The Best Handful of Tips 10 – Seeking a Loan

Many new businesses fail because they are under- capitalised. If you need to borrow money to develop your business you will need to prepare well.

Think about the needs of the lender before you present your case. Lenders need security so aim to persuade them their money will be safe if they lend it to you.

Five of the best tips when presenting a case to borrow money

1. Produce evidence of the demand

Carry out market surveys to collect facts showing there is a demand for your product or service.

Prepare a smart looking factual report on your survey findings and the methods you used to collect information.

2. Prepare a well thought-out business plan

The business plan will help you analyse the project and clarify your ideas.

Your written plan should support your case for borrowing money and show you have budgeted for contingencies.

3. Get supporting statements from professionals

Get letters from your accountant, lawyer, valuer and any other highly regarded associates to support your case.

4. Be professional in your approach

Present yourself looking well groomed, confident and full of enthusiasm.

Answer questions honestly, clearly and succinctly.

5. Show you have a good reputation for hard work and repayment of previous loans

Lenders will usually check out your work history, your internet history and your ability to pay previous loans on time.

-Geoffrey Moss, mossassociates.co.nz

“The important thing is what the lender wants to know, not what you want to tell them.”

Source: “Persuasive Way. Tricks of the trade to get your ideas across” Moss Associates Ltd. “Secrets of Persuasion” Cengage Learning Asia, “Persuasive Ways” (Simple Mandarin) Shanghai People’s Publishing House. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com

“Secrets for Success”, Moss Associates Ltd and Thomson Learning, Singapore.