It seems to me that you'd be better served by talking to your actual customers than chasing investors, particularly for $4000. Investors will come to you when they see the money/users.
I agree to a large part. Depends on where you are in your cycle. I think there is a lot of value in getting face to face with people and just getting feedback. We are making particular product changes based off what we learned that will hopefully be worth the trip.
Also, if you are looking for investment from top-tier VCs, you need to get in front of them. Companies spend a lot of time, money, and resources doing that. There are probably more cost efficient ways but this is a way.
Wait a second- is it seriously that hard to get a meeting with a great VC? Maybe I'm disconnected from reality... but VCs chase deals, and are always interested in meeting ppl. I've never found it difficult to get meeting - is that just me?
Hope you're right. We haven't tried to raise yet so I wouldn't necessarily know directly. I've spoken to many entreprenuers who have a hard time with it, so they may be less than stellar or you might be a rock star. I'll probably find out for myself sooner or later.