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There are a variety of factors about your business that will help determine its fair market value. But the most important element that many business owners neglect is their organization.
Your financial and asset records are the lifeline of your business. If you do not have the following documents easily accessible, it could cost you.
Your business broker or business appraiser collects data about your business to establish an opinion of value. Forgotten loan agreements, overlooked expenses, or an inaccurate inventory of your equipment can be a blow to determining value.
If the job has yet to be done, and the task at hand seems too daunting, then ask for help! Many owners forget that they are only human and cannot do it all. Ask for referrals for professionals who can help you get back on track. It’s worth the investment.
Buying a business is a process that takes time. It can sometimes take years to find the right opportunity.
Unfortunately, many buyers want to look at all available options, thinking they’ll recognize what they’re looking for when they see it. That approach is actually a waste valuable time and energy and can lead to frustration and an end to the search. Or the potential buyer may miss out on great opportunities because they weren’t found early enough or they weren’t ready to move forward with a purchase.
There are some key steps to follow in the business search process:
Start with a self assessment – Ask yourself why you want to buy a business. What types of work activities do you like and what kind of lifestyle do you want to pursue? It’s important to understand that there may be more work and longer hours for an owner in some industries. Be sure to include your family in the assessment.
Establish financial expectations – Determine how much money you need and want to earn. Make sure your expectations are in line with the types of businesses you are targeting and the return they can produce.
Put together a personal financial statement – Outline your assets and liabilities. Identify what you can use for your initial investment. The personal financial statement serves as proof of your financial wherewithal, so be prepared to share this document with a seller’s intermediary.
Update your résumé – Sellers want to be sure that their business will continue to be a success. They’re looking for someone with the experience necessary to continue their legacy and take care of the staff. Ultimately, you’re selling yourself to the current owner(s), the lender and the professionals representing them.
Outline your acquisition criteria – Define the parameters of your search. Ideally it should include your targeted industries, geographic area and transaction size. Your acquisition criteria will help you demonstrate your commitment to finding the right business for you.
Search multiple sources and enlist help – Let your professional advisors (e.g. attorney, accountant, financial planner) know you are looking for a business. Most importantly, contact business intermediaries who represent businesses within your targeted market. They will notify you of available companies that meet your criteria and qualifications.
Most business brokers or intermediaries work for the seller and are paid by the seller. That means you can enjoy the luxury of their services at no cost. The intermediary is looking out for the seller’s best interests, so you should have experienced council to represent you in any transaction.
When interested in a business, you want the business intermediary to be selling you to the seller. Prove to them that you are a qualified, motivated buyer by preparing for your search.
Your motivation, lifestyle, expectations, financial statement and résumé will help you develop your acquisition criteria. Identifying and communicating your acquisition criteria, qualifications and experience will save time and frustration and will place you far ahead of less focused buyers.
The International Business Brokers Association® is the largest international, non-profit association operating exclusively for the benefit of people and firms engaged in the various aspects of a business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions. IBBA® has 1,950 members worldwide, with corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
©2008 International Business Brokers Association® (IBBA®) all rights reserved
Permission to reuse any or all of this material should be directed to the IBBA at 888-686-4442 and is restricted to IBBA members.
The Process of Buying a Business
Buying a business is a process that takes time. It can sometimes take years to find the right opportunity.
Unfortunately, many buyers want to look at all available options, thinking they’ll recognize what they’re looking for when they see it. That approach is actually a waste valuable time and energy and can lead to frustration and an end to the search. Or the potential buyer may miss out on great opportunities because they weren’t found early enough or they weren’t ready to move forward with a purchase.
There are some key steps to follow in the business search process:
Start with a self assessment – Ask yourself why you want to buy a business. What types of work activities do you like and what kind of lifestyle do you want to pursue? It’s important to understand that there may be more work and longer hours for an owner in some industries. Be sure to include your family in the assessment.
Establish financial expectations – Determine how much money you need and want to earn. Make sure your expectations are in line with the types of businesses you are targeting and the return they can produce.
Put together a personal financial statement – Outline your assets and liabilities. Identify what you can use for your initial investment. The personal financial statement serves as proof of your financial wherewithal, so be prepared to share this document with a seller’s intermediary.
Update your résumé – Sellers want to be sure that their business will continue to be a success. They’re looking for someone with the experience necessary to continue their legacy and take care of the staff. Ultimately, you’re selling yourself to the current owner(s), the lender and the professionals representing them.
Outline your acquisition criteria – Define the parameters of your search. Ideally it should include your targeted industries, geographic area and transaction size. Your acquisition criteria will help you demonstrate your commitment to finding the right business for you.
Search multiple sources and enlist help – Let your professional advisors (e.g. attorney, accountant, financial planner) know you are looking for a business. Most importantly, contact business intermediaries who represent businesses within your targeted market. They will notify you of available companies that meet your criteria and qualifications.
Most business brokers or intermediaries work for the seller and are paid by the seller. That means you can enjoy the luxury of their services at no cost. The intermediary is looking out for the seller’s best interests, so you should have experienced council to represent you in any transaction.
When interested in a business, you want the business intermediary to be selling you to the seller. Prove to them that you are a qualified, motivated buyer by preparing for your search.
Your motivation, lifestyle, expectations, financial statement and résumé will help you develop your acquisition criteria. Identifying and communicating your acquisition criteria, qualifications and experience will save time and frustration and will place you far ahead of less focused buyers.
The International Business Brokers Association® is the largest international, non-profit association operating exclusively for the benefit of people and firms engaged in the various aspects of a business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions. IBBA® has 1,950 members worldwide, with corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
©2008 International Business Brokers Association® (IBBA®) all rights reserved
Permission to reuse any or all of this material should be directed to the IBBA at 888-686-4442 and is restricted to IBBA members.
Indoor Children’s Recreation Center in upscale community in Osceola County. Business opened its doors earlier this year and parties are completely booked through the fall and into the holidays. Parents enjoy WIFI and cafe perks while kids play. New state-of-the-art jungle gym/”play frame” included.
The business’s breakeven point is only $11,500/month, and is already producing strong positive cash flow. Monthly sales growth shows that the business will exceed its monthly sales target of $17K. Business is taking off — ideal for an owner operator.
$314,000
If you enjoy working with kids call Jessica Hadler at 407-770-8373 to learn more about this money maker.
www.americanbusinessgroup.com
