When people dream of becoming business owners, they often picture launching their own venture. They may picture building something from nothing, and the fulfillment of turning a concept into a company. While exciting, this path comes with plenty of hurdles, which include creating brand awareness, finding customers, hiring a team, and generating consistent income. Keep in mind, launching your own business means you must achieve these goals with… Continue Reading →
When considering the purchase of a business, asking the right questions is essential. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur, you’ll want to avoid unpleasant surprises down the line. One way to do that is to be proactive and diligent when you’re making your evaluations. Below are some critical areas to explore before signing any agreements.First, it’s important to understand the current challenges that the business… Continue Reading →
The concept of combining businesses is a tried-and-true strategy. A classic example of this strategy is the tailor next to the dry cleaner. This is a combination that has been part of commerce for a long time. Today, however, this partnership model has evolved into a modern strategy called co-branding. Particularly popular among franchises, co-branding involves offering complementary products and services within a single business location. While… Continue Reading →
As we step further into the 21st century, the landscape of business is changing. While there are always new challenges on the horizon, the core principles of achieving success in business remain largely unchanged. Have you considered how well you’re preparing for both the new and enduring demands of entrepreneurship? Let’s take a look at some standards to abide by. Are You Embracing Technology?The digital age has transformed how businesses… Continue Reading →
Businesses can face various challenges, and many issues that arise are not always immediately obvious. However, there are common signs to look for when a company is in trouble or headed in that direction. Recognizing these signs early is crucial, as they can help business owners make informed decisions about the future of their business. Below are some key indicators that a company may be struggling:Lack of Proper FocusOne of the most… Continue Reading →
Once the deal is sealed and the closing is complete, many business owners might think their job is done. However, ensuring that the transition to the new owner goes smoothly is crucial not only for the business’ continued success, but also for protecting your own ongoing interests. First and foremost, even after the sale, most sellers have some sort of vested interest in the new entity’s success. This can come in many forms. For instance,… Continue Reading →
In today’s business world, effective communication is paramount, and the telephone remains one of the most essential tools for engaging with clients, prospects, and partners. Automated answering services, voicemail systems, or hold music can significantly impact your company’s image and customer satisfaction. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the telephone is a productive sales tool rather than a hindrance. The first interaction a… Continue Reading →
One of the most critical questions for prospective buyers, investors, and lenders is understanding a business’s true income. However, it should come as no surprise that the party most invested in uncovering this information is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).Why is determining a business’s real income so difficult? While financial records should provide a clear picture, business owners often engage in practices ranging from minor adjustments… Continue Reading →
When it comes to buying or selling a business, we often get asked two common questions: “How many businesses are for sale?” and “What percentage of businesses on the market actually sell?”To get a sense of the market, it’s important to break things down by business category. The industries that make up the majority of small to mid-sized business sales include: manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, business and personal services, and… Continue Reading →
Many businesses have a product or service that’s performing reasonably well, perhaps even thriving, but doesn’t quite align with the company’s core offerings. It’s often called an “orphaned” product—a good or service that is disconnected from the company’s main focus. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. It’s more common than you might think. In fact, there are many buyers, from individual investors to private equity firms,… Continue Reading →