Become a Business Owner Archives - Page 3 of 20

Published August 21, 2023

Natural disasters shouldn’t stand in the way of your business dreams, they’re a part of life. If you want to live in a place that has a somewhat regular natural disaster risk (like hurricanes in Florida) you have a couple of ways you can think about this risk if your dream is to own your own business.

Deciding whether or not to buy a business should be made with a long-term perspective in mind. Remember that while natural disasters can cause immediate disruptions, they rarely dictate the long-term trajectory of a business. Also, buying a business that has survived and navigated through these types of challenges in the past showcases its resilience and ability to adapt to adversity.

There’s also the needs of a community that occur in the lead up to and after a disaster like a storm. Businesses that are well-prepared for emergencies (or those that provide essential goods and services during recovery) can experience heightened demand. As a prospective business owner, you can identify these emerging needs and position yourself to meet them.

After a natural disaster there can be a surge in construction, renovation, and related services. If you’re considering a business that caters to these industries (such as construction, disaster response, tree removal and the like) a post-disaster environment might present a unique chance to establish yourself in a market with increased demand.

Another potentially beneficial post-disaster situation? Some business owners might be more motivated to sell due to the challenges they’ve faced. This situation can lead to negotiation opportunities and potentially more favorable terms for you as a buyer. If you’re able to see beyond the immediate setbacks and have a solid plan for recovery, you could end up with a business at a better price.

Experiencing a natural disaster first hand can also teach you a lot. It provides invaluable insights into risk management and preparedness. When looking at businesses in a potentially disaster-prone area, you should consider what strategies you might use to safeguard the business and its operations against whatever mother nature throws your way.

Something like a hurricane can initially seem like an insurmountable obstacle to your business ownership dreams, but it should not deter you from pursuing your entrepreneurial goals. Resilience and adaptability really can turn adversity into opportunity – what defines success is your approach.

Have you always wanted to buy a business in a disaster-prone area but have concerns about what something like hurricane season might mean for you future business? Would you like to know more about businesses that do well in the aftermath of a hurricane? Ask us! Please leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

The Power Of Practical Experience: Why Business Buyers Should Stay In Familiar Territory

Published August 7, 2023

Practical experience rarely gets the credit it deserves. Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to venture into the world of business ownership really need to follow the age-old adage “stick to what you know” – it can mean the difference between success and failure. Buying a business where you have practical experience offers a multitude of advantages.

Here’s a few:

Practical experience in a specific industry provides buyers with an invaluable understanding of its nuances, trends and challenges. Armed with this knowledge, buyers can make informed decisions and devise effective strategies to navigate the market successfully. This level of insight is often difficult to acquire without hands-on experience in the field.

Buying a business in a familiar domain allows a buyer to hit the ground running. They are already equipped with the skills, know-how and practical experience needed to run the business. This significantly shortens the learning curve and the saves time and resources that would otherwise be spent on learning an entirely new industry from scratch.

Buyers with practical experience are more likely to get approved for a transfer of the commercial lease when a business purchase doesn’t involve the associated real estate. A commercial landlord is going to be far more comfortable with a tenant who already knows what they’re doing.

A deep understanding of an industry also enables buyers to identify gaps and untapped opportunities. Leveraging their practical experience, they can innovate and introduce unique solutions or products to cater to specific market needs. This ability to innovate can give their new business a competitive edge and the opportunity for growth.

Purchasing a business in an industry where you have practical experience is a strategic move that offers you numerous benefits. Beyond the familiarity and knowledge of the industry, you walk in with a competitive advantage and a head start in business operations.

Have you always wanted to own your own business but didn’t think about choosing one in an industry you already know? Do you have questions about what businesses currently available would match with your practical experience? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

The True Measure Of Success: Emphasizing Cash Flow Over Aesthetics When Buying A Business

Published July 17, 2023

In the world of business sales, it’s all too common for prospective buyers to be swayed by how a business looks. The allure of aesthetically pleasing interiors, new equipment or fancy technology can blind them to the crucial factor that truly defines a business’s success: cash flow.

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. It represents the net amount of money moving in and out of a business, essentially reflecting its financial health. A small café with a newly renovated space or a manufacturing business that just invested in all new equipment might look fantastic from the outside – but without consistent, positive cash flow it risks becoming unsustainable. Cash flow ensures that operational expenses, employee salaries and other crucial financial obligations are met. Neglecting to focus on cash flow during the business purchase process can lead to severe repercussions down the road.

One of the main reasons buyers get lured by aesthetics is the misconception that a visually appealing business automatically translates into profitability. While aesthetics can play a role in attracting customers and enhancing brand image, they do not guarantee financial success. A beautiful storefront might draw initial interest, but if it doesn’t convert visitors into paying customers and generate sustainable revenue – it’s merely a façade.

On the other hand, a business that might not have the most captivating exterior or is full of older equipment could be backed by solid fundamentals and robust cash flow. This means the company is efficiently converting its sales into profit, reinvesting in growth and reducing debt – all of which contribute to long-term success.

Focusing on cash flow during the purchase process enables buyers to make informed decisions based on concrete financial data rather than deciding on a business because you like the paint colors and furniture. Conducting a thorough cash flow analysis helps determine whether the business has consistent revenue streams, assesses its ability to weather economic downturns and reveals potential areas for improvement. This is why it is far more important to examine the financial records than it is to do a physical walk-through of the location.

Savvy business buyers understand the importance of looking beyond surface-level charm and instead place emphasis on the financial stability of the business.

Are you looking at businesses to buy and want to know how to determine the cash flow a business is actually generating? Would you like to know more about how to see past a shiny exterior and make a decision based on financial health instead? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments here and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

Business Buyer? How To Make Sense Of Add-Backs

Published July 10, 2023

Small businesses are complex, and this is especially true when trying to determine whether or not a business is listed for a fair price.

Taking a cursory glance at a tax return or a profit and loss statement can leave you scratching your head when comparing what you see with the listing price. How did the sellers get to that number?

The value of a business comes from it’s cash flow, meaning an operating business has value for a buyer because it generates money. This money isn’t all just cash, however, as an owner benefits from their business in a number of ways. For instance, many small business owners pay for personal expenses as part of their business to minimize their tax liability.

These owner benefits that are funneled through a business can make determining the value to a buyer a bit complicated. To help with clearing up any confusion there is a metric used to determine the value of a small business called Seller’s Discretionary Earnings, or SDE.

SDE simply means that you take anything personal that an owner gets from their business or anything that was a one-time expense (something a buyer wouldn’t have to repeat or worry about) – and you add that amount back into what the business makes so you can determine what the cash flow actually is.

What kinds of expenses get added back?

Discretionary expenses, like paying for a car or cell phone through the business. Think of these like perks that a buyer might not necessarily take, so that expense is added back in to show a buyer what the numbers look like without the added perks taken out.

Extraordinary expenses, like a very high salary paid to a family member who works in the business – a family member who would probably not be staying on once the business is sold. The amount of this salary that is above the industry norm would be added back into the business to normalize the payroll numbers. This way a new owner can see what the cash flow looks like with staff who only take a standard salary.

Non-Recurring expenses, like the cost of repairing water damage from a broken pipe. The new owner wouldn’t need to pay for something like this continually, so the one-time expense is added back in.

Non-Cash expenses, like depreciation. The tangible assets a business has, like the equipment or vehicles, will lose value over time. Although not the only factor in depreciation, you can think of this add-back as something related to what the business writes off for tax purposes.

Once all of these add-backs have been “added back”, you will be able to see the cash flow a business generates. This clearer picture will allow a prospective buyer to decide if a listing price is fair or not.

Still confused? Your business broker is there to help you untangle the parts of the small business world that are inherently complicated – like add-backs and listing prices. Talk to your broker if you think a listing price seems crazy or if you don’t agree with what was added back. They can make sense of the numbers – so you can make an informed choice about how much you would be willing to pay for a particular business.

Do you have more questions about add-backs? Would you like to know how sellers typically come up with listing prices? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments here and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

Buying A Business? What To Expect When Headed For The Closing Table

Published June 26, 2023

If you think you might be ready to take the entrepreneurial leap, but don’t have a genius start-up idea you can work on in your garage – you don’t need one! Existing businesses get bought and sold everyday, some 500,000+ a year (a number that is on the rise as baby boomer owners enter retirement and list their businesses for sale). These existing businesses can instantly turn you into an entrepreneur, no start-up required.

If you’ve always wanted to be your own boss and think buying an existing business might be for you – the process is fairly straightforward. You can read more about the initial steps you’ll take here – but the last steps you take before the day you get handed the keys can be some of the most important.

Here’s a few to consider:

Complete a thorough and final round of due diligence on the information provided by the seller. Review all relevant documents, contracts, financial records and legal obligations to ensure there are no surprises or undisclosed issues. This step is crucial to confirm the accuracy of the information and ensure that the business is in the expected condition.

Work closely with your business broker and business transaction attorney to negotiate and finalize the purchase agreement/contract. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, payment terms, assets included and any contingencies. Ensure that the agreement reflects the agreed-upon terms and protects your interests as the buyer.

Identify and obtain any necessary approvals, permits or licenses required to operate the business legally. This may include licenses for specific industries or local permits. Talk to your business broker about what you’ll need from state and/or local regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. You can read more about that here.

Develop a comprehensive transition plan with the seller to ensure a smooth handover of the business operations. Identify key employees involved in the transition process and communicate the plan effectively. Prepare any necessary training materials, transfer important documents and information, and ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities. Use the entirety of the training period outlined in your purchase contract to your advantage and learn everything you possibly can from your seller.

Schedule a final walkthrough of the business premises with your broker to assess its condition and ensure that all assets included in the sale are in the expected state. Check that all equipment, inventory and fixtures are accounted for and in working order. Address any outstanding issues or discrepancies before the closing.

The last steps before reaching the closing table are crucial in finalizing the purchase of a small business. Completing due diligence, finalizing the purchase agreement, obtaining approvals and licenses, preparing for the transition and conducting a final walkthrough are all essential tasks. By carefully completing these steps, buyers can mitigate risks, address any outstanding issues and set the stage for a successful transition into their new business.

Are you new to the business buying process and have questions about these pre-closing tasks? Would you like to know more about what the transaction process looks like for the type of business you are interested in buying? Ask us! Feel free to leave questions or comments here and we would be happy to help!

Michael Monnot

4 Ways: How To Finance The Purchase Of A Business

Published June 19, 2023

Coming up with a brand new business idea is a big challenge. You have to figure out a concept, find a location, come up with operating procedures, hire and train a staff, build out your space – the list is a long one.

If you’ve ever wanted to own your own business there’s a way to do so without having to start at ground level. You can buy an existing business instead – one that has a proven location, concept and track record.

If this sounds like it might be the right path for you, here’s your next question.

How are you going to pay for it?

In the small business world there are essentially 4 ways to finance the purchase of a business. Let’s take a look at your options:

Seller Financing

This one is probably the most common. A buyer comes up with a substantial down payment and then the seller of the business finances the rest. This option is popular because small business funding can be difficult to get from a traditional lending institutions like a bank, so sellers will offer creative financing to open up the pool of buyers for their business. This is also popular among buyers because a seller who is willing to keep some skin in the game tells you volumes about how they view the future profitability of their business. They don’t get paid unless you succeed. A few caveats for this financing option. You will need to bring a large down payment, 10 or 15% isn’t going to cut it. Also, if you do end up defaulting on this loan the seller will get the business back.

SBA Loan

The Small Business Association (SBA) does offer loans in the right situation to people buying a small business. There will be a fair share of bureaucracy with this financing option, as well as certain metrics both the buyer and the business itself will have to meet in order for the loan to happen.

Investor/Family Funds

In some situations a buyer is able to procure funds from loans made by family, friends or investors. This option should include a contract or written agreement by all parties that spells out every aspect of the loan – how it will be paid back, what metrics are necessary, how one or more parties can be bought out of the agreement should the need arise, etc.

Your Own Cash

Lastly, you can always use your own cash to fund the purchase of a business. Perhaps you have a decent amount of money in savings, maybe you’re considering refinancing your home or pulling funds out of investment accounts. This option will alleviate you from owing money to others but must be considered carefully if you are going to be investing all of your available cash into the purchase of a business.

If one or more of these financing options seem doable for you, the next step you should take is to have a conversation with an experienced and qualified business broker. They will be able to talk you through the options available to you and help you decide which option will best meet your goals for business ownership.

Have you always wanted to own your own business but weren’t sure how you would fund such an endeavor? Would you like to know more about how seller financing works? Do you have questions about the process required for a loan from the SBA? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments here, we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

I Have A Business Idea: Should I Buy A Business Or Start One Instead?

Published June 12, 2023

If you want to own your own business there are basically two avenues to make that happen. You can start your own original business from the ground up or you can purchase an existing business. The path you choose will depend on many factors that relate to the risks involved in starting a business versus the risks for buying one.

In general it’s probably easier to buy an existing business. The concept, location and operating procedures are all proven because the business is currently open and running. The employees have already been hired and trained, the licensing and permits needed have already been approved, the inventory or goods for sale will work because they are currently selling – you get the idea. A tried and true method almost always works better than an unknown.

If it’s easier to buy a business, is it always a better choice than a start-up? No, it depends on what your vision for business ownership is.

You might be someone who just wants the flexibility and control business ownership affords you, and while you do have industries and types of businesses that would suit you in mind you aren’t stuck to one particular idea of how a business must be. Good financials, a good location, a good reputation – these are the things that matter to you. If your desire to be a business owner is born out of wanting to reach life goals but the path doesn’t need to be a certain way – purchasing an existing business is probably the right idea for you.

On the other hand if you have an entirely new business idea and the means to bring it to fruition coupled with needing that business to be exactly the way you envision it – a start-up is likely a better route.

A caveat to the start-up route. Say your dream is to open your own café to sell the baked goods from your grandmother’s recipes and coffee. Sure, you could find an empty commercial space and build it out to your liking – but you’ll have no idea if the location and concept are going to work. A likely safer bet is to find and purchase an existing café that is similar to what you envisioned and then make small changes (after you’ve run it for a while and have a gauge on what your current clientele will accept as far as changes) until it’s exactly the way you want it.

Whichever path you think might suit you a great first step is to have a conversation with an experienced and qualified business broker. They will be able to point you in the right direction, either by finding you listings that would suit your needs or by referring you to a commercial agent to find your new space.

Do you have a vision for business ownership and aren’t sure which path is right for you? Would you like to know what businesses currently for sale might work for your goals? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

How To Choose A Business You’ll Love

Published May 15, 2023

One of the keys to happiness is having the ability to get up every morning and go to a job that you love. If you are looking to become a business owner, then you can’t overlook this pivotal aspect – you need to buy a business you won’t hate.

How do you ensure the business you buy is one you’ll actually love? Spend the time before you actually start searching for a business doing some serious personal reflection.

Things to think about:

Where do you want to be in 5 years, 10 years?
What do you really love to do? What in your employment history has brought you enjoyment? What do friends and family see you doing as your “dream job”?
Are there things about your dream business that you would dislike doing? Is this something that you would have to do yourself? Could you bring in a partner or hire someone to do those tasks, enabling you to focus on the parts of the business that are your passion?

Once you’ve considered these thoughts, have a conversation with an experienced and qualified business broker about your goals for business ownership. Are you looking for a passion project? Do you want more flexibility in your schedule? Are you looking for a business with a lot of room for growth?

When you have solidified your goals you and your business broker will work together to find businesses that fit you and the amount of capital you have available.

A caveat here; don’t assume that loving your business means that running it will be easy. Everyone who owns a business works really hard, it’s all about enjoying what you do. This is why determining your goals is such a critical step.

If you haven’t taken the time to consider your goals and the things about business ownership that will mean real happiness, you run the risk of being lured into a great deal on a business that might not be right for you in the end.

Are you thinking about buying a business and have questions about what industries would match with your goals? Do you want to know what businesses are currently available that would work for you? Ask us! Feel free to leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

Red Tape For Business Buyers: A Guide

Posted in Become a Business Owner, Business Broker Why & How, Buyers Articles

Published April 17, 2023

You know how everyone always jokes about what a nightmare bureaucracy can be? If you are buying a business, prepare yourself – you are going to have your fair share of red tape. All of it will need to be completed in the correct order and to the correct level of repetition before you can operate your business.

It can be frustrating and might (at times) feel impossible, but every operating business has made it to the end of this process. Consider it an annoying right of passage.

This is a part of the business transaction process where your business broker can be worth their weight in gold. A good broker will have someone who can help you with any and all red tape, or they will be able to help you themselves. Some business buyers choose to have their broker (or a specialized contractor) do all of the licensing, others are able to get it completed with just a few suggestions. How you handle this part of buying your business is up to you.

Want some pointers? Here’s a sample of our best advice, derived from many trips down bureaucracy lane:

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!

Many red tape items are contingent on one agency completing or signing off before another can even begin, so start early and stay on top of it. You can’t get all of your licensing and permitting done the day of (or even the day before) closing.

Gather All Of The Documents Before You Start:

First you will want to try to get together the list of everything your broker and the seller think you will need. Ask the seller for copies of the licenses and permits they hold, as you will need their license and permit numbers to fill out your own.

Go online and print out every application you think you might need, even if you are going to be submitting them online. A printed version will allow you to collect all of the needed numbers/addresses/names/titles/etc. so you don’t end up timed out of the online application process (they pretty much all have a time limit and then they force you to start over).

Once you have assembled your pile of seller information and printed applications keep all of it together and take it everywhere you go. Many applications require signatures from multiple government agencies or departments.

Naming And The IRS:

The very first step is the naming process, even if you are buying an existing business and keeping the business name the same. Why? Your business will technically have two names, the DBA or “Doing Business As” (also called the Fictitious Name) and the legal name which can literally be “Anything You Want, LLC”. You will need to file your DBA with the Division of Corporations in your state, and the legal name will need to be filed through your attorney or an online legal service like LegalZoom. You will also need to get a Federal Employer Identification Number (also called a FEIN or an EIN) from the IRS.

Operational Licenses:

If the seller currently holds a license needed for the operation of the business, like a liquor license, then instead of starting from scratch you will be using applications for transferring that license. A word to the wise here – don’t rely solely on the information you find online about what is required to get the licenses issued or transferred. Get someone – a real, live person on the phone. Better yet, find the local office (instead of the statewide call center), and get a local agent on the phone. The local agents are the ones who will be processing and issuing your license, so they are the ones you need to keep happy. Another caveat? Be really patient with this part of the process. You can call the same call center three different times and get three completely different answers to a single question.

Local Licenses:

You will also need to get yourself a Certificate of Use and your local Business Tax Receipt or BTR (also called the Occupational License). The Certificate of Use gets issued after your building and fire inspections, your BTR after your Certificate of Use goes through. If you are buying an existing business, you may not need an inspection if the business has had one recently, but you will need to call and check. Again, get a living person on the phone to discuss the requirements and process and you will be far better off than trying to divine what you need from a cryptic government website.

Costs:

Did we forget to mention that pretty much all licensing and permitting applications come with a fee? Yes, they all do. While rarely astronomical in price, the costs will be completely dependent on what applications you are filling out, what inspections you need, etc. Be ready with your credit card or checkbook when you start the process.

It Can Be Done, Really.

This is one of the parts of being your own boss that is not very fun, but with a good dose of patience and a bit of organization it will all fall into place. Most of the real, live people you will get on the phone are very helpful, and remember that your broker is always there as well.

Are you thinking about buying a business, or do you already have a business in mind and are wondering about what kinds of licenses or permits you will need? Are you having trouble finding the agencies you need to get your applications going? Ask us! Please feel free to leave us a comment or question here, and we will be happy to help you with navigating the red tape.

Michael Monnot

Stepping Into Big Shoes: How To Take Over A Beloved Owner’s Business

Published April 10, 2023

Buying a business comes with a unique set of challenges. You have to learn operating procedures, you have to become acquainted with clients and vendors, you have to navigate the licensing and permitting process, you have to develop relationships with your new employees – the list is long.

Sometimes the previous owner was burned out and unpleasant, and as such the employees and clients might be happy to see them go in favor of a fresh face and attitude.

What if the opposite is true? What if you are replacing a highly respected and beloved owner? How do you successfully fill those seemingly enormous shoes?

First, don’t try to emulate the previous owner. Attempting to change who you are will always come across as inauthentic. The best thing you can do is be yourself, even if you are a vastly different person than the seller. Sure, some of the seller’s success came from their personality and the way they interacted with everyone related to the business – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t also be successful. Be authentically yourself, upfront and honest with with those around you and you will show the staff and clientele that you are someone who can be trusted.

Second, hit the ground running. Use the training period with the old owner to learn absolutely everything you can about both how the business runs and why that methodology is successful. Look for ways to grow the business from day one, but implement new growth strategies and marketing ideas while maintaining the operating procedures that have served the business well so far. If you come in motivated and willing to listen and learn (instead of rushing changes and forcing new policies right out of the gate) your staff will feel like their contributions to the business are respected and you can earn their respect in return.

Third, be nice. A truly beloved and respected boss is never an angry jerk, so although you might be very different from the previous owner – as long as you are kind to your new staff that thread of the positive owner relationship will continue.

While it might initially seem intimidating to take over from an owner that everyone is really going to miss – if you can be yourself, be willing to learn and be nice your new business and those in it can learn to embrace you too.

Are you considering a business with a well respected owner and have questions about what the training period will be like? Would you like to know more about how you can successfully navigate the transition to new owner? Ask us! Please feel free to leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot