s obviously paramount to get funding to entrepreneurs working in biofuels and other clean energy projects. Can you give readers an idea of how you help make that happen?

RB:
Perhaps more than ever you need a meeting of the minds on how the project will achieve both parties needs. In many ways it then parallels adult life. Meet. Date. Test. Marry. Start again if necessary with a new partner.

SC:
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a Capital broker and advisor to these folks?

RB:  Coordinating uncertainty and replacing it with better alternative solutions. Quickly.

SC:
What do you wish people knew before they even came to you?

RB:  How to laugh.

SC:
People can submit their ideas to you through your website, www.TrustedAdvisory.com. What advice do you have for folks who want to work with you in this way?

RB:  Answer these two questions before you contact us: What is the (specific) problem you are going to solve? And how are you going to do it?

SC:
Thank you so much for your time and your critical advice for social entrepreneurs, Robert. I see that you were one of the founding members of the environmental advocacy group Surfrider Foundation’s New York chapter. When are you coming out west to surf with the GreenBusinessOwner.com team?

RB:  Is that an invitation?

SC: Any time! 🙂