Don’t Communicate Without An Intermediary: Why You Should Keep Your Broker In The Middle

Posted in Business Broker Why & How, Buyers Articles, Sellers Articles

Published December 11, 2023

 

If you’re in the middle of the process to buy or sell a business, it can be tempting to contact the other side without using your business broker.

 

Why?

 

Say you just have one simple question, and to get that question answered you would have to call your broker, your broker calls the other broker, they ask their clients and then the answer gets passed back to you in reverse order.

 

This might seem incredibly inefficient, but the system is in place for a reason.

 

Let’s use the same example. You only have the one question, so you skip the intermediaries and call the other side. The conversation starts out innocently enough, but then your one question turns into five more, and as you continue asking the person on the other side becomes very offended by your questions, gets angry, hangs up and then decides not to move forward with the deal. Your one question just cost the whole transaction.

 

Business brokers, also known as business intermediaries are there for one reason, to protect the transaction. This is an incredibly important role, as without an intermediary most deals wouldn’t make it to closing.

 

Business transactions are inherently complicated, as someone’s hard work and someone else’s money are about to be exchanged. Like it or not, both buyers and sellers in business transactions have a lot to lose, and many seemingly innocent questions and statements can be misconstrued as offensive and can cause deals to fall apart and both sides to lose money.

 

Another major pitfall of going around the intermediaries? In almost all business transactions, there is a training period that occurs shortly after closing. Want to know what’s not fun and is seriously unproductive? When a buyer and seller hate each other and then have to work together.

 

Don’t make the mistake of trying to go around the intermediaries in the process. Your broker is there to act as a buffer and is there to help you, so keep them in the middle and you will have a far better chance at transaction success.

 

Are you a buyer or seller who has questions about the role of a business broker in your transaction? Ask us! Please leave a comment or question here, and we will be happy to assist you.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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Are You A Business Seller? What Are You Going To Do After The Closing Table?

Posted in Buyers Articles, Sellers Articles

Published December 4, 2023

If you own a business, we know you’ve already thought about it. The endgame. Retirement from small business ownership. Travel. New adventures.

 

Sure, we’ve all had the daydreams. If you are seriously considering selling your business, these daydreams are going to need to take on a more concrete form. Have you sincerely thought about what you are going to do when you leave the closing table?

 

 

What do business sellers do when they’ve sold their business? It varies. Some fully retire, some go back to the 9 to 5 game. Others take up volunteer efforts. The most common thread we see, however, is that someone who has owned their own business isn’t very good at sitting around.

 

If you haven’t had the chance to really consider your post-owner life, here’s what we see most business sellers do – they buy a new business.

 

Although it might seem crazy, business sellers do typically end up heading right back into entrepreneurship. Most take a bit of time off to do all those things that owning a business won’t let you do – like going on a three week vacation – but then that entrepreneurial itch starts up again.

 

If this sounds like you, then considering what kind of business you may want for your next venture is something you can do long before you sell the business you have. Maybe you are interested in a different industry, maybe you want to work in the same field but you have another location in mind.

 

Whatever your thoughts on the matter are, it is a good idea to have a conversation with your business broker about your post-sale goals. This will give you first-crack at any great businesses coming up for sale and allow you to decide how much of the proceeds you would make for the sale of your current business that could be used for the purchase of a new one.

 

If selling your current business is something in your future plans, think about your post-sale goals. Perhaps a new business would be the best plan for you!

 

Are you a business seller who is considering buying another business? Are you curious about the businesses that are currently on the market that might be an option for you? Ask us! Please leave us a question or comment here, and we will be happy to assist you on your next entrepreneurial chapter.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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Honesty Is The Best Policy: Why Creative Financials Are A Bad Idea

Posted in Buyers Articles, Sellers Articles

Published November 20, 2023

When you put your business up for sale, you obviously want to present the work you’ve done and your assets in the best light. What you don’t want to do is overdue it. It is incredibly important to avoid the mistake of trying to make the business look good by falsifying, leaving out, or misrepresenting your financial information. Not only can these “creative” financials be illegal, it is always incredibly unethical.

 

As a buyer, you obviously don’t want to end up with a business whose numbers are no where near what was described.

 

For both sides of the transaction, the due diligence phase will be the great equalizer. This part of the transaction is where the buyer gets to go over the books. If you are a seller who has tried to tweak your numbers, this is where your tactics will be discovered. When buyers find out that the numbers aren’t true, the deal will more than likely fall apart.

 

 

Here are some common instances of creative number tweaking that sellers should avoid and buyers should look out for:

 

Don’t try to over value any assets in the business. If you bought the kitchen hood five years ago, you are not going to be able to put today’s retail price for the new model on your asset list. Be realistic, and use the help of your business broker and your transaction accountant to put price tags on the business assets. Only use a business transaction CPA for this, as a CPA unfamiliar with the ins and outs of a business transaction will always give you values that don’t jive with the current business market.

 

Don’t undervalue any liabilities, tax debts, etc. This will cause the net worth of the business to appear much larger than it actually is. The buyer will more than likely find out, and then they will be unable to trust anything you say moving forward.

 

As a seller, the temptation might be there to make your business appear more stable or profitable than it already is, but what you need to know is even unprofitable businesses sell. If a buyer is ready, willing and able to make the necessary changes you have been unable to make, your business will be a great buy for them.

 

As a buyer, you need to be vigilant during the transaction process, especially during the due diligence phase. If something seems wrong, it probably is. The same holds true for businesses that appear too good to be true. Use the services of a business broker and a business transaction accountant to help you decide if the numbers really are what the seller claims they are.

 

The conclusion? Be honest and deal-killing issues will not arise later.

 

Are you a buyer who is suspicious of the numbers you were presented with? Are you a seller who is concerned about revealing your true numbers to buyers? Talk to us today! Please feel free to leave us a question or comment here, and we will be happy to help.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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Great Broker/Bad Broker: How Asking Questions Ensures The Best Help

Posted in Business Broker Why & How, Buyers Articles, Sellers Articles

Published November 13, 2023

Like any industry, there are great business brokers and there are those who shouldn’t even call themselves business brokers.

 

How do you ensure that the broker you choose to list or buy with is one of the great ones?

 

 

Ask questions.

 

What kinds of partnerships do they have with other brokers and with broker’s associations?

 

If a broker is a lone-wolf of sorts with no industry connections, they might have a tough time properly marketing your business or getting access to the listings you are interested in.

 

How many transactions have they closed in the last year?

 

If a broker has only closed one business transaction in the last year (or none at all), they are likely not the broker for you. Results will speak volumes about work ethic and knowledge of the industry.

 

Do they work in a very large office with many brokers, or do they work in a much smaller brokerage?

 

The benefits of choosing a broker that is part of a much larger firm may be the associations with other brokers that they have in-house. This might give you access to more listings and more potential buyers. Just remember to ask about a broker’s individual results. The firm they work for may have sold 50 businesses last year, but they may have only been responsible for one. On the other hand, there are some in the industry (usually those who are part of a very large office) who will tell you that using a one man shop or a small brokerage is a mistake. This is not necessarily the case. Look at results and inquire about the industry associations they have. A one man shop or a small brokerage might be your best bet because they are able to achieve success without the backing of a larger firm – a surefire testimony to how they work.

 

Are they really a business broker?

 

This might sound like a ridiculous question to ask, but it is an important one. Some involved in the real estate industry will try to help clients with buying and selling businesses while they are working on home and property listings. Selling a house and selling a business are two completely different animals. You might have a great realtor, but that doesn’t mean that they will know the first thing about a business transaction. Other types of professionals may try to broker business transactions as a side business. Business brokers are specialists and their field, so use an actual business broker for any business transaction if you want to ensure success.

 

Are past clients happy?

 

Look for a business broker with positive reviews and testimonials from former clients. Ask about whether they have repeat clients, and if they have any references. Also inquire about how they get the majority of their new business. If it comes from referrals, then you know they are good at what they do.

 

As with any major business decision, do your homework. The right choice of business broker can make your buying or selling experience a very positive one.

 

Are you a buyer or seller and want to know more about how to choose a business broker? Would you like to know more about how we help our clients through a business transaction? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

 

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Don’t Tell ANYONE: Why Business Sellers Need To Keep Confidentiality In Place

Posted in Sellers Articles

Published October 26, 2023

If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you know that the key to getting a property to the closing table is getting the word out that the property is for sale. As the seller of a home, you want people looking at your listing, perusing the pictures of the home inside and out, finding the home on a map and taking a drive by to check it out.

 

Isn’t the same true when you want to sell your business?

 

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

 

 

Business sales and real estate sales are two completely different animals. If you tell just a few people that your business is for sale the consequences can be devastating. People love a rumor and a bit of gossip, so if a few people know about your for-sale status it won’t take long for everyone to know your business is on the market.

 

Why is it a bad thing?

 

It will hurt your bottom line.

 

The time period from when you list your business to the day you reach the closing table should be a time period when you really push your numbers in a positive direction. Businesses with healthy numbers, with a good and stable list of clients and businesses with projected numbers on the rise are typically going to sell faster and for more money than those on a down-slide. It is imperative that you protect your business from anything that could cause problems with your bottom line – the major culprit in this sensitive time being a breach in confidentiality.

 

What could happen if confidentiality is breached?

 

Employees, nervous about the future under new ownership can leave and take their regular clientele with them. Vendors can decide to revoke perks you’ve had or cancel contracts. Customers may look elsewhere for their services because they worry about whether the quality they have come to expect from you will be the same under new management.

 

How can I keep my business sale under wraps?

 

Don’t tell anyone the business is for sale. Period. The only way that someone should be able to find out your business is on the market is if they get in touch with your business broker and sign the appropriate non-disclosure agreements. You shouldn’t talk about your business sale with your child’s elementary school teacher, the mailman or anyone else who is not your broker, transaction accountant, or transaction attorney.

 

Keep your business sale out of the rumor-mill by using the services of an experienced and qualified business broker – and don’t tell ANYONE. 

 

Are you thinking about selling and are concerned about confidentiality? Do you have questions about how your business broker can both market your business to potential buyers and also maintain confidentiality? Ask us! Please leave us a comment or question here and we can address any concerns you might have.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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You Don’t Want Us To Tell You What You Want To Hear: Choosing A Business Broker

Posted in Business Broker Why & How, Sellers Articles

Published September 28, 2023

When it comes to selling your business one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right business broker. A trustworthy and experienced broker can be your guiding light through the complex process of selling your business.

 

One of the first things you’ll discuss with potential brokers is a listing price for your business. A caveat here: not all brokers are created equal – and it’s imperative to choose one who tells you the unvarnished truth about what your business is worth.

 

It does you no good to go with a broker who only tells you what you want to hear. 

 

Why would a broker tell you what you want to hear instead of listing your business for a realistic price? Your listing benefits them whether your business sells or not. 

 

 

A business broker who lets you list your business for whatever you want only wants your listing because the listing generates calls from potential buyers. Those potential buyers aren’t going to go for your absurdly priced business, but the broker doesn’t care because they can just offer those buyers a different listing that’s more reasonably priced. This is an important (but ugly) part of the business-for-sale market that’s important for you to understand when you’re deciding on a broker. The broker who pushes back, who is brutally honest and has the rationale to backup their thoughts is far, far better for your success than the guy who tells you yes to anything. 

 

Here’s why:

 

Many business owners understandably have a strong emotional attachment to their business. You’ve likely put in countless hours and your blood, sweat and tears. Consequently, you may overestimate the value of your business based on sentiment rather than a realistic assessment of market conditions, financials and other objective factors. This is where a blunt business broker becomes invaluable.

 

A broker who actually has your success as the primary goal will conduct a thorough and objective business valuation based on market trends, financial data and industry benchmarks. They won’t inflate the value to appease your expectations, but rather provide an accurate assessment, even if it’s less than what you had hoped for.

 

While it’s natural to want a ton of money for your business, a good broker will help you set realistic expectations. Look for someone who backs up their thoughts with real metrics and has your best interest at heart, whether you like what you hear or not.

 

Would you like to know what businesses like yours are currently selling for? Do you have questions about how we help you put together a realistic listing price for your business? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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Buyer + Seller Beware: Make Sure Your Business Broker Is Really A Broker

Posted in Buyers Articles, Sellers Articles

Published September 11, 2023

Selling or buying a business is a significant decision. It requires careful consideration and expertise. Many entrepreneurs and business owners turn to business brokers to navigate this complex process. However, not all business brokers are created equal, and one critical factor to consider is whether the broker is really a broker.

 

 

What do we mean by that?

 

Many, many “brokers” aren’t business brokers at all. They’re real estate agents, attorneys – even dentists who “help” people buy and sell businesses on the side. You do not want a fly-by-night, part-time broker. You want an experienced and qualified full-time professional. Using someone who isn’t actually a business broker to help you buy or sell a business would be like going to your CPA to fix a toothache.

 

Why?

 

Part-time business brokers, as the name suggests, have other commitments outside of brokering deals. This limited availability can lead to slow response times and delayed communication. When you’re in the midst of a business transaction, time is of the essence and delays can be costly. A full-time broker is more likely to prioritize your deal and provide the attention it deserves.

 

Business transactions involve a multitude of legal, financial and operational complexities. A part-time business broker may not have the same depth of knowledge, experience or industry connections as their full-time counterparts. Selling or buying a business often requires specialized expertise, which a part-time broker may not be able to provide.

 

The business landscape is constantly evolving, and staying updated with industry trends, regulations and market conditions is crucial. Part-time brokers may struggle to keep pace with these changes due to their limited exposure to the market. A full-time broker is more likely to have their finger on the pulse of the industry, giving you a better understanding of current market dynamics.

 

One of the key benefits of working with a business broker is their network of potential buyers or sellers. A full-time broker has more time and resources to build and maintain a broad and diverse network. This extensive network can lead to more opportunities and a higher likelihood of finding the right buyer or seller for your business.

 

Successful business transactions often require substantial resources, including marketing, legal support and financial analysis. Part-time brokers may not have the resources or connections needed to provide these services adequately. In contrast, full-time brokers are more likely to have established relationships with professionals who can support the transaction process.

 

While part-time business brokers may be well-intentioned – their limitations in terms of availability, expertise and resources can pose significant risks when it comes to selling or buying a business. Work with a full-time, experienced and qualified business broker who can provide the dedication and expertise needed to achieve a successful outcome. 

 

Are you looking at buying or selling a business and didn’t know that some “business brokers” aren’t business brokers at all? Would you like to know more about how we (as full time, experienced and qualified brokers) can better assist you through the transaction process? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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Unlocking New Opportunities: How Business Sellers Can Benefit From Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Posted in Sellers Articles, Visa/Immigration

Published July 27, 2023

As the global marketplace continues to expand, business sellers have a unique opportunity to tap into a large pool of motivated and ambitious buyers – immigrant entrepreneurs. 

 

 

The E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa programs offer a pathway for foreign investors to obtain residency in the United States through entrepreneurship and business ownership. While not all small businesses will meet the qualifications for these visa programs, many do. Talk to your business broker about your business to see if it would work for someone looking to fulfill the requirements for an entrepreneur visa. 

 

Utilizing the E2 and EB-5 Visa programs allows business sellers to widen their potential buyer pool significantly. Immigrant entrepreneurs seeking to relocate to the United States often prefer to invest in established businesses rather than starting from scratch. By considering visa applicants as potential buyers, sellers increase their chances of finding motivated individuals willing to invest in an existing business with a proven track record.

 

Another benefit to business sellers? Immigrant entrepreneurs participating in the E2 or EB-5 Visa programs are often more decisive when it comes to making a business purchase. As these individuals have specific visa requirements to fulfill, they are more likely to expedite the buying process to meet the necessary deadlines. This increased sense of urgency can speed up the sale and ensure a smoother transition for the seller and the business – even when taking into account delays that can happen because of the necessary bureaucracy when dealing with consulates and immigration officials. 

 

Business sellers may find that immigrant entrepreneurs are also willing to offer more favorable terms during negotiations. For these individuals, securing a successful business is often tied to their immigration status, making them more willing to meet the seller’s asking price or agree to specific terms. This mutually beneficial arrangement can lead to a win-win situation for both parties involved.

 

For small business owners looking to retire or move on to other ventures, the E2 and EB-5 Visa programs offer an ideal solution to ensure the continuity of their business. By selling to an immigrant entrepreneur, sellers can preserve their business’s legacy and ensure that their hard work and dedication continue to flourish under new ownership.

 

How? Immigrant entrepreneurs bring with them a wealth of diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills. By selling their business to someone from a different cultural background, sellers open the door to fresh ideas, innovative strategies, and potentially new international markets. Embracing diversity can lead to growth opportunities and increased competitiveness for the business in the long run.

 

Business sellers stand to gain significant benefits by considering immigrant entrepreneurs as potential buyers for their small businesses. Beyond just a financial transaction, this presents an opportunity for sellers to leave a lasting impact on their business and contribute positively to the American entrepreneurial landscape. Ask your business broker if your business would qualify a visa for the global community of business buyers.  

 

Are you thinking about selling your business and haven’t thought about the immigrant entrepreneur buyer pool? Would you like to know if your business would qualify for the E2 or EB-5 Visa programs? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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The First Impression – Preparing The Physical Location Of Your Business For Sale

Posted in Sellers Articles

Published July 20, 2023

First impressions matter. When it comes to selling your business, the optics and condition of your physical location will play a pivotal role in making a lasting impression on potential buyers. If you are serious about selling your business you need to ensure that your physical location looks its best.

 

Here are some thoughts on how to get it ready:

 

 

The first step in preparing your physical location is to ensure it is clean, well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. Consider investing in a thorough deep cleaning of the premises – including floors, walls, windows and all equipment. Address any necessary repairs such as leaky faucets, broken lights or chipped paint. A well-kept location reflects positively on the overall state of your business. Why?  If you’ve let aesthetic issues slide it can make buyers wonder what else you’ve ignored.

 

You might be a horizontal filer and know where everything is in the piles of junk littering the corners of your business – but when the time comes to sell you have to understand that a cluttered and disorganized space can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. Streamline your physical location by decluttering areas, removing unnecessary items and organizing storage spaces. 

 

Take some time before your business is listed to create a comprehensive inventory of all assets and equipment included in the sale. Provide detailed information about their condition, age and any warranties or service agreements. This documentation gives buyers a clear understanding of the tangible assets they will acquire, and this mental inventory of what you’re selling can help you see what needs cleaning and/or maintenance before buyers come through. 

 

Don’t forget that it’s not just the inside of the business that matters. Curb appeal can significantly impact a potential buyer’s perception of your business. Invest in exterior improvements like landscaping, fresh paint and well-maintained signage. A visually appealing exterior has the same effect that a well-maintained interior does – it tells buyers that you take good care of all aspects of your business. 

 

Getting your business’s physical location ready for sale requires careful attention to detail and a focus on presenting the space in its best light. A clean, organized and visually appealing space enhances the overall perception of your business and its potential. 

 

Have you considered selling your business and want advice on what you need to fix or replace before you list your business for sale? Do you have questions about what types of feedback buyers give after seeing physical locations for the first time? Ask us! Leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

 

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Selling Your Business? The Benefits Of Offering Seller Financing

Posted in Sellers Articles

Published July 13, 2023

As a small business seller you might find that attracting potential buyers can be a challenging task, especially in a competitive market. Offering seller financing can be a strategic move that sets your business apart from the rest. 

 

 

Why should I offer seller financing?

 

Seller financing opens the door to a larger pool of prospective buyers. Many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with limited access to traditional bank loans or significant upfront capital, often seek businesses that offer financing. By providing this option, you can attract buyers who may otherwise be unable to make an all-cash purchase.

 

Offering seller financing also signals your confidence in the long-term viability and potential of your business. This vote of confidence can instill trust in buyers, making them more comfortable with their investment decision. Your willingness to finance a portion of the purchase price speaks volumes about the business’s stability and growth prospects.

 

Additionally, seller financing provides sellers with an advantage during negotiations. You can potentially command a higher selling price or better terms by offering financing. Buyers may be willing to pay a premium for the convenience of structured payments over time, which can work in your favor when closing the deal. Another bonus? As the buyer makes regular payments you receive consistent cash flow, which can be particularly beneficial if you plan to retire or invest in other ventures. This passive income can provide a safety net and financial stability after the business transfer.

 

Offering seller financing can be a savvy move for small business sellers seeking to attract buyers and secure a favorable deal. This arrangement not only expands the pool of potential buyers but also demonstrates your belief in the business’s potential and provides you with a steady income stream. Ultimately, embracing this flexible approach can empower the success of your business sale while fostering a positive and productive relationship with the new owner.

 

Are you thinking about selling your business and hadn’t considered offering seller financing? Would you like to know more about what a typical seller financed deal looks like? Ask us! Feel free to leave any questions or comments and we would be happy to help.

 

 

 

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

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Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com

9040 Town Center Parkway
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202



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