Fundraising is simply an energy transfer to further your projects, says entrepreneur and X PRIZE founder Peter Diamandis. It’s also the most critical skill an entrepreneur can have. When trying to raise funds, it's critical to remember that you have to ask for what you want, and that you have to give others the opportunity to be involved. And, says Diamandis, never walk away from a potential funder without something; whether it's dollars, feedback to help you pitch more efficiently, or the phone number of another contact.