How to Get a Business Loan in an Economic Crunch

January 7, 2009 · Posted in Green Business Basics, Green Business Loans, Start Up Business 

PLAN Nepremi?nine - stationery
Creative Commons License photo credit: Ajda Gregor?i?

With the current U.S. economic conditions, financial institutions are tightening their grip on funds. Markets have dropped dramatically, foreclosures are popping up like daisies in the spring and small-town banks have gone belly-up to be purchased by larger banks. Every day brings newscasts with more dreadful financial tidings and we’ve been warned that loans will be harder to secure. So, if your business is in need of working capital, you may be thinking that the outlook is pretty bleak. There is hope, however and there are a few things you can do to increase your chances when you sit down in front of that loan officer.

First, you need to develop a positive attitude. That may seem difficult, given the point of view of the media and the general population. It may be easier, though, if you simply remember a few important facts:

Lenders have to lend to make money. Financial institutions don’t simply gather funds. They make money by loaning money. Your finance charges and interest are your bank’s bread and butter. The bank has nothing to gain by hoarding funds because there’s a crisis.

Business is a good investment. It’s obvious that our financial institutions need something other than the housing market to invest in. Businesses like yours contribute to the economy, pay taxes and employ our citizens. Your government and your bank want you to stay in business.

Banks have money to loan. No matter how dire circumstances appear to be, there is money to be loaned. Those banks that survived the initial crunch did so because they’re solvent. Banks that weren’t prepared have been absorbed or supported by bigger, stronger institutions.

So, is a good attitude all you need? Well, it is not quite this simple. Attitude is simply the first step in projecting the right image, and image is the key. To clarify that, we’re talking about image, not just appearance. You and your business need to have the right image. Here are a few pointers on building that image:

Appearance is important. A loan officer is more likely to believe in your success if you look like a success. When the numbers are close, the impression you make will make a difference. With this in mind, pay a some attention to how you dress. Put on a professional looking 2-piece suit and a necktie. Dressing professionally shows that you mean business and it will give lenders the confidence that you will be just as persistent in making your business succeed as you were in getting the loan.

Prepare a business plan. This holds true whether your business is a startup or well established. A solid business plan answers any questions your lender may have about what you do, where you’re going, and why you’re there. Just as importantly, it says, “I’m serious about my business.”

Have your records ready. Making the process easy on the banker is going to do a lot for everyone’s disposition. Get your financial records together and organize them. If you think something might be needed, take it. You can’t have too much information, although you only need to provide what’s asked for.

Be nice. Remember that you’re dealing with a person representing a business. Treat that person with respect and you may earn his or her respect in return.

Will all of this guarantee that you’ll get the loan you ask for? Absolutely not. If your credit score is too low, you can expect to be turned down. If the debt to income ratio is too far off, it’s not going to fly in this economy. After all, that’s how the mortgage lenders created the current crisis in the first place. Following these simple guidelines will, however, start things out on a positive note, and that is half the battle.

Mr. Pohl is the owner and founder of United E-Commerce. When he is not managing his businesses he enjoys sharing what he has learned about starting and running successful companies by publishing articles for online magazines. If you are looking for a business loan and are looking for great ways to dress professionally on a budget he suggests you check out the following cheap neckties and cheap bow ties.

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