your banker is more important than your bank

One of my mentors taught me to "dig my well, before I was thirsty," and there is no situation in business where that applies more than finding the money you need to grow your business. 

Growth stages are the most expensive stages you will ever encounter, and they are expensive in terms of money, time, and emotional energy. 

Before you get there, find your banker, because by the time you need money, it's almost too late. 

Your banker, if they're good, will be recruited to multiple banks during their career, and you want to follow them from bank to bank, because a good banker will be your advocate when it comes to persuading decision makers to loan you money. 

Things to keep in mind: 

• Is the bank big enough to grow with you and small enough for you to get the attention you need? 

• Do they genuinely work with businesses like yours, regardless of what their marketing might indicate? 

• Does the Banker listen to you, make an effort to understand your business and your needs, and communicate honestly? 

Have a banker you love? I'd love to meet them, so please introduce us.