Why is it that some online crowdfunding offerings take off while others die on the vine? It’s all about great story telling and a plan and Republic Restorative Distillery has both. Pia Carusone and Rachel Cole Gardner have raised over $75,000 in seven days. They have now upped the ante with a stretch goal of $100,000.
How’d they do that? You can see the entire video below.
- Lead with a great video.
- Paint a picture by telling a great story.
- Female owned: Women are one of the fastest growing segment of the whisky market. According to Fred Minnick, author of “Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey” by author Fred Minnick.
women now account for 37% of whisky drinkers in the U.S. up from 15% in the 90’s. - Show an architect’s rendering of what the space will look like. In my experience, tell someone about your design and most people will shake their head but not really have a clue what you are envisioning. Show them a picture of what you are talking about and a light bulb goes off. Oh, like that, that’s a cool, modern design. Love it.
- Name your still, adds personality: ‘The Friggin’ figgins reciprocator’ a 1,000 gallon batch system.
- Location: 80,000 people go past this location daily. Three miles from the nation’s capital in D.C.
- Sustainability: Reclaim some raw space in an area undergoing a major rehabilitation. Be a part of the momentum. Not a box store.
- Have a partner/co-founder – It gives you accountability and energy and in watching the video, they play well together.
- Be in a hot industry – craft spirits is booming.
- Create community and be a part of it. Offer classes, tours and open a tasting bar.
- Have a revenue plan: Get the money flowing with Vodka. The bourbon will take time to mature. Talk about both.
- Be enthusiastic.
- Be yourself.
- Have a sign spinner photobomb your video. Look at .23 and 1:57. You know it’s a high traffic area if there’s a sign spinner on the street.
- Have a dog in your video.
You can learn more in a related story Women Owned D.C. Startup Republic Restoratives Distillery Raises $75k in Just 7 Days and check out the Restorative Republic’s Distillery crowdsourcing project on Indiegogo here.
