Start up Psychology: Of NDAs and meetings.

"But first, we need to sign this NDA agreement..."
You've seen the social network, right?
If you're meeting a lot with entrepreneurs, you might hear this a lot.
Every one wants to protect their most valued asset - Their wonderful idea that might change the world. And because most of them only get one shot at this, the one thing they fear the most is that some talented bastard would steal their idea, and get to the market before them.

So you're meeting with the ambitious young man/ woman/ team, and before they tell you how they might change the world, they pull up an NDA document, with thousands of words, all making sure you won't be stealing their precious idea EVER.

I've got a few small tips, that might help with that matter:

• An NDA document might buy you peace of mind, BUT it won't really do the trick if someone really wants to steal your idea. Especially if it works. Big companies have big lawyers, small entrepreneurs usually don't. You can explain that to your partner.
• Try to get that document before the meeting. It's hard reading every paragraph when you're in a coffee shop. You won't be able to assess the risks.
• Ask for a time limit on that document. Three years is enough. You'll never know when you'll end up, or you might implement a similar idea in the future.
• Declare a possible conflict of interests before hearing the idea. Tell the founder that you might stop the presentation in the middle - If you've heard a similar idea before, or consulting to a company with a similar idea (Even technologically), you can stop the meeting (Just don't do that AFTER you hear everything), and invalidate the NDA. Protect yourself in that matter.

And, most important - Go with your instinct. If you don't feel comfortable with the NDA, or with your potential partner, you can stop the meeting any time, and depart politely. 

It's more important to have fun and to work on something you believe in.