You rock

Is Your Business You-Proof?

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Whether you’re planning to sell your company sometime soon or sometime in the future; now is the time to ensure that your business isn’t all about you. From the latest Value Builder Score* research involving 2300 companies from around the…
salesman

Avoiding the Superstar Sales Rep Trap

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For your business to be valuable – and sellable one day – you need some way to generate sales after you’re gone.  Many business owners hire a superstar salesperson to replace themselves as a rainmaker but that’s a trap.  By…
Traps

Four Traps to Avoid When an Acquirer Comes Calling

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You may be eager to sell your business, and happy to have an acquirer at your doorstep, but what’s it like when an acquirer starts looking inside every inch of your business? Most professional acquirers will have a checklist of questions…
Confused

8 Questions You’ll Be Asked When Selling Your Business

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One of the most intimidating aspects of selling your business can be facing the barrage of questions during the various management presentations you’ll be doing for potential acquirers. Be prepared to be grilled on all facets of your…
Doomsday

CAUTION: DO NOT POKE THE GIANT

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On June 1, 2011, both Floyd’s Coffee Shops in Portland, Oregon were busier than usual. The regulars were elbowed out of the way by new customers visiting the store for the first time to redeem their coupon and get $10 worth of coffee for…
signature needed

7 Things to do Before Signing a Letter of Intent

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You may be years away from selling your business, but it’s never too early to understand what the process involves. If you have ever promised your child a treat in return for good behavior, you know all about negotiating leverage.…
Right Time

Is Now the Time To Sell Your Business?

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Have you been thinking about selling your business but just can’t decide if now is the best time?  Do you find yourself repeatedly analyzing the economic situation and wishing you had a crystal ball? There are positive signs and there…
Curb Appeal

Does Your Business Have Curb Appeal?

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Let’s say you’re in the market for buying a house and you go to view one that looks appealing in the ad. How does it look on the inside? The outside? What about the location? What is your general impression? Like your house, your business…
Passion Led us Here

The C-word and 7 Others Your Business Should Avoid

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The majority of businesses in America today started out as service companies. If you want to own a web design firm, you don’t need a lot of money, just a technical knack. Enterprising professionals who know how to get the media’s attention…
Crystal Ball

Planning to Sell? How to Answer THE Most Important Question

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Many business owners believe the act of selling their business is similar to passing the baton in a 400 meter relay: once you’re finished running, you get to relax.  In reality, buyers will insist that you stay on for a transition period…