all, give the person youre talking to a graceful way not to lend or invest. Remember, this is a business proposition, not proof of someones feelings for you. Once everyone is assured an easy exit if they dont have the money or desire to invest, you may find they will be relaxed enough to give you a fair hearing.     2. Business Acquaintances     One good way to approach business acquaintances is by networking. For example, you might call your attorney or accountant or someone you know who owns a small business and say, "Ive got a great business proposal in the retail clothing business. I need about $40,000 and the investor will get a 25% annual return on the money they invest, paid monthly. Do you know anybody who might be interested?"     She might reply, "Well, Im not interested myself, but why dont you try Joe Spats? He just retired from the mens wear business and has been a little restless lately." Obviously, the next step is to call Joe, mention your mutual friends name and set up a meeting. If hes not interested, ask if he knows anyone who might be. If you strike out with your accountant, attorney or business friend, try your uncle, the owner of the local hardware store with whom you trade jokes or the investor who put money into the bakery where you buy coffee.     3. Supporters     Supporters are people who care-often deeply-about the subject area of your business. Your best approach is to try to enlist this enthusiasm and to honestly involve these people in your dream. Often its best to involve supporters at an early stage so that you get the full benefit of their good ideas.     If your business will have enthusiastic supporters, whether its a music store or a dentists office in a rural area where there is no dentist now, these people may offer financial help. Figure out ways to get the word out in the correct circles. If people care, they may respond favorably.     4. Banks     The main point to remember about banks is that they lend money, they dont invest it. A banker will want to know all about you and your business, but when it comes to saying "yes" or "no," the security of the loan will be paramount.     When approaching a bank for the first time, it is important to understand that within all banks, responsibility for different tasks is divided. You want to talk to the loan officer in charge of small business loans, not the trust officer or the person in charge of getting the automatic teller machine to work right.     Bankers, like almost everyone else, prefer dealing with people they know. The ideal way to meet a bank lending officer is to know a bank vice president socially and have her refer you to the loan officer. However, if you are like most mere mortals and dont have any old school ties or country club connections, you will have to be creative. Almost anyone who owns a successful small business will have friendly contacts at a local bank, as will accountants or business consultants. See if you can arrange an introduction or at least get permission to use your contacts name. If all else fails, call the receptionist and ask the name of the small business loan officer.