As they say, failure is a great teacher. However, if you are looking to sell your business, why not learn from other owners when selling your business? One of the byproducts of the experiences of other business owners who have attempted to complete the sale of their business and run into difficulties is the lessons […]
Maybe you have been doing HVAC for years and are burned out and ready to sell and retire. Maybe it is time for someone else in your family to take over, or you are looking for an outside buyer. Either way, you have decided it is time to sell. When it comes to selling an […]
When considering selling your medical practice, there are a lot of things to think about. The field of healthcare is constantly changing, and government and insurance regulations largely affect this industry. That means that to sell your medical practice, there are some things you need to do that make yourself appealing to buyers of all […]
One bright spot in the COVID pandemic has been the IT industry. With companies shifting employees to remote work, businesses starting from home, and other factors, tech both big and small has seen a significant boost, and the California IT business is no exception. This means it is a great time to be in the […]
The IT industry has been booming for quite some time. From robots that flip burgers and giant ones that kneel, stand, and walk to your local data center, the future of 5G, and the “work from anywhere” revolution, internet technology, the internet of things, and big data all offer huge opportunities. One of the places that […]
This is a question people will often ask as a business broker. After all, if you already have a Certified Business Broker and an accountant, do you really need an attorney, too? I mean, aren’t all the contracts pretty standard. Besides, don’t attorney’s just cost extra, and can they mess up a deal? After all, […]
One of the trickiest parts of selling a construction business in California is finding a qualified buyer. So what do you look for, and if you are a buyer, what targets do you shoot for? Well, there are a couple of primary qualifications to buy a construction business, and they often seem like one of […]
As long as there are people still moving to California, buying houses, remodeling older ones, building new ones, and as long as there are companies in need of a physical presence, there will be a need for construction companies in California. Despite the doomsayers who say everyone is leaving California for other states, there are […]
We often say that selling your business will take a team of experts. The business broker is like the quarterback of that team. He or she will make sure that everyone is talking to everyone else, and that all documents that need to be made available are handled securely and confidentially. There are also a […]
Selling a business during a global pandemic is different. What isn’t? Often we see this presented through a case study from the viewpoint of the seller or even the business broker, including those in our own case studies that can be found here. However, it is less frequent for us to hear about selling a […]
Unfortunately, a common occurrence in the construction industry and other contractor industries is litigation or a claim. A construction claim is usually a demand made by the contractor to the owner for money to cover the additional cost of construction work performed on a project beyond the original terms of the contract. Simplified, a construction […]
We live in an extraordinary time where one of the only certainties we are offered is uncertainty. But even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and sometimes because of it, you may be considering selling your California business. You’re not alone. Other business owners are also choosing now as the right time to exit their […]
Some of the biggest news of the CVOID-19 era has been the delicate lease negotiations between landlords and tenants. With reduced revenues, tenants struggle to make regular rent payments but don’t want to lose their locations for when things normalize again. Landlords, especially those who also carry mortgages, cannot afford to be without rent for […]
Stanford Business school released a study in June of 2020 where they surveyed several business brokers, experienced and new, in agencies and independent brokers, and located all across the country. The study was not large enough to be definitive, but it did offer some interesting insight into the current market for selling your business. If […]
Every business owner has been affected in one way or another by COVID 19. However, the key is what to do about it. From employee, client, and customer safety to financial struggles and concerns, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your business. Here are ten things every California business owner should […]
With the recent COVID 19 global pandemic, it is more important than ever to manage your cash effectively. While we know cash flow is the cornerstone of any business, it is often easy to lose sight of those controls when times are good. But cash management and cash flow are vital to your business success. […]
Owning a California business has always been both desirable and different. Areas of great year-round weather and a laid back lifestyle have appealed to California entrepreneurs for decades. So has the potential for income, as were the state its own country, it would be the sixth-largest economy in the world. It was also one of […]
Selling your specialty medical practice anywhere can be a complex project. Many physicians, once they have opened their practice, tend to specialize in certain fields. This specialization offers several advantages over a General Practice for many doctors, and also makes the medical practice unique. In many cases, this can make it easier to sell when […]
No matter what the time or situation, janitorial services are often in demand, in California and elsewhere. In light of the events of 2020, even more companies are outsourcing their janitorial and cleaning services to professional companies. Now may be one of the best times for selling a janitorial services company in California. Here are […]
In this time of isolation and products that are in high demand, the wholesale distribution business in California is an essential one. That means this is a time of both challenges and business opportunities. The key is to know which is which, and how they relate to your business now and in the future. Here […]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses in California are struggling with understanding which businesses are essential and which ones are not. While some cleaning services are considered to be essential, there have been debates about everything from landscaping to tree services. At the same time, since many businesses have closed, for the time being, […]
When you’re getting ready for selling your California medical practice, there are several steps you need to take, and things you need to be prepared for. By taking these steps, you will make sure you find the right buyer at the right time, and you’ll make the process overall much easier. Here are the six […]
The construction business in California is extremely healthy, and when it comes to home remodeling businesses, companies are thriving. As the seasons change, people often want to make changes too, and that includes remodeling their home. However, you may be craving change as well and feel like selling your home remodeling business. Whatever your reason, […]
Service business valuation when it’s time to sell your business services company in California, the very first step is to value your business. This is true no matter what business you are preparing to sell. It makes sense of course; you can’t sell something until you know what it is actually worth. But why, exactly […]
More companies are moving toward sustainable practices, and that includes landscaping companies. If you are thinking of selling your landscaping business in California, it helps if you are already in the green. But what does that mean, exactly? To the landscaping business, it means some things you might already be doing, and some things you […]
The state of California is a great place to live. There are diverse climates, from the mountains to the beach, and from the agricultural areas of the Central Valley to the mild year-round climates of Southern California. As a result, HVAC needs are diverse as well and many HVAC businesses are set for acquisition in […]
There’s a lot of talk about manufacturing in the news, everything from trade and tariffs to Brexit and other current events, like the attempt to contain the spreading coronavirus. What all of it really means is that there are some great opportunities for domestic manufacturing companies. There’s really a no better place for these companies […]
With every new year come predictions of trends for the coming year, and what is next. With events like the Consumer Electronics Show each January, we get a glimpse of what the latest and greatest tech is, and when it will be coming to our homes and our lives. At the same time, we also […]
Business is strong in California. Unemployment is low, and companies that provide services to other businesses are thriving. The market is wide open to those who are selling these types of businesses, but there may be challenges you should know about and know how to deal with. Doing business in California is different than in […]
Selling a business in California is a life-changing event. The sale will likely be the most significant financial event of your life and may even be a large part of your plan for retirement. It’s important that you plan for this event just as carefully, if not more so than you plan for other things […]
Most of the time when you are selling a business, you want to keep the fact that your business is for sale confidential for a number of reasons. This is one of the many reasons for hiring a Certified Business Broker. They help you find the right buyer without putting a real estate sign on […]
It’s the end of a new year and the start of a new decade, and that may mean you are considering a change. If that change includes selling your business in California, there are some steps you need to take before you are ready to sell. Every business owner will exit their business at some […]
It’s the holiday season, and the time of year when business owners start to think about the next year, and in the case of the end of this year, perhaps even the next decade. Maybe it is time to sell your business and move on, or even work on growing your business before you sell. Whatever […]
The tax implications of selling your business are huge. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and the earlier your path is established, the less likely it is that tax issues will derail your sale. In this article, we will take a high-level look at these issues, and what to do about them, […]
Business owners often struggle to know the value of their business. After all, what is this thing they have spent so much time building over the years really worth? One of the things that makes this difficult is understanding the value of the assets your business owns, but another is the simple value of your […]
As we often talk about here on our website, the first step to selling your business is to have a solid business valuation, so you know what your business is worth before you start the process of selling it. Because of how important this is, we offer a free tool to help you value your […]
The most important place to start if you are thinking of selling your business is to know its value. Almost without exception, a business owner thinks their business is worth more than it is. Equally, almost without exception, a business buyer thinks the business is worth less than it is. What a seller of a […]
When you are selling your business, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. One of the most important is cybersecurity. Why? In today’s world we do a lot of business on the internet, and pass things back and forth digitally. But keeping that information secure is just as vital when selling your […]
Today, consumers are increasingly motivated to do business with companies that are environmentally conscious. That means they not only comply with local and federal regulations, but they go beyond what is required in order to protect the environment. That means that business buyers are also looking for businesses that are environmentally conscious, especially Millennial buyers. […]
When it comes to regulation and protecting the rights and health of their citizens, the State of California is one of the strictest in the nation. The state is also strict on environmental and labor laws. All of this regulation is great for the protection of residents. However, it does make finding a qualified buyer […]
When we talk about buying or selling a business one of the first topics is the due diligence process. What does that mean for the seller? What should the buyer be looking for? The answer is contained in a long and thorough checklist. As a seller, it means you must be prepared to present paperwork […]
The age-old question when it comes to buying and selling a business. A letter of intent or an LOI has big advantages to both parties when it comes to a business acquisition transaction. What does one look like, and do you actually need one? First a business acquisitions letter of intent is a document that […]
Here at Rogerson Business Services SBA Loans in California are essential. The fact is that you will need financing to buy a business, and your buyer will need it if you are selling a business. We also understand that you don’t just need a lender, you need the right lender. California SBA Loans That’s why […]
The Small Business Administration issues and/or guarantees loans for small businesses, and getting SBA loans is one of the most common ways many entrepreneurs fund their dream of owning a small business. The process of qualifying for and getting SBA loans is pretty static, but interest rates, what loans and how many are approved, and […]
We often think of the importance of a business and personal credit score when buying a business. It makes sense, right? A part of buying a business, especially if it is your first business, is qualifying for financing unless you have a huge amount of cash. What about when you are selling a business? Well, […]
A tragic statistic tells us that many businesses that are passed on to children or that are purchased by employees fail. Why? The reason is simple. There is a huge difference between the mindset of an employee and an entrepreneur. Before you buy a business or before you as an owner agree to sell a […]
Qualified buyers are business buyers with qualified financing that makes them attractive to afford the asking sale price of your business. So you’re ready to sell your business. It is time to contact a business broker, get your company ready to sell, and wait for the offers to roll in, right? Well maybe. It often […]
This is a fascinating question as you think the answer would be very simple. What does it take to really sell your business? The answer is that it is anything but simple to sell a business. And here are several reasons. Selling your business comes with complications The consensus would be that the price of […]
As a business broker, my job is to help people who want to sell their business find the right buyer at the right time. However, I also connect buyers with sellers who are the right fit for them. Sometimes, people ask me if it’s better to start a business from scratch. It’s a fair question […]
What business financing options are out there for entrepreneurs? You’re ready to sell your business, but how will you find a buyer who can pay for it? Or are you ready to buy a business? There is a lot of money involved, and costs you might not even think of at first. How will you […]
Small business valuation is a must-do if you are thinking of selling your business or thinking of buying one, one key is to know exactly how much the business is worth. How can you know what to ask for your business or what to offer for one you wish to purchase if you don’t know […]
Ready access to financing is the cornerstone of the capitalist system. This is whether an entrepreneur wants to start, buy or grow their business. Without capital, there is no future for the entrepreneur or their business. There are different lenders or borrowers a privately held business or owner can approach to borrow money. What may […]
When buying or selling a business, challenges inevitably arise, particularly in service industries like auto repair. Success hinges on finding the right buyer with the essential skills and passion to drive the business forward. A knowledgeable business broker becomes crucial in navigating these challenges effectively. 1. Finding a Qualified Buyer Identifying a qualified buyer involves […]
Andrew Rogerson, the owner, and operator of Rogerson business services is no stranger to owning a business himself. Between the businesses he owned in his native Australia to those he has owned and operated in the United States, he has an intimate knowledge of what it means to run a business. He’s sold his own […]
One of the most critical things when selling a business is to know who your potential buyer is. This is often difficult, but vital to determine so that your marketing gets targeted correctly and you reach the right buyer at the right time. This is often where a business broker comes into the picture. They […]
There is a great quote that appears to have be attributed to different people. The quote goes as follows: “Experience is the best teacher.” Earlier this year Rogerson Business Services finally closed the sale of a Tree and Landscaping business that we thought would never happen. As ‘experience is the best teacher’, here’s have a […]
When you are selling your kitchen and bath installation business, an important thing to ask and answer is what exactly you are selling. Certain parts of your business are a given, but others might be up for negotiation or even part of a completely different sale. Some things, like employees, can transfer if the person […]
With housing prices rising in many areas, owners are deciding to stay in their current homes and remodel or even update their homes before putting them on the market. That means the kitchen and bath installation business is booming, and if you are looking to sell that type of business, your timing is pretty good. […]
“Everyone is moving out of California because … (insert your favorite reason)” but the statistics tell a different story. Or, as British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli was credited with saying – There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” Business is good in Sacramento, CA Here’s what the statistics really say about […]
Often when people start a business, they are immediately thinking about an exit strategy and what it will be like to sell. Why would you want to do that? You are doing something you love to do and it will be a lot of fun, right? True, but there are several reasons to think about […]
It’s normal for the buyer of a business to need some sort of finance to buy a business. The two ways, in general, are an SBA loan or seller financing or note or a combination of both. Most business owners are reluctant to offer seller financing as they are not sure their seller’s note will […]
There are many reasons to sell a business, from making a profit to moving on and starting another one. Maybe you are ready to retire, or maybe you have a medical practice and want to work for a medical group or hospital instead. From HVAC businesses to franchises and medical practices, we at Rogerson business services […]
You’ve decided to sell your business. But who knows your business better than you do? Who can give a buyer the most compelling argument for why they should buy your business over another one in your niche? Besides, you know how to read a contract and even draw one up. It’s a part of being […]
There are a number of keys to selling a medical practice, and increasingly doctors are joining larger health systems rather than trying to run a practice on their own. The same is true for urgent care practices, a part of the ambulatory health care system. Urgent care practices usually act as stand-alone walk-in clinics where […]
Common business mistakes while you have been running your business a long time, and you are looking at retirement. Or perhaps you have been working in the same business for a long time and feel like it is time to move on to a new venture. Whatever your reason, you feel like now is the […]
Business is booming in Sacramento, CA. Yes, many business owners are selling and the owners are moving out of California. That’s a normal and healthy part of the capitalist system. How do I know business is booming in Sacramento CA? There is a need, however, to talk about is the businesses that are growing and […]
When looking at buying a business, a franchise is often desirable. Buying into an existing brand with a reputation and marketing support reduces some of the obstacles faced when buying another business. The franchiser often has support programs as well. It is in their best interest that a franchisee succeeds. The reputation of their brand […]
Who is going to buy your business? It’s an interesting question. Do you own a business and are wondering who is going to buy your business? Baby boomers are ready to retire and sell their business. The statistics speak for themselves as I shared in an article last month. The businesses-for-sale marketplace in the 2nd […]
No matter where you are with your medical practice, if you want to sell one of the best things you can do before you even put it on the market is to grow your practice. Whether that means upgrades, a remodel, or even relocating, the fact that you are growing makes your business more desirable […]
Despite the fact that many things are being published online, the commercial printing business is alive and well, and if you want to sell your commercial printing business, you can do so successfully. The key is understanding some things about the industry currently and make those clear to your buyer. What might be obvious to […]
Buying or selling your business is not something that you do every day, and you will likely need some guidance to do so. While a real estate agent may be able to value your property and help you sell that, when it comes to selling a business, they simply don’t have the specialized knowledge needed. […]
Market conditions for selling a business in 2018 Selling a business in 2018 is still bullish on a strong M&A market for 2018. Optimism persists despite economic and political uncertainty about U.S. tariffs. This is according to the Q1 2018 Market Pulse Report. This report is published by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), M&A […]
A Letter of Intent in Sale of a Medical Practice (LOI), also known as a “term sheet” or a “memo of understanding (MOU)”, is a non-binding outline of a transaction. It’s frequently used in the sale of a physician’s medical practice. A letter of intent is a brief notation of the main terms of what […]
As a business owner, you’re faced with hundreds of important decisions each day, many of these before you even have your first cup of coffee in the morning. Therefore you have to know how to engage a business consultant the right way. One of the most crucial decisions is determining if and when to sell […]
An LBO or Leveraged Buyout is the purchase of a company while primarily using debt to finance the transaction. LBOs are common with private equity (PE) firms. Generally, the company conducting the LBO or takeover must only provide some of the financing, but they still can make a large purchase through the use of debt […]
The only certainty in business as we head into April 2018 is uncertainty of selling a business. This sums things up from my perspective as we navigate several critical events that are now evolving, and which may take a few months to play out and become clearer. For example, the US is now navigating a trade […]
As a business owner, you may see articles about S-corporation. These are corporations that elect to pass corporate income, losses, deductions, and credits through to their shareholders for federal taxation purposes. The shareholders of an S corporation will report the flow-through of income and losses on their personal tax returns; taxes are imposed at their individual […]
Dermatologists who are considering the sale of their medical practices should know the latest information about their specialty area and practice consolidation trends. The majority of dermatologist practices (35%) are operated as solo practices or single-specialty group practices (41%). However, 15% of recent practice acquisitions by private equity firms (PEFs) have been dermatology practices, even […]
As January ends, Capital One’s Small Business Growth Index has discovered that America’s small business owners have some concerns about their prospects for the year, especially when it comes to taxes and cash flow. The good news is that overall, small business owners have positive feelings about their finances, with 47% saying that their businesses’ […]
Is it time to value and sell your business? Selling and buying a business requires only one set of circumstances. There must be a motivated seller AND there must be a motivated buyer. Period. If you have a motivated seller but an interested buyer the sale of the business will not happen. If you have a […]
There are a number of healthcare industry groups that are not thrilled with the Republican tax bill. However, primary care physicians and dentists in independent practices may be able to find some reason to smile amid the 500+ page GOP Tax Legislation bill passed last week. The cause for this positive reaction is because the […]
Middle market business sales with 2017 coming to a close, it’s an opportune time to consider what we’ve learned. Private equity firms raised over $200 billion globally this year as of December. By the end of the third quarter, the U.S. middle market had completed $233 billion in deals, according to PitchBook third-quarter data. This […]
California small business owners need to understand the state business taxes because unfortunately, the state levies higher-than-average taxes on business and personal income. Plus, California is one of the few states that imposes both taxes—business and personal—on small business owners who set up their businesses as pass-through entities like S corps or limited liability companies […]
There are several new laws that go into effect January 1st. Among these are some changes to employment practices for California employers in the areas of employee family leave, job applications, interviews, background checks, and compensation. SB 63: Parental Leave Expansion As the law stands today, under both California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the […]
Selling your practice involves a great many tasks that need to be accomplished to have a successful transition. One of the most overlooked but one of the most critical is medical billing. Medical Billing Realities Most patients of your practice don’t pay in full for office visits with cash. There are some patients who pay […]
The Second Quarter Market Pulse Survey Report by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), M&A Source, and Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management found some valuable information for those business owners who are trying to sell their companies. The survey for the first time asked business advisors about how they market their listings. […]
Can you believe that the Great Recession started nearly 10 years ago? The U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research says that the recession began in December 2007, was at its zenith in December 2008, and ended in June 2009. After that was more than 24 months of a “credit crunch” when banks restricted small business lending. […]
The economic climate is strong for buying or selling a business in Sacramento, a recent report says. It was recently announced that the number of Sacramento area businesses sold on listing service BizBuySell hit a three-year high in the second quarter of 2017. The median asking price of small businesses for sale in and around […]
There have been numerous successes and failures when healthcare businesses are up for sale by their owners. Some of these issues associated with selling a medical practice are unique to the healthcare industry, however, many are applicable across all types of businesses. Consider these reasons why some medical professionals had troubles the first time around: […]
It’s no secret that between 70% to 90% of deals fail to meet the parties’ expectations. However, what may not be as readily known is the underlying causes for this failed M&A activity. Here’s what you need to keep in mind in order to prevent failed acquisitions. Integration As you start to investigate an acquisition […]
The most recent records of sales of small and mid-sized businesses in California shows a marked increase compared to past figures. The Q1 2017 numbers from BizBen.com, an index that records California’s small and mid-sized business data, found that the State of California saw a record number of small business transactions. Los Angeles City and County […]
There are a multitude of reasons why a business may realize less than its desired sales price… The most basic of these is that a buyer doesn’t assign the business the same value as the seller. Selling your business on your own is a mistake! Let’s look at some common company characteristics that cause buyers […]
It’s not uncommon to see litigation against a physician or medical practice. Those who have failed to act on the matter of asset protection before a suit is initiated could be at great financial risk. As you start to consider selling your medical practice, it’s an opportune time to look at your business structure, your […]
Many physicians will need to face a big decision at some point during their career: the prospect of selling their medical practice. As Sacramento business broker Andrew Rogerson has told many of his clients, the sale of medical practice must be structured and executed to best attain the selling physician’s two primary objectives: (1) maximum […]
I think that we all can agree that super-charged and inspired employees do much more for your business and your customers than those who don’t really care about the job they do. Here’s how to effectively inspire employees to show enthusiasm for the job they’re doing. The problem is that an uninspired employee isn’t going […]
Working with children can be extremely rewarding. And while that joy can be an incredible high, it’s coupled with the daily stress of maintaining a facility, managing a quality staff, working with Local Child Care and Development Planning Councils (LPCs), and complying with local ordinances — as well as the laws and regulations specific to […]
The most recent Market Pulse Quarterly Report found that for the first time in almost three years, recapitalization has replaced burn-out as one of the main reasons that businesses valued at $5-50MM go to market. Recapitalization is when the owner of a business sells either a minority or a majority share of his or her […]
California Manufacturers Advantage® (CMA) is a terrific program that’s geared toward small and medium sized manufacturers. This California manufacturing program provides a comprehensive review of your business, with technical expertise and strong leadership skills to spot issues and create meaningful solutions. Every year, CMA advisors help hundreds of manufacturers around California identify and implement business […]
Medical practices in Sacramento, CA, and around the country have a variety of intangible assets, including patient medical records, a workforce in place, and non-compete agreements. These assets are usually referred to as “goodwill.” Medical practice goodwill can be an important element in valuing a medical practice when an owner is preparing to sell. How […]
After five years in midtown Sacramento, the vegetarian/vegan restaurant Garden to Grill announced it will shut down in early December. The owners posted on Facebook that the restaurant will close on December 11. A different business will quickly be in that spot by the middle of December, although there are currently no additional details about […]
The holiday season has expanded in recent years. Advertisements and commercials in October? Crazy, indeed. What used to be just a few special days with friends and family now includes shopping and the expectation of great deals. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are now two of the most highly anticipated days of the year for […]
There are an increasing number of business owners in the environmental and facilities services industry who are preparing to retire. As a result, investors are looking at an industry segment full of opportunities for acquisition. There are also some other factors driving sub-sectors of business services towards consolidation. Let’s look at the details of HVAC. […]
A boutique medical practice, Parsley Health, is set to debut its first location in downtown San Francisco later this month. It’s a growing trend in Northern California and around the country. An increasing number of physicians are practicing concierge medicine and opening boutique practices as a way to avoid dealing with insurance and reimbursements. These […]
Cloud Based Services can enhance your business in many ways. While data storage is the most common form of cloud service, the cloud can do much more than just store data. However, with so many cloud products on the market, how do you know which will work best for your company? Here’s a look […]
The decision to move forward with successful business acquisitions is a big decision, as well as a substantial investment of time, money, and effort. There’s a big upside to this decision, such as the ability to build critical mass, improve market position and brand awareness, and tap into opportunities in new markets and product offerings. […]
How do you conduct a sale of a business by sharing documents without compromising integrity or breaching confidentiality? Here is how. There are many components and attributes of a business that make it attractive to potential buyers. It could be your solid history of profitability, a sizeable and extremely loyal customer base, or a distinct […]
On April 19, 2016, I received an email from someone I never met before saying they had an interest in a business I had for sale they saw on one of the websites I used to advertise businesses for sale. Because I help those that want to buy and sell a business this was part […]
The manufacturing industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last few decades, with more companies adopting lean methodology and successfully competing in a global marketplace, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. Productivity also hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Overall, the hourly output for all workers in the manufacturing sector increased over 2.5 […]
On Sunday May 22, 2016, Fareed Zakaria, in one of his segments on his show on CNN called GPS or Global Public Square asked the question why the number of new companies in the last 6 years is declining. Fareed’s observations included too much regulation stifling innovation, credit being hard to get, the movement of […]
Acquiring a business immediately puts you in the driver’s seat. One of the most fundamental career choices for an individual to consider is whether you want to work for someone else or work for yourself. But working for yourself sounds a bit like starting your own business. This thought makes some folks queasy, seems pretty […]
Whether you already own a business and want to expand, or you want to break into the business world by purchasing an established company, there are many things to consider before you begin the process. Purchasing an established company means you won’t have the struggle to build a business from the ground up and can […]
There are thousands of business books that will tell you how to manage your employees. Many of these resources can be useful. However, if you haven’t the time to delve into a book right now, here are some short and simple tips for improving the performance of your team. 1. Be clear with what you […]
Some people say that buying an existing business can be a shortcut to success. While that may be true, you should work with an experienced Sacramento business valuation consultant to help you make a wise decision, so that you can bypass some of the stressful and backbreaking efforts involved with building a business from scratch […]
What is Due Diligence? Due diligence is simply the homework that one does when they are contemplating the purchase of a business. It’s the detailed research and analysis of a business and its related factors that are conducted in preparation for the sale by the buyers. If you are considering buying a Sacramento business, you’ll […]
Starting or buying a business is never easy. It’s even harder if you are a Veteran and have served your country and would now like to use the training and experience from being in the military to apply it to owning and operating your own business. For those Vets that live in California and need […]
What’s the first decision for a new business owner? The answer should be simple and complete. Do absolutely nothing. Buying a business is a demanding process. It’s demanding intellectually and financially but it’s more demanding emotionally. If you’ve bought a business you’ll know the above makes perfect sense as you can remember lying awake late […]
How do you manage capital costs and selling a business? Almost without exception, a business sells for a Fair Market Value or FMV. FMV is recognized in law as mainly meaning that a business will only sell once the buyer and seller understand exchange full information not only about the business and how it works […]
The concept of a work-life balance is hardly a new one. Most parents are familiar with the idea of devoting attention to their families while also masterfully handling their career and personal goals. The problem is that most of these folks also think it is impossible to truly achieve. While it’s not an easy balance […]
BizBuySell.com is one of the many websites that charges business brokers and other professionals to list and market a business for sale. Business owners can also list and try and sell their business on their own. On a quarterly basis they prepare and release different reports that analyze what’s happening with the sale of privately […]
Rex Berry is my guest on 105.5FM and Money 2.0 and our topic covers employment law and how an employer in the Sacramento area can take steps to reduce unwelcome lawsuits and employee claims; which drain the owner by wasting time and energy on a unproductive problem. Rex is an attorney and therefore a member […]
Donna Sauter lives and works in the Sacramento and Modesto, CA areas and likes to deal what many would consider the most boring subject of all; taxes and financial statements. As far as Donna is concerned, her job is not about taxes and financial statements but using the data and wealth of information that flows […]
Graeme Plant has a passion and interest in Angel Investing in the Sacramento area and the benefits and opportunities it brings to the economy. Partly this is where Graeme lives and partly it comes from dealing with clients across the US and from around the world. His job includes working as a Mergers and Acquisitions […]
Asset Preservation by Deferring Capital Gains Tax Asset preservation by deferring capital gains tax is what Bill Angove is all about. Bill was my guest on Money 2.0 to talk about the work he does at Asset Preservation, Inc. where Bill is the Vice President. Asset Preservation specializes in helping clients defer capital gains tax […]
The amount of data that’s generated every day is overwhelming to even think about. According to Science Daily, 90 percent of all the data in the world has been generated in the last two years. Many businesses enlist the services of a content management system or digital asset management service to access and manage this […]
How quickly can I sell my business? This is one of the questions that comes up in every meeting with every seller and it’s almost without exception in the first meeting. Once a business owner decides it’s time to sell their business they generally want to start the process and get the business sold as […]
The Uncertainty Principle, according to Wikipedia, is a variety of mathematical inequalities used in Quantum mechanics. As I have almost no understanding of Quantum mechanics I am unable to use it effectively except I heard it paraphrased the other day with an explanation that “the more precisely you study and learn something, the less you […]
Employment Training Panel grants are job training funds providing reimbursements for employee training costs. Grants range from $15/hour to $26/hour per employee, depending on the business size and type. Since the Employment Training Panel program began in 1982, California employers have been reimbursed in excess of $1 billion for training workers in more than 80,000 […]
Hal Johnson, from LeadershipOne based in Sacramento, joins me as my guest on 105.5FM and Money 2.0. Hal talks about the work he does at LeadershipOne and his new book entitled ‘The Game Changer.’ LeadershipOne is a consulting firm that deals with the business transition needs of family businesses when the original or older key […]
Steve Zeller is a co-owner of Zeller Kern Private Wealth Management, Inc. and I am delighted to have him as my guest on Money 2.0. Zeller Kern is a fee-based, independent financial advisory firm based in Gold River, California. Steve talks about the firm’s background and what they look for in clients. He explains that […]
Due diligence occurs during the sale of the business when the price and basic terms of the deal have been agreed upon. Its specific purpose is to allow the buyer to verify the representations of the seller and continue with the purchase of the business or if they feel the details are not accurate, discontinue […]
Michelle Elder is a CPA and joins me on Money 2.0 to share some great tax and accounting tips for small business owners. Michelle owns and operates Elder Accountancy and has just completed her 30th tax year (but please don’t mention this to her.) Michelle begins by sharing what piqued her interest in her field […]
Learn how to buy a private business in California. Buying an existing private business in California is not an easy task. You need to properly plan the acquisition and follow key steps in valuing and buying a business. Does it start with answering what Is your passion, hobby, or motivation? Yes, this is the first […]
The Downtown Sacramento Partnership is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of Sacramento’s central business district. The Downtown Sacramento Partnership oversees maintenance, safety, and revitalization programs financed by the Downtown Sacramento Management District, a property assessment district established in 1995 and renewed in 2000. Valerie Mamone-Werder is the Business Recruitment Manager for the Downtown […]
Some companies consider customer service as a necessary evil, forced because of either a problem in the production system or from the inabilities of the consumer. These companies believe that a perfect world would not need customer care. But smart businesses know that a customer service department is an investment in marketing, brand loyalty, and […]
Moving to the United States or specifically to live in California is very attractive to people all around the world from all walks of life. Doing it legally is a challenge not only because of the amount of time it takes but also waiting for a visa quota to open up so an application can […]
Buying a business has many complexities. How to determine working capital needs? Understanding the business value, negotiating with the seller, obtaining finance, conducting due diligence, working with attorneys, accountants, tax advisors, government agencies, and more. With so many areas to review, negotiate and decide on, there is one area that is easy to forget. This […]
The Balance Sheet is a critical document when selling a business. The first place almost all buyers start are the financial statements including the Balance Sheet. They typically ask first for the Profit and Loss Statements and Tax Returns as they want to see the cash flow and profitability of the business that is in […]
SEDCorp’s outgoing CEO Brent Smith discusses SEDCorp’s mission in servicing the Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, and Sierra counties.
Linda Bigler is a business coach that works one on one with business owners or CEO’s to help them define their goals, put a strategy in place, and hold them accountable in reaching them. I had a chance to interview her on Money 2.0.
Get maximum price when selling your business. The steps to sell a business are many and complicated. When a business owner decides they want to sell, the starting point is a business valuation.
Graeme Plant says Angel investors are often retired entrepreneurs or executives, who may be interested in Angel Investing for reasons that go beyond pure monetary return. These include wanting to keep abreast of current developments in a particular business arena, mentoring another generation of entrepreneurs, and making use of their experience and networks on a less than full-time basis.
Negotiating a lease when buying a business adds to the complications and stress of getting into business. That is, it’s tough enough negotiating with the owner of the business that wants to sell to get a deal that makes sense for both seller and buyer let alone negotiate with landlord
It is normal for a business owner when they plan to sell their business to get a valuation. Often they leave the decision to get a valuation when they plan to sell. This means the opportunity has gone to make some changes or be proactive with strategies that will increase the value of the business.
However, there are different types of buyers and each of them will look at buying your business through their lens or view of the world. Their view obviously comes from their If you are thinking of selling your business you probably have a simple outlook
Ron Crane, Managing Director at DCA Partners based in Roseville, CA, joined me on Money 2.0 to discuss the work they do at DCA and about being an entrepreneur.
Fred Hall, CEO of Amador Appraisals and Acquisitions, joined me on Money 2.0 to discuss the complexities of business appraisals. Fred specializes in business valuations for SBA loans, IRS valuations, divorce, and minority share owner appraisals.
Last month I wrote an article called “How to buy a business.” The purpose of the article was to help future business owners or those wanting to buy a business navigate more easily through the difficult process of buying a business and how they could do things better.
There is only one reason a business never sells. I can already hear you reading the headline and saying to yourself – what’s Andrew talking about. Yet it’s true and I would suggest every seller fails to consider it properly when trying to sell their business.
Buying a business is easier than ever thanks to a spate of new tools that can help you through every step, from finding a broker to putting in an offer.
Your business is a reflection of your dreams and aspirations. It’s a work of art that’s an expression of who you are and what you are about. It devours your time and creativity so you can’t do other things you would at times prefer to do. So what are you going to do with your business when your time and motivations change?
Most people are familiar with the life coach Tony Robbins. I was listening to one of his short videos when he made a simple statement that caught my attention. His statement was “business is a spiritual journey.”
Have you thought about buying a business in the marketing and advertising industry? There are over 37,000 companies in the US alone servicing this sector, with a combined annual revenue of about $94 billion. The industry is highly competitive, has an ever-changing technology and regulatory landscape, and relies heavily on creativity and the fostering of client relationships. There are, however, many opportunities with current evolving trends and niche marketing.
Business selling and buying is a vulnerable time for many. Sellers employ due diligence and open up their books to potential buyers. But the owner and the business must still be protected in case of fraudulent activity.
Surprisingly, in spite of the recession in the US, starting up a company is still proving to be big business. Recent figures in BusinessWeek.com confirm that last year, a staggering 12% of US adults started up their own business; either from scratch, or by buying an existing business or franchise; a significant and dramatic rise from the percentages of previous years.
A small business always beat big business; or using the story we are all familiar with, David will always beat Goliath.
SBA loans have become a critical source of finance when a seller wants to sell their business and a buyer wants to buy a business. The SBA or Small Business Administration is a federal government initiative and since the Great Financial Recession has been the primary source of third party finance allowing businesses to be bought and sold.
How to prevent fraud from damaging your business? Fraud costs many businesses more than it should, can threaten the very survival of the business and ties up its owner in emotional knots. Mike Ueltzen is a partner in the firm he founded some 16 years ago called Ueltzen and Co.
The bulk sale process applies when a business is being sold and the assets move from the owner or seller to a new owner or buyer. In California, the sale of a business from one party to another is considered a personal property transfer or transaction.
There is no question that finding a source of finance to buy a business right now is incredibly tough. Be it good or bad, the market for finance for business acquisitions centers around loans done through the Small Business Administration or SBA loan programs.
There has to be a purpose to the things we do in life or it’s a waste of time. At the end of the day, time is all we have. Better still, it’s a waste of an opportunity. Life to me is all about opportunities.
Why getting a business loan is so difficult. You’ll notice this is a statement and not a question as I recently found the answer. On May 23 I attended I was part of the audience for a presentation organized by the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the Risk Management Association.
The power of marketing made 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year. This is pure and simple a business success story and how true entrepreneurs focus no more and no less on simply getting it done. No excuses, no fear, no procrastinating.
How do I apply for an SBA loan? Since the Great Financial Crisis started in the third quarter of 2008, small business owners have been squeezed with the performance of their business as they have been starved of access to credit. This starvation for credit would have been exasperated were it not the lending of the SBA through their different loan programs and the banks they support.
The economy continues to heal. Many business owners were holding off selling their business while the economy was performing poorly and finance hard to get as they had the belief they would not get the best price for the business.
Terms of the deal are more important than price. There is a saying in business brokerage we share equally with buyers and sellers and it is “Get the other party to name the price and you name the terms.”
A good credit score is critical in business and this seems simple enough. However it plays out in many different ways. When a new business starts out, it makes sense to keep costs low and save time by simply operating the business as a Sole Proprietorship.
Do you own a business and know about the Law of Two Feet? So we have all heard of the Law of Attraction and Einstein’s Law of gravity
Should I consider an earn-out when selling my business? If you own a business and you think it is time to sell, an option to add to your tool kit is whether or not you would be willing to receive an earn out as part of the purchase price of the business.
Do you use Key Performance Metrics to run your business? One of the truisms I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly is that no business owner is good at every aspect of owning and operating a business.
To be a little clearer, the skills to own and operate a business are many and varied. What tends to attract a business owner to operate their own business is a self belief that they can do one or two aspects of running a business very well and either hire the skills they lack or learn these with time.
If you watch the TV channel CNBC and in particular Larry Kudlow’s show called ‘The Kudlow Report,’ you will hear his constant preaching that “free market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.”
Always run your business as if it is for sale in case you hear the magic words “I would like to buy your business; are you interested in selling?”
Can I negotiate a lease with the landlord when selling a business may seem an unusual question but it’s worth getting the right answer. And the right answer is – absolutely.
The Small Business Administration (or SBA) has been the provider of many loans for small businesses for many years. If you plan to apply for a loan, here are 10 more reasons for your SBA loan may be declined.
Everyone is familiar with the Christmas song, the 12 days of Christmas. Without going into every verse of the song, the carol works forward with the first day of Christmas being a partridge in a pear tree, the second day of Christmas two turtle doves and so on.
One of the hardest aspects of being an entrepreneur is staying on top of some things you may not like to do because you either don’t enjoy them or simply aren’t good at them…or both.
Not everyone will agree but I am sure it’s close to the truth that buying or selling a business is unlike anything else. Here are four reasons.
A Covenant Not To Compete is useful when a seller has found a buyer for their current business. This ensures that the new buyer does not open the same type of business as the seller for risk that existing customers will want to do business with the seller and not the new buyer. There are many factors involved to evaluate a Covenant Not To Compete and they are outlined in this article.
For many small business owners, the single most important document for their business is the lease. Unfortunately a lease is generally a long and fairly complicated document. Because of its complexity, many small business owners either accept what they receive or do the bare minimum. Here are some suggestions for you, in no particular order.
If you own a business and have a partner and have not put a legally binding Buy-Sell Agreement together it is probably the most important document you need to accomplish as soon as you can. Hopefully you never need to put your Buy-Sell Agreement in motion but if you do, you want to execute what’s important to you and your partner so it saves time, money and provides the peace of mind it is supposed to provide.
It is important to know what tangible and intangible assets are in business. Knowing the difference and examples of each can help you with your taxes and the transaction of buying or selling a business. Assets can also be a legal matter, in which case it is important to know about legal protection and how they can help you in any business transaction.
The need to understand what and how purchase price allocation works helps when buying or selling a business because it affects both the buyer and the seller. This article outlines purchase price allocation and in what ways in effects a buyer and seller of a business.
Selling a business comes with many challenges. The number one reason most transactions don’t close after a buyer and seller have “negotiated” a deal is that the landlord cannot come to terms with the seller and/or buyer. The number two reason is that finance is not available.
Strategies to successfully sell a business These strategies and top tips when selling a business will increase your chances of success. Successfully selling a business requires a lot of preparation, attention to detail and organization. Most sellers badly underestimate both what they need to do and what to do if a qualified buyer comes along. […]
An add back is a type of tax deduction that small business are able to claim on their taxes. Understanding them and how they work shows one of the many benefits to owning your own business. This article goes into detail about add backs and how they are used after you decide to buy or start your own business.
Getting an SBA loan hasn’t always been an easy task and some recent changes have been to require a business valuation in order for the loan to be approved. An SBA lender cannot provide this service, but a third part like a business broker can. The benefits of an SBA loan and reasons for hiring a business broker to help are outlined in this article.
New business models are emerging that challenge the old assumptions about how to operate a business for profitability.
In the book “Firms of Endearment – How World Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose”(Wharton School Publishing), the authors, Sisodia, Sheth and Wolfe, provide many examples of how companies that take care of all the stakeholders – not just the shareholders – achieve significantly higher profits.
SPICE is their acronym for all the stakeholders:
Ethics you should expect from your business broker when selling your business or buying a business in Sacramento, Los Angeles, New York or anywhere should be non negotiable.
Though the price is an imperative part of buying or selling a business, the terms of the deal are also crucial. This article shows some of the reasons why understanding the terms can help you when it comes to any business transaction.
A business for sale is similar to a house for sale in some respects but very different in others. Some helpful tips to consider when selling your business include: considering commercial real estate, how helpful a team of advisors could be in your journey to sell your business, what assets there are and that the value of all things included in the business are properly valued.
When trying to sell your business, getting an appraisal is beneficial for a number of reasons. Understanding what assets are part of the sale, removing any personal items that aren’t for sale and deciding the worth of your business with a professional ensures success when trying to sell your business. This article outlines the benefits of an appraisal and why it is critical when selling your business.
If you experience difficulty selling your business, there are options available to you. It is important to take care of your lease if applicable, assess your assets and see what you can do to get the best price for your business and work on your inventory. This article goes over these steps and more to help you when you find you cannot sell your business.
To understand your financial statement, you might consider an assessment of where you are right now with your business in terms of sales and goals. A Profit and Loss statement is useful when trying to understand what’s happening with your business and a balance sheet ensures you stay on track with all things going on with your business. These small steps help business owners understand where they are in terms of their financial statements.
If you are selling your business what is your tax position? If you own a business and wish to sell, do you need to understand your tax position before you sell? You are a business owner who is thinking about selling your business.
To successfully sell your business, there are 9 important areas to consider before selling. They range from creating a team to support and help, goals to achieve, tax responsibilities, income necessary, different legal matters to consider, etc.
A business should be a constant ball of energy moving in different directions as the economy changes, new tools and innovations come to the market, the stress and strain from competitors and the ever changing demands of customers.
An area that a lot of businesses don’t spend a lot of time measuring but is very easy, cost effective and critical to do is the key performance areas of the business. These key performance areas or metrics can show whether the business has all the parts working together
Email, websites, online bill paying, Amazon.com, FaceBook, Twitter, WI-FI, online banking; how did we survive prior to the internet? The virtual world is all around us and guess what; it’s only going to get more immersed in our everyday life as we look to watching TV and movies
So you’ve made your New Year’s resolutions which included building a business plan. This includes setting your personal and business goals. You also did a budget to make sure you can afford to do what you’ve planned. You are therefore all rested and dressed up and ready to go. Bring it on you say. My question is therefore, you know WHAT you want to do but HOW are you going to do it?
Chances are you have a list of projects and tasks you want and need to do. It probably doesn’t include answering phones, sending and receiving emails, reading articles and newsletters, attending conferences, staying on top of compliance items that affect your industry but numerous day to day activities that lead most entrepreneurs at the end of the day to say “Where did the day go?” And that’s the point of a Productivity Plan.
Buying or selling a business is a complex matter. There is no question about it. The complexities start from the moment a buyer and seller start interacting but there is natural conflict in place. For a start, the buyer doesn’t have any history of the operation of the business and so has to rely entirely on the representations of the seller. Conversely, the seller has lived and breathed the business, knows its upsides and downs including its strengths and weaknesses. My Golden Rule when assisting with a business transaction is for each party to put their feet in the shoes of the other party. In other words, the seller should see things from the buyer’s perspective and the buyer should see things from the seller’s perspective.
The life blood of what we do as human beings and the glue that keeps us all together as a society be at a local, regional, national or indeed international level is the ability to communicate with one another. Many times that communication breaks down and many times this leads to
The sales and marketing plan is a document that most entrepreneurs don’t have time to get around to putting together. I’m not sure why that is as it’s just as important as the business plan and indeed complements it.
One of the hardest aspects of being an entrepreneur is staying on top of some things you may not like to do because you either don’t enjoy them or simply aren’t good at them…or both. Doing math back in school just wasn’t fun for me.
Buying or selling a business is a major step for all entrepreneurs. It comes with obvious financial risk which everyone understands and prevents many would-be-entrepreneurs from starting their journey. However, an element not many understand is that the business ownership comes with
As an environmental consultant it seems that hardly a year passes that does not bring along with it some new potential concern, previously unidentified liability or new tougher regulations that must be adhered to. In this article, I wanted to inform our members of recent changes required by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of their updated environmental program.
Just as there are different sellers with different motivations, there are also buyers with different types of needs and personalities. If you’re the seller of a business or looking to buy, understanding these different personality types may help you be more successful.
Owning and operating a business always comes with many challenges. For different reasons the current recession seems “the worst we’ve ever experienced.”
We’re all familiar with the story about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; the person with two completely different personalities. Just as there are different types of buyers with different motivations, there are also buyers with different types of personalities. If you’re planning on buying a business or if you own a business that you want to sell, here are some Dr. Jekyll “traits” that would discourage a seller revealing too much information about their business.
Everyone hates to fail. Everyone hates to fail at anything. Sometimes it is difficult to find out if and when you are failing. It’s like falling over when you trip. Often you don’t even know you have tripped and fallen until you hit the ground. Owning and running a failing business can be the same.
Selling a business is rarely a simple and straight forward process. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve found is that the seller doesn’t put themselves in the shoes of the other parties be it the buyer, lender, landlord, employees, franchisor or whoever.
Can I sell a business in tough times? Should I buy a business in tough times? With negative economic news grabbing the headlines in the United States
If you are considering the sale of your business there are a growing number of brokers and mergers and acquisition specialists available to offer professional assistance to help you determine the value of your business and how the market might respond.
The current economic climate continues to hinder some business sales, but even with a challenging environment, businesses are changing hands. Regardless of the economy many aging boomers are looking to retire, while younger boomers are interested in buying and becoming their own bosses.
Can the seller can stay after selling the business? Selling a business and walking away can be very difficult. But in many cases, there’s a transition
Is business ownership right for you? The reality of the current downturn in the economy is that many companies will need to restructure to create the private sector jobs President Obama is talking about.
Due diligence is a critical window of time in the process of buying and selling a business as the buyer gets the opportunity to bring their experts and prove all the claims made by the seller during the negotiations.
If you plan on selling your business, it will help you to understand the different types of buyer. Each buyer who inquires will have their own unique reason to want to buy.
Do thoughts of selling your business ever cross your mind? As a business owner you certainly know that the day will come when you will walk away from your company’s operations.
The Baby Boomer generation is planning their retirement and for many, this means selling the business they built over many years.
The baby boomer generation spans many years creating a unique situation in the business world. Aging boomers are looking toward retirement, while many younger boomers find they’re ready to be their own boss. But what does it all mean?
Selling and buying a business is rarely a simple and straightforward process.
Need a small loan to keep your business going? The economic stimulus package includes a $35,000 life preserver for small businesses drowning in red ink. Under the law, the Small Business Administration temporarily will guarantee 100 percent of loans of up to $35,000 issued by banks to small businesses that are struggling to make payments […]
What is the process of buying a business? Buying a business is a process that takes time. It can sometimes take years to find the
The economy’s tough, unemployment is at a record high and growing and you’ve decided your best option is to start your own business, be your own boss and put yourself in control.
Many business owners that run as a C Corporation consider converting to an S Corporation so they can avoid the double taxation that a C Corp brings. While this sounds good in theory, there are tax consequences that need to be considered and understood before making that final decision. Below are some questions and answers to help with the decision.
Selling a business comes with many challenges. The number one reason most transactions don’t close after a buyer and seller have “negotiated” a deal is that the landlord cannot come to terms with the seller and/or buyer.
What are the benefits of a good Business Broker? Many buyers and sellers of businesses will use a business broker to assist with the business-for-sale transaction. In simple terms, business brokers act as middlemen between business buyers and sellers and handle most if not all the details to see a successful transaction. One means by […]
Here are five more services to expect when hiring a Business Broker or third party to represent you in selling your business
There are many options to considering when hiring a Business Broker or Sales Agent or third party to represent you in a transaction, whether you are buying or selling a business.