Put Your Own Skin In The Game. Robert Redford took money he had made from one project and applied it to an entirely new idea.

Topic for Discussion: Why is your own money the best money?

Answer: When you put your own hard-earned money into a new idea, you are unfettered. You don't have to explain to a banker or investor. You can kick the idea around on your own time table and succeed or fail. On top of that, when you invest the only money you have, you are motivated by the human drive to survive. We have met hundreds of business owners who risked all of their cash on an idea that they could only hope would work.

Robert Redford was not a rich man when he purchased the land in Provo Canyon. He was at the beginning of what has turned out to be an extraordinary acting and directing career so we all have to turn back the clock to fully appreciate the risk he took.

In addition to the personal motivation we get out of using our own money, we also demonstrate to future bankers and investors that we truly believe in the idea. This makes for perfect story telling if you need to raise additional funds.

You think about it: Could you grow your current business by making a fresh investment?