Can someone tell me how to handle my business meeting?

I own a small business and need some help with something. I'm having a meeting with someone who I would like involved with my company at some capacity. (In this big picture, his involvement would mean a lot no matter what he does.) I have a few different ideas for him.

Is it better for me to tell him all my ideas and let him pick which he likes best?

Or is it better to pick just one idea and go with it? (The only reason I think this might benefit me is because - if I tell him all my ideas for his involvement, he might think I'm too all over the place and don't have a set plan.)

But on the other hand, if I just pick one thing, and he turns it down, I'd hate him to turn it down, when he would have liked one of my other ideas.

How should I handle this?

You pick what you feel is the best proposal for you as well as for him. You have to emphasize the points that are going to appeal him. Whatever you do don't go off on a tangent that stresses why the deal is good for you.

Listen to his response so you can handle whatever objections or doubts he might bring up. If you can answer his objections you might be able to persuade him to involve himself with your company. Don't give up but don't be overbearing either - it's a fine line so be careful.

Before you have this meeting spend some time the night before going over your proposal and think to yourself what he might bring up as an objection so that you are not surprised and are prepared to answer the objection. Your meeting will be much easier if you have thought through all of the possible scenarios in advance.

If he still objects then you say how about this proposal instead. You explain your plan B but not until you are convinced he is not going to go with your plan A.

Good luck.

I think you're on the right track. That's what I would do.

What's the single most important thing he could do for you? How would he benefit if he does this for you? How do you propose you and he make it happen together? Be specific. Get detailed.

Get clear on those first.

Then, what's the next most important thing. Etc.

Structure your conversation in that order, so you handle the most important things first. you'll run out of time and there's no need to worry about the 9th most important thing.

I think you should tell him that you value his experience and insight and would like him to become involved in some way. See what his reaction is and if it is positive, ask him if there is a particular area of interest that he feels he could add the most value. If he doesn't give a particular area then bring up a few of your ideas. Good luck!

Did he approach you or did you approach him?

If it is the former, then let him talk and ask him questions to find out the reason for him approaching you.

If you approached him, you need to do your homework and find out what makes him tick and then tailor your presentation in a manner that details how he will benefit from his involvement.

I do not know if you have ever heard this saying, but there is no successful person who would tell you it is not true:

Bad salespeople do not plan to fail, they fail to plan.