investors/lenders a fair return, as much security as youre comfortable with and a little romance. By romance, I mean to emphasize the fact that investing and lending money are very personal activities. Your backer wants to feel good about you and your project. Your backer also wants to share in your enthusiasm. So, in addition to presenting a potential lender or investor with a sound financial plan, make sure he knows what makes the project exciting for you.         What if youve previously declared bankruptcy or have had other credit problems, such as a lawsuit for a delinquent student loan? Dont try to camouflage it. The banker or investor will probably find out this sort of information from a credit reporting agency anyway, so it will help you to be up front. However, you need to come up with a plausible-and true-explanation for your past credit problems. It should also reflect your determination to meet your obligations in the future.     Heres the wrong sort of explanation for a student loan lawsuit:     "Yes, I acknowledge that I took a student loan and didnt pay it back. I didnt pay it back because the militaristic system we live under is shameful. Its my firmly held conviction that students have an obligation to take what they can to partially balance the scales." Heres a better way to handle the same situation: "Yes, I did have a student loan and wasnt able to pay it back. I had a rough time adjusting to the working world for several years after I graduated and couldnt come up with the money in time. Since then, I have discovered work I like to do and am good at, as evidenced by my recent work history. I have arranged a sensible monthly payment schedule, which I have been honoring."     The second explanation shows that you will play by conventional credit rules. It also tugs at the heartstrings a little, something that never hurts a good cause.           4. Ask for the Money     Heres one bit of essential advice about meeting with your backers: You must ask for the money. Dont make the common mistake of discussing your plan in generalities and then saying "thank you" as you walk out the door.     As part of every presentation, you must ask the potential source of funds if he will invest in your venture or lend you the money. Repeat this phrase:     "Thank you for listening to my business plan. Will you invest/lend me the money I need to get started?"     If you are turned down, dont hang your tail between your legs and slink away in a puddle of embarrassed perspiration. Ask why. Sometimes the reasons why a person wont help finance your business will be more valuable to you than the money.