Ever wondered how some real estate entrepreneurs raise millions—if not billions—of dollars from complete strangers? For many, the idea of asking others for large sums of money can be daunting, but Brad Blazar has mastered the art of raising capital. With a career spanning over decades and a track record of raising nearly $2 billion, Brad’s methods have helped countless entrepreneurs secure the funding they need to achieve their dreams. In this blog, we’ll dive into the steps Brad uses to build trust, communicate effectively with investors, and leverage other people’s money (OPM) to create massive wealth. By the end of this article, you’ll have actionable insights to start raising capital for your own ventures.

Who is Brad Blazar?

Brad Blazar is a seasoned entrepreneur and capital raising expert with a proven track record of helping businesses and real estate investors secure the funding they need to grow. As the founder of a successful oil company in the 1980s, Brad began his journey in the world of capital raising early on. Over the years, he has honed his skills, raising nearly $2 billion from high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors, and even international funds. Brad’s expertise extends beyond just raising money—he’s a sales coach, author, and mentor who has dedicated his career to teaching others how to leverage other people’s money (OPM) to build wealth and create financial freedom.

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How to Build Trust with Potential Investors

What Are the Key Steps to Establishing Trust?

Trust is the foundation of any successful capital-raising effort. Brad emphasizes that people won’t invest with you until they trust you. Here’s how to build that trust:

• Conduct a Social Audit: Ensure your social media presence, LinkedIn profile, and website reflect professionalism and reliability. Investors will check you out online, so make sure your digital footprint builds credibility.
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• Ask the Right Questions: Engage potential investors by asking them about their investment goals, risk tolerance, and long-term financial objectives. This not only shows you’re interested in their needs but also helps you tailor your pitch.
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• Establish Emotional Connections: Look for common ground with your investors, whether it’s shared experiences or mutual contacts. Building an emotional connection can significantly enhance trust.
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• Validate Their Trust: Before making any investment pitch, use a validation phrase like, “Would you like me to keep you informed about future opportunities?” This subtle approach helps confirm their trust without making them feel pressured.
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‍Steps to Raising Capital: Brad’s Proven Process

What Is the Four-Step Blueprint for Success?

Brad’s approach to raising capital follows a clear, four-step process that he refers to as his blueprint for success:

1. Introductory Call: Your first interaction with a potential investor should focus on getting to know them, not pitching your investment. This call is about building rapport and understanding their needs.
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2. Follow-Up Call: A week after your initial meeting, follow up to answer any questions and deepen the relationship. Reinforce that you currently have no opportunities to pitch, which builds anticipation and trust.
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3. Pitch Call: When you finally have an investment opportunity, reach out to your validated list of interested investors. Because they’ve already expressed interest, this call is more about discussing specifics than convincing them to invest.
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4. Closing the Deal: Once the investor is ready to commit, guide them through the paperwork and finalize the investment. At this stage, they’ve already been primed to say yes, making the close much smoother.

How to Leverage Relationships to Scale Your Business

What Are the Best Practices for Networking and Referrals?

Leveraging relationships is key to scaling your capital-raising efforts. Brad recommends these practices:

• Expand Your Network: Attend investor clubs, industry events, and conferences where high-net-worth individuals gather. Always have a system in place to follow up with new contacts.
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• Use Strategic Referrals: Once you’ve built trust with an investor, ask for referrals. Satisfied investors are more likely to introduce you to their network, helping you raise capital more efficiently.
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• Create Value: Whether through content marketing, webinars, or educational events, provide value to your network consistently. This positions you as a thought leader and keeps you top-of-mind when they’re ready to invest.

FAQs: Getting Started with Capital Raising

Q: Do I need a lot of money to start raising capital?
A: No, raising capital doesn’t require a significant upfront investment. What’s more important is your ability to build trust and present a compelling opportunity to investors.

Q: How long does it take to raise capital?
A: The timeline can vary depending on the size of the deal and the trust you’ve built with investors. It can take weeks to months to close a deal, so patience and persistence are key.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake to avoid when raising capital?
A: Pitching too early before building trust is a common mistake. Take the time to establish a relationship before asking for money.

Conclusion:

Raising capital is a skill that can propel your business to new heights, allowing you to achieve your financial goals faster than you ever thought possible. By following Brad Blazar’s proven strategies, you can build trust with investors, leverage relationships, and close deals that would otherwise be out of reach. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your business, the principles outlined in this blog provide a roadmap to success. Start implementing these steps today, and watch as you turn strangers into investors and dreams into reality.

Additional Resources

For more information on scaling real estate business, check out these resources:

• Hesel Media: PPC and Meta Ads Management
• Remote Latinos: Lead Manager Placement