Articles

Your First Conversation with the Seller: Making the Most of It

Business For Sale Buy a Business For Buyers

Posted by Richard Parker on

Prospective business buyers often make the terrible mistake of being overzealous when talking with a seller for the first time. I get it; you’re excited. Perhaps you have spent a ton of time looking at listings and do not want to waste any time on potential businesses that fail to meet your cr ...
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In Case of Emergency, is Your Small Business Prepared?

Business

Posted by Dick Halterman Murphy Business – Shenandoah Valley, Virginia on

Natural disasters may hit at any time of the year, but the recent wildfires in Colorado and derecho (line of violent thunderstorms) that cut a path across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic have made Americans aware that the atmosphere is often very unstable during the summer months. Have you given any ...
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What DO Your Employees Want?

Business General Business

Posted by Laura Barbara, Murphy Business Broker on

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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6 Overlooked Benefits of a Company Valuation

Valuation

Posted by Meghan Daniels, Axial on

Most business owners seek a valuation for their company when there’s an immediate need — they’re ready to sell or raise capital now, or they have a shareholder that is being bought out or gifting equity to family. But valuations can be useful whether a deal is imminent or not. We ...
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If You Are Truly Ready to Sell, Ask Yourself These Questions

Business Sell a Business

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

If I sell the business now, will I get enough money to satisfy my needs? Will I really improve my personal financial position, or should I wait a little bit longer? Define priorities: Do I want an all-cash deal, so that I can wash my hands and be done with the business? (This will generally resu ...
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IS YOUR BUSINESS READY TO BE SOLD?

Sell a Business

Posted by Murphy Business Broker – Shelly Stansfield on

Two recent discussions are worth considering when thinking of about selling your business. One gentleman wants to sell his business to a couple employees in a couple of years and the other wants to sell in 10 years. TWO YEAR GOAL: A moderately successful business owner and I discussed having a ...
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Murphy Business Broker Explains the Process of Selling Your Business Step by Step

Sell a Business Selling Selling a business

Posted by Business Broker Russell Cohen | Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

Anyone selling a business should be considering the elements of the sales process. Business brokers are invaluable in each of these considerations: Think It Through – Know What You Want Do you want to retire completely or continue to have a hand or profit in the business? Do you want to move ...
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What Matters Most to Business Buyers?

Buy a Business Buying a business For Buyers

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

An established business has much to offer a prospective buyer. A proven product or service exists, as well as a customer base. Typically, there are experienced employees and managers in place (and many choose to remain with the company after the sale is complete). There is a cash flow from the first ...
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Small Business Seller’s Wish List

Business Sell Selling a business

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

Today we are offering a wish list for a typical seller of a small business. Entrepreneurs who are selling their companies, as well as those looking to purchase, generally agree on what would make the process more seamless overall. What the seller wants: A qualified buyer - This not onl ...
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Small Business Buyer’s Wish List

Buy a Business Small Business

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

We recently presented a wish list for a typical seller of a small business. Now, it's the buyer's turn. Entrepreneurs - whether they are buyers or sellers - generally agree on several factors that make the business transfer process more seamless overall. A buyer wants: A solid business ...
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Develop a Negotiation Strategy when Selling a Business

Sell a Business Selling a business

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

When you begin to negotiate the sale of the business, you will be much better off if you have developed a personal plan and have prioritized which items in the deal are the most important to you and which items you can compromise on and still accomplish your objectives. Prioritize which items are ...
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You Have Goodwill Because?

Buy a Business Sell a Business Valuation

Posted by Dick Halterman Murphy Business – Shenandoah Valley, Virginia on

From time to time, I am in the unfortunate position of telling some 50-year old business owner that they "just don’t have any goodwill". "But we have been around forever, or our name is like a household word in the community, or we literally have thousands of customers"&nbs ...
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How To Get Your Business Ready To Sell

Business For Sale

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

Here are some of the obvious, and not so obvious, steps you can take as you get ready to sell your business: Clean the premises Organize the books and records Deal with any customer/vendor/employee issues prior to the sale Try to increase revenues without sacrificing margin (increasing revenue ...
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The Importance of Intangible Assets When Selling a Business – Business For Sale

Business For Sale

Posted by Business Broker Russell Cohen | Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

You've spent a lifetime building up your business. Whether you have always planned to move on or are selling your business due to the continuing pressures exerted by the many recent economic downturns, you will be looking to achieve the greatest profit attainable for your efforts. That is why i ...
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When is the best time to sell a business? – Timing is Everything!

Business Sell a Business

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

The biggest financial transaction in a private business owner's life is likely the sale of his or her business. Although many transfers are predetermined, others result from unplanned events, which is why it is essential for business owners to have an exit strategy. Operate your business as if ...
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Business Plan Basics

Business

Posted by Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

Ho-hum, you may be thinking. Or, boring. Maybe even, when can I possibly fit this into my hectic week? As an entrepreneur, you are an extremely busy individual who probably shoots from the hip more often than not. So, do you really need to take the time and effort to put a business plan in writing? ...
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SELL NOW OR WAIT?

Sell a Business

Posted by Murphy Business Broker – Shelly Stansfield on

The growth or lack of growth in the economy is a current debate. So, if you are one of the Baby Boomers who weathered the 2008 economic crisis and still in business, let's consider your situation. You are labeled a "Baby Boomer" because you are now between the mid 50's and the lat ...
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Think Like a Buyer When Selling Your Business

Buying a business For Buyers For Sellers Selling a business

Posted by Business Broker Russell Cohen - Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

When you're hoping to sell your business there are a number of things to be concerned about. There are a few ways you can get a step-up on your buyer and anticipate their moves before they have thought them up themselves. If you want to swim with the piranhas you're going to have to nip a fe ...
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Hire A Business Broker When Selling A Business

For Sellers Sell a Business Selling a business

Posted by Business Broker Russell Cohen Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC on

Selling a business is a complicated and an intricate procedure. However, business brokers play a fundamental role in getting along the process to make it a successful deal. There are several factors and cautions involved that should to be considered before stepping out to sell your business. Findin ...
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WHY YOU NEED A VALUATION

Business Business Information Buy a Business Buying a business For Buyers For Sellers General Business Sell a Business Selling Selling a business Valuation Valuing

Posted by Murphy Business Broker – Shelly Stansfield on

The buzz is that if you are a Baby Boomer and you want to sell your business in the next few years, then you are in the majority. You are not the only Baby Boomer and will possibly have your business compete against many more similar businesses in both model and industry. In order to be well-prepare ...
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