"Preparation fuels confidence." Clear Goals: I always start negotiations with a clear understanding of how much funding I need and how it will be used. This shows lenders I've done my homework. Transparent Communication: I openly share my business growth plans, backed by data, to build trust and credibility with financial institutions. Leverage Options: I compare offers from multiple lenders, which gives me better bargaining power to secure favorable terms. Strong relationships: Through regular contact with my bank, discussions feel like a collaboration rather than a transaction. This approach means I am prepared, persuasive, and strategic in negotiations.

The negotiation starts with the self. I would need to get my financials in order. Most financials would ask for years of tax returns, personal and business, P&L, balance sheet, and account receivables aging, if applicable, to name a few. It is essential to have a good and positive relationship with the financial institution from which one plans to seek financing for the expansion. Responding promptly when financial institutions request information to stay compliant is essential. One key to securing the expansion is a good relationship with the financial institution, overcommunication on one's needs, and constant clarification of the purpose of the request.

Obtaining funding is like buying a suit. It all depends on your taste, your look, your stature, material, color, fit, and objective. I will tailor a loan that fits your needs. Let’s talk.

Navigating funding negotiations is like playing chess with a banker—anticipate their moves and plan yours accordingly. Begin by presenting a compelling and detailed expansion plan that highlights both opportunities and risk mitigation. Show them you're not just asking for money, but offering a partnership in growth where both sides win. And remember, a little charm and genuine enthusiasm can turn a calculated transaction into a collaborative venture.

Good record keeping, up to date accounts, ability to adress questions of security and serviceability and great reputable finance broker should get you there.

If you prefer equity injection from angel investors and other early stage investors, then you've got to take business valuation seriously. Getting the value of your business right is a foundation for good negotiation.

Think about what you want from the bank, a relationship manager available to meet with you in person or take calls or a call centre approach. Do you want a relationship or is it just a transaction? Do you need a range of services to help you manage your business as it grows? Or do you just want a loan? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you have the right shortlist to approach. Preparation is essential. You will need to show financial performance to date plus projections and a business plan on why the funding is needed and what benefit will bring. A good understanding of key risks for your sector and how you mitigate them. The bank can share peer analysis and sector insights to help you plan.

It is customers that provide revenues that repay loans etc, and thus negotiations start, with proven and projected cashflows. Start by (re)stating which customers groups’ problems we solve, the price each group pays, and which other groups have similar problems, & how much they will pay. Loans providers are motivated by proven and projected cash flows, & when we can show we understand them, then we can do business together. And once several providers have been recruited, we can then chose which one based on price, on terms, and on fit.