B-1 Visa

Hi I was wondering if anyone can answer a few questions regarding the B-1 visa. I have recently been offered a position to work for a US clothing company in Canada they are currently wanting to expand business up here. The company would like me to obtain a B-1 visa to be able to attend meetings negotiate my contract and textile conventions. One thing I am afraid of is I went down in the fall to visit friends I aslo meet with the owner of the company which her name was taken down in the computer but never stated that I was going for a job interview which it wasn't it was just a meeting. I aslo ended up staying for 2 months due to being to sick to travel.
The questions I have are;
will my trip in the fall effect my chances
are they difficul to obtain?
If I get denied can I be banned for 5 years or not be able to go across at all?
I have strong canadian ties husband, kids family ect....
I would appreciate all advice
thank you

You do not need to obtain a B1 visa prior to travelling to the US if you are a Canadian citizen. Canadians are a unique entity when it comes to visiting the US and we are basically under B1/B2 status whenever we visit, and we do NOT require an actual visa. You just go to the border and tell them the reason for your trip. If you're going for a business meeting, that is perfectly legal to do under B1 visitor status.

Here, from the Department of State website:

Visa Requirements - Citizens of Canada, and Permanent Residents

Citizens of Canada traveling to the U.S. do not require a nonimmigrant visa, except for the travel purposes as described below. The below listed travel purposes require a visa. Additionally, Canadian citizens who have an ineligibility for a visa under immigration law, or have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the United States, can Learn More about ineligibilities related to Canadians on the DHS Customs and Border Protection Website. Canadian citizens with ineligibilities also have the option of applying for a visa and a waiver at the nearest U.S. consulate if it is more convenient for them.

Canadians require nonimmigrant visas for temporary travel to the U.S. for these purposes:

Foreign government officials (A), officials and employees of international organizations (G) and NATO officials, representatives and employees assigned to the U.S. as needed to facilitate their travel
Treaty traders (E-1)
Treaty investors (E-2)
Fiance/es (K-1)
Children of fiancées (K-2)
U.S. citizen's foreign citizen spouse, who is traveling to the U.S. to complete the process of immigration (K-3).
Children of a foreign citizen spouse (K-4) described above
Spouses of lawful permanent residents (V-1) traveling to the U.S. to reside here while they wait for the final completion of their immigration process
Children of spouses of lawful permanent residents (V-2) described above

Just be able to prove to them that you do not intend to WORK or STAY in the US. Show ties to home country, and ties to your job in Canada.

Actually you can work on B-1, provided it's permitted under the regulations (in fact you can even work on B-2 in very limited situations, such as aircrew who don't qualify for C or D).

As Reba pointed out, B-1 does not require a visa for Canadians, you tell them at the POE why you are entering. In addition B-1 is also a broader category for Canadians because of NAFTA, if you search the web for "B-1 NAFTA" there are various websites that will show you the permitted activities.

Business meetings, taking orders and things like that are perfectly okay under B-1.

It helps if you take proof of why you are entering, e.g. business cards, relevant correspondence, etc. in case they have any questions.