spider web

4 Traps To Avoid When Selling Your Company

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Business owners have been known to refer todue diligence as "the entrepreneur's proctology exam." It's a crude analogy but a good representation of what it feels like when a stranger pokes, prods, and looks inside every inch of your business. Most…
Sunlight

Business Valuation

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Business valuation goes beyond simple mathematics, but to get some idea of what your business might be worth, consider the three methods below.  Your business is likely your largest asset so it's normal to want to know what it is worth.…
hour glass time

What a Study of 14,000 Businesses Reveals About How You Should Not Be Spending Your Time

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In an analysis of more than 14,000 businesses, a new study finds the most valuable companies take a contrarian approach to the boss doing the selling. Who does the selling in your business?  My guess is that when you’re personally…
Blood Pressure

A Blood Pressure Test for Your Business

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When was the last time you had your blood pressure tested? Taking your blood pressure is one of the first things most doctors do before treating you for just about anything. How much pressure your blood is under as it courses through your…
flowers diversified

6 Reasons Not To Diversify

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Diversification is a sound financial planning strategy, but does it work for company building? How does Vitamix get away with charging $700 for a blender when reputable companies like Cuisinart and Breville make blenders for less than half…
Bugatti

What’s so special about the million-dollar mark?

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If you're wondering when is the right time to sell your business, you may want to wait until your company is generating $1 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The million-dollar mark is a…
treasure chest

The Hidden Goal of the Smartest Business Owners

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What are your business goals for the year? If you’re like most owners, you have a profit goal you want to hit. You may also have a top line revenue number that’s important to you. While those goals are important, there is another objective…
gorilla

How To Get a Big Company Multiple For Your Business

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Big public companies trade at a significant premium over small businesses in the same industry because investors perceive big, sophisticated companies as a safer bet than small, owner-dependent companies. Let’s take a look at the professional…
hidden

One Hidden Thing That Drives Your Company’s Value

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You already know that your company’s revenue and profits play a big role in how much your business is worth. Do you also know the role cash flow plays in your valuation? Cash vs. Profits Cash flow is different than profits in that…
Old and Young

How Your Age Shapes Your Exit Plan

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Your age has a big impact on your attitude toward your business, and your feelings about one day getting out of it. For example, one person who runs a boutique mergers and acquisitions business refuses to take assignments from business owners…