It’s August, which means sweltering heat and school starting back up. As families get back into a routine, we also see an uptick in business owners recommitting to their business goals. For some, that’s thinking about strategic growth. For others, it’s considering if it is finally time to sell
READ MORE »Most people know what a business valuation is (the process of figuring out what your company is worth), but not everyone knows the different reasons valuations are performed. Aside from the obvious need for a valuation when you’re ready to sell the business, valuations are preformed for many diffe
READ MORE »Not as rough as 2020, but 2021 was no picnic for many people and businesses. Supply chain challenges, microchip shortages, cyberattacks, inflation, and labor concerns dominated many conversations in the board room and at the dinner table. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, but it appears that many
READ MORE »It’s no secret that businesses are having labor troubles. Everyone is hiring. Hourly wages are going up. Restaurants are reducing hours and days of operation. Supply chains are interrupted. It’s EVERYWHERE. If you own a business, this might be what is driving you to consider selling. Or perha
READ MORE »I consider myself blessed to work with successful entrepreneurs. I love to hear “the story”: How they started in a spare room or a garage with little or no money, grinding it out 80-90 hours a week. Now, after several decades, they have a very nice business. They are all extremely competent and
READ MORE »Even though most business owners have approximately 85% of their net worth attributed to their business, most run their business day after day, month after month, year after year, and have no idea what their business is worth. They may think they know, but often the price they have in mind is not re
READ MORE »If you own a business, at some point you’ll probably need to know what your business is worth. It might be for estate planning purposes, a major life event, or perhaps you’re thinking about selling your business. Whatever the reason, there are some “valuation traps” out there, so we want
READ MORE »Great News for Buyers and Sellers While this has been in limbo for a few days, it was signed into law last night by the President. Below is a summary of the benefits for business owners, PPP borrowers, buyers, and sellers. We don't attempt to cover the many other facets (unemployment benefits, s
READ MORE »“Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run…” Kenny Rogers may have been talking about gambling, but the lyrics work for business owners too. Over half of businesses in the US have been impacted by COVID this year to some degree and as we
READ MORE »If you’re a savvy business owner, you know that maintaining strict confidentiality is critical when selling your business. Only a handful of people should know you’re thinking of selling: your spouse, financial planner, accountant, and attorney. Often, this element alone will push a seller towar
READ MORE »One of the top questions we’re asked in this unprecedented COVID environment is “are you still selling businesses?” The answer is a resounding YES! The follow up question usually has something to do with how banks are supporting those transactions, so we thought we’d examine what we’re see
READ MORE »You probably have a financial advisor who is managing your money and will advise you as to whether or not you’re on track for retirement. That’s smart and, for most of us, essential. Even the most talented, worth-their-salt money manager will tell you that their financial models can be “garbag
READ MORE »Coronavirus. Yep, we’re jumping on the bandwagon. Why on earth are we, business brokers, talking about Coronavirus?! It has nothing to do with buying or selling business, right? Hang with us for a minute… Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 50 basis points (0.50
READ MORE »Non-competes. You’ve probably been exposed to them at some point. Perhaps you have employees sign them or maybe you have signed one yourself at some point. Non-competes are also a very important component of a business transfer. Imagine this: You bought a high-end restaurant. Since you struck a
READ MORE »With all of the online options at our fingertips these days, it is easier than ever to sell things. You can sell everything from a couch, to a car, to a house just by listing them online. In these days of the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) posts, wouldn’t it just be easier to try to sell your business t
READ MORE »Congruence explains how things correspond or agree with each other and it has EVERYTHING to do with selling your business. Many buyers mystery visit your business before they make an offer on it. They want to see how your website, collateral materials, products, and staff interact with them as a
READ MORE »Businesses grow in one of two ways: organically or by acquisition. Growing organically means that you grow slowly but surely over time as the demand and money allows. When you grow by acquisition, you buy another company and absorb them into your organization. Growing by acquisition can be a great b
READ MORE »In an academic setting, a discounted cash flow model sounds like a completely reasonable form of valuing a business. You project out the anticipated cash flows for 5-10 years, use a discount rate and look at what those future cash flows are in present day dollars. The formula for this is usual
READ MORE »Listen up, if your goal is to “Grow Your Business”, raise your hand. I’m sure that 99% of you raised your hand. Those of you who didn’t, well, you can stop reading. There is no such thing as a business that is maintaining sales and profits year after year at the same level.
READ MORE »There is an inherent rub when a buyer and seller are trying to negotiate the sale of a business. The buyer wants the lowest price and the most favorable terms possible. The seller wants the highest price and to protect themselves while minimizing their tax bill. Here are a few ways you can help y
READ MORE »I have very fond memories of my first “real” job. After all, this was my initial step into the real world: no longer did I receive cash for a few hours of watching someone’s children; I now had my hands on an official paycheck – complete with my social security number, full a
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