How to Make Angel Investing Less Risky w/Jeff Barnes
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Episode Description
Welcome to the Freedom Point Real Estate podcast! Today's guest Jeff Barnes shares how his experience as a Navy submarine operator prepared him for the business world: from leveraging technology to networking to trusting your team.
Jeff Barnes is a Navy veteran, tech enthusiast, and business growth expert who has helped over 1,000 companies scale to 8- and 9-figure valuations. As chairman of Angel Investors Network and founder of Digital Evolution Marketing Group, he advises CEOs and founders on automation, scaling, and securing investment. A dedicated mentor and investor, he’s passionate about empowering others to achieve success and freedom.
CONNECT WITH JEFF BARNES!
Website: https://angelinvestorsnetwork.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpbarnes/
CONNECT WITH JEREMY DYER!
Website: https://startingpointcapital.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingpointcapital/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingpointcapital
Book a Call! https://calendly.com/startingpointcapital/discuss-investing-with-jeremy-dyer?month=2023-12
Summary
Tip #1: Growth Comes from Facing Fear Head-On
"If you can put yourself into somewhat scary and intimidating situations on a regular basis, you will continue to grow—and that’s necessary for any leader, especially an entrepreneur."
The key to personal and professional growth is expanding your comfort zone through experience. Entrepreneurs often face uncertainty, but those who consistently push past their fears develop the resilience needed to succeed. Just like muscle memory in sports, confidence in business is built through repetition and perseverance.
Tip #2: Don’t Automate Too Soon
"If you automate too early, you may not understand the customer journey well enough to realize that it can’t be automated yet."
Many founders rush to systematize processes before fully grasping the details. Without a deep understanding of operational pain points, automation can create inefficiencies instead of solving them. Before implementing technology, businesses should refine their workflows manually, document standard operating procedures, and identify key nuances that must be preserved.
Tip #3: Master Your Craft Before Teaching It
"You have to become the expert first before you can effectively teach someone else how to do it."
Delegation is essential for scaling a business, but before handing off responsibilities, founders must first develop mastery. Without firsthand experience, it’s impossible to train others properly. Entrepreneurs should invest time in refining their own skills before expecting others to execute at the same level.
Tip #4: Train Others Through Apprenticeship-Style Learning
"Watch them several times, then let them do it themselves while checking in regularly—that’s how you build a competent team."
The best way to transfer knowledge is through hands-on mentorship. A structured approach—where employees first observe, then practice under supervision, and finally perform independently—ensures they grasp the nuances of the job. Regular check-ins help maintain quality and allow for adjustments before mistakes become costly.
Tip #5: Trust But Verify When Delegating Tasks
"You need to trust your team, but also check in to make sure they are executing correctly."
Business leaders often struggle with trusting employees to handle critical tasks. However, micromanagement stifles growth. The balance lies in giving autonomy while implementing verification processes—such as performance reviews and quality checks—to ensure consistency and accountability.
Tip #6: Raising Capital Requires Resilience
"Anyone who says raising capital is easy is either lying or has never done it."
Attracting investors is one of the toughest challenges entrepreneurs face. Many will hear “no” multiple times before securing funding. Success in capital raising requires persistence, a clear business vision, and the ability to communicate how an investor will get their money back with returns.
Tip #7: Know Your Business Inside and Out Before Pitching Investors
"If you can’t give your presentation standing on your head blindfolded, investors won’t trust you with their money."
Investors need confidence in both the business and the founder’s ability to execute. Entrepreneurs must anticipate tough questions and be able to explain their business model, financials, and growth strategy with absolute clarity. A well-prepared, knowledgeable pitch increases credibility and attracts funding.
Tip #8: Tailor Your Investor Approach to Their Preferred Communication Style
"Some investors want a webinar, some want a one-sheet, and some need a binder with detailed tabs—you have to know how they consume information."
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to investor outreach. Some prefer high-level summaries, while others require extensive due diligence. Understanding your audience and adjusting your pitch format accordingly can significantly improve engagement and success rates.
Tip #9: Build Investor Relationships Through In-Person Networking
"The best way to connect with investors is through in-person networking—philanthropic events, business gatherings, and high-net-worth circles."
While digital outreach has its place, face-to-face interactions foster trust more effectively. Attending the right networking events—where affluent individuals gather—can open doors to investor opportunities. Founders should focus on relationship-building rather than transactional pitches.
Tip #10: A Strong Personal Brand Can Attract Investors
"Running your own podcast or thought leadership platform makes it easier to connect with potential investors."
Establishing credibility through content creation, speaking engagements, or hosting industry discussions increases visibility. Investors are more likely to engage with entrepreneurs who demonstrate thought leadership, as it builds trust and positions them as experts in their field.
