5 Steps to Finding the
"Right Business" for You
by: Theodore P. Burbank
FIRE, READY, AIM! The commands
are correct but, we must have the right sequence if we want to hit our target. If
business ownership is your quest -- the five steps listed below summarize the sequence of
steps involved in finding the Right Business for you.
Step One -- Self Analysis and Financial Review
Inventory your skills, talents and interests, lifestyle needs and resources. Create
a mental picture of your ideal business. Ideally, how would you be spending your work day?
What special skills or interests can you bring to your enterprise? Will family
members be involved? What are their interests, skills and talents? How would
they fit into your picture of the ideal business?
Determine the minimum amount of income you will need from your business to maintain the
lifestyle you have created. How much capital are you willing to invest (risk)?
What are the sources of your capital?
Once you have developed your "profile" you are now ready to begin. We have
developed a "Buyer Profile and Business Identification
Workbook" which has assisted hundreds of opportunity seekers hone in on and
identify their "perfect business."
Step Two -- Prepare to search
Many good books and software programs are available on how to acquire, finance, operate
and grow a small business. If you don't have at least one in your personal
library, get one now. If you envision a small business (Revenues under $20 Million)
then "In& Out of Business . . .Happily"
with its companion software "VALUware" might be a
good choice.
Research targeted industries. Arrange for equity loans now if you intend to use such funds
in acquiring your business. Arranging for equity line of credit before you find your
business gives you much more flexibility and leverage. Imagine, for example,
negotiating financing with the business owner and banker at the same time.
Step Three -- Begin the Search
Ideally you want a business in need of the skills and resources you can provide.
Interview brokers, intermediaries, accountants, bankers and others to uncover
opportunities. Conduct your own direct contact campaign to targeted industries or
engage a firm to search for you. When a target is found, overview data is gathered.
Step Four -- Letter of Intent (or Conditional Offer to Purchase)
A Non Binding offer to purchase spelling out proposed price, terms and conditions of sale
is prepared. Either side may revise or quit for any reason. "Letters of
Intent" or "Offers to Purchase" and other paperwork relating to the
buy-sell process are generally provided by your Business Broker or Intermediary.
This paperwork plus Due Dillegence and other check lists are also available from
"DealMaker docs" Once agreement is reached, "Due
diligence" begins.
Step Five -- Due Diligence and Closing
Check out business thoroughly. Engage professionals to assist in due diligence and
closing. Confirm willingness to buy. Closing documents are prepared,
reviewed and executed. Money is exchanged for keys. Congratulations, you
now own your own business.
This article has been condensed from "In and Out
of Business... Happily."
Mr. Burbank is President of Lighthouse Financial, LLC and since 1979 he and his
associates have consulted with and provided valuation, marketing and sales assistance to more
than 2,000 family and private business owners.
He is the author of "In & Out of Business . . . Happily" -
"Buying a Business Made Easier" - "VALUware 6.0" Business
Valuation Software - "DealMaker 4.0" Business Acquisition Software -
"DealMaker docs" Transaction Documentation Software all published by
Parker-Nelson Publishing. In
addition he is a contributing author to "Merger and Acquisition Handbook
for Small and Mid-Size Businesses" and "Business Valuation
Handbook" both published by John Wiley and Sons
and has written many articles on business sales and valuations. He has conducted
seminars and addressed many trade associations in the US, Canada and abroad.
Ted is available
for private consultation, valuation and acquisition assignments.
He may be reached by telephone: 508 794-1200 or by email: bizval@buysellbiz.com
Want more information? Call 1-508-794-1200 or complete the form below.
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