Part 1: I am not God, the least I can do is be polite
Why does James Caan share a name with an actor best known for his role as a Mafioso? What did Bill Gates tell him was the biggest obstacle to the early growth of Microsoft? And how does Mohammed Al Fayed refer to him in private?
READ THE BIG INTERVIEW PART 1 
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As CEO of Hamilton Bradshaw and a BBC Dragon, I spend my life on the receiving end of pitches for funding. So I know exactly what it takes to succeed. Like many investors I buy the person first and foremost. Here are my top tips for those seeking to persuade backers to part with their money. I call them "the Seven Ps".
Preparation
Have you prepared and really thought everything through? Product, market, figures, research, market opportunity, sizing. Preparation is crucial.
Passion
Do you really want it? There is a difference between enthusiasm and passion – I want passion. To me, passion is having the character to do something about it once the emotion has gone. You have got to have that conviction and unquestioning belief in what you are doing in order to be successful. Are you willing to make sacrifices? If you are not prepared to put yourself out, and you think success will come to you simply because you've got a great idea, then you are not the person I'm looking for.
Presence
Are you credible and believable? Could I do business with you?
Persistence
Have you been knocked down and got up again? How long have you been trying? What will you do if you get refused today?
Product
Is it a good product with a market need? The first thing I need to know is that the idea is tried and tested. I probably won't be interested in something that is just a plan on paper. I need to know that it has been developed, it works and it has market acceptability. Market acceptability means that it has been demonstrated to a number of people who have come back and said yes, this is something I would like to buy.
Projections
Do the figures stack up? Can I see a return?
Presentation
How have you prepared for today and what sort of presentation are you giving? I must be convinced that you are passionate enough about your idea to showcase it effectively.
