By Frank Szivos, Angel Investor News Editor

Who: Alan Hamor, Founder & CEO of Adworthy Inc.

Where: Princeton, NJ.  

Experience:  Believes small businesses build success through information. Launched SmallBizWorthy Inc. in 2002 to offer small businesses the information they need to become successful. His company has spun off into other financial newsletters and software packages – all designed to aid entrepreneurs, which reaches a total of about 58,000 readers. A former president of a boutique financial and strategic advisory firm, Hamor relies on his financial expertise to provide information on capital raising, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning services to small and middle market companies. Also served as the President of Instore Networks, Inc. a provider of in-store broadcast advertising, couponing and promotion services to Kmart Super K and other retail stores the Business Partner at Janou Pakter, Inc., one of the leading creative and design recruitment firm.

How: Developed several free e-newsletters offering well-researched and documented analysis and tips on how to find where the gold is buried as well as practical how-to pieces on a wide array of topics to build successful businesses. Inspired to start SmallBizWorthy and hundreds of other spin offs because of a lack of a definitive index of knowledge. Wants his “Worthy” products to become a total resource center. For example, once an entrepreneur needs a financial provider, CapitalWorthy, one of his spin offs, will set up a connection. In addition, offers online “Worthy” ratings in many areas, such as how capital worthy they are, what stage their companies are rated for investors or are they  “worthy” for government certification.

Tips for Entrepreneurs: Know at what stage where your company stands in the eyes of investors. Once you know where you stand, you know what direction to pursue when looking for capital equity. Entrepreneurs can be outstanding engineers, scientists or sales people, but art not trained to raise capital. Many startup companies fail because of poor accounting and record keeping. SmallBizWorthy looks to teach entrepreneurs what moves to make to insure success. Avoid the “Taxi Driver” syndrome where entrepreneurs turn to casual acquaintances, friends and family for business advice. Harmon’s first tip: Get a seasoned lawyer who has been through capital equity financing. Harmon says the closing stages of raising money are a legal process. A bad deal in earlier stages can affect your attractiveness to investors in later rounds. Do your homework. Study other companies that have made deals as well as the VC firms to determine what they’re investing in.

Tips for Investors: Invest in what you know and enjoy. Decide if you will be a passive or active investor. This is a critical decision that will determine how much investors might want to invest and risk. If you choose to become an active investor, you should know the area well, in which you’re investing. For example, a former senior executive in foods, who has turned investor, should stay in consumer products; and avoid an area, such as high tech.

Contact: ahamor@smallbizworthy.com