Читать книгу Find. Build. Sell. - Stephen J. Hunt - Страница 21

I made a list of the top 10 people I thought would be interested (the classic three Fs: family, friends and foes). I went from one house to the next, pitching the idea to them in their kitchens and loungerooms, and guess what? All 10 of them said, ‘Yes!' They said, ‘Steve, we would love to be part of this and can't wait to get started. Just let us know when you need the $100 000, and we are in!'

‘How easy was this?' I said to myself. ‘I should have done this years ago!'

I now had the final million I needed to complete the deal. I went back to the hotel broker, signed the contract and bought the bar! Happy days. I was beyond excited. I celebrated all week with my family and mates, thrilled to be embarking on this exciting venture.

I followed up with the 10 investors to tie up the loose ends and confirm the paperwork. I sent them the information memorandum (more about information memorandums in chapter 8), which outlined the deal, the bank account details and the application forms for signing, and they all said, ‘Yeah, sure thing Steve, no problem. We're right there with you. The money's coming'.

Except the money didn't come.

I checked my account every day to see if their funds had been deposited. Nothing there. I waited another week. Still no sign. I rang them all again. For some strange reason, none of them answered their phone. I sent them an email. Still no response. I went to their home and knocked on their door. No answer. That's strange, I thought. They were so keen a week ago.

I wasn't worried. I had a few more Fs to chase up and felt confident I could come up with the funds, but those phone calls, emails and door knocks also went unanswered.

The settlement date loomed. I was still $1 million in the hole and there was no sign of any new investors coming to this party any time soon. What had seemed like an exciting adventure and simple endeavour four weeks ago had become a bit of a nightmare.