(Okay, I am a really likable person and you have money you want to give away)

Ready? Okay:

Likable me: “Hey, I have this great idea and I know it is a money maker. All I need is some money from you and I will turn my idea into the next big thing. I want you to make an investment in me.”

Practical you: “Sounds great! So, what is your idea and what do you need from me? Make it quick because I have a meeting in a couple of minutes.”

Likable me: “Oh, well, it is sort of hard to explain, and I don’t really know what I need from you yet. But I really need it. This is the best idea ever.”

Practical you: “That’s okay. Just send me your proposal and business plan, maybe I will see where I can fit into your vision. Oh, I will need your budget, too.”

Likable me: “Um, what? I don’t have time to do all that, but if you invest in me, I promise I will start making time to do all that.”

Practical you: “I’m sorry. I think you are great and all, but I just can’t give you money before I see your plan to launch and sustain this thing. Come see me when you have it all on paper.”

The bottom line: People invest in people. Even if your idea/invention/talent is unique/amazing/fabulous folks will not have the confidence to invest in you if you don’t have your plan on paper.

Need help? Try the Small Business Administration or the Small Biz Resource.

You can do this. Go to the library, lock yourself in, write it all down.