Regardless of whether a business is onsite, remote, or a combination of the two - with a 90% failure rate for startups, it’s easy to understand why people are hesitant to start their own business. Even with a shockingly high failure rate, entrepreneurship is alive and well in Indiana and other parts of the nation. When considering the type of business you want to start, recognize the benefit
Read More “The Location of Your Business Contributes to Its Success”
Are you ready to sell your business, but still on the fence about using a broker? You’re not alone. Many business owners, especially first-time sellers, feel compelled to DIY the process, thinking it will save them time and money. Selling your business can be a long process with many tedious steps. An experienced business brokerage (plus the valuable resources they bring to the table) can m
Read More “Pros and Cons of Selling your Business Without a Broker”
Finding the right buyer for your business goes beyond getting the highest offer possible. As a seller, you're looking for the most qualified buyer that best aligns with your values. After years of building your business, it’s natural to want a big payoff. But there are other factors, like preserving your legacy or maintaining the integrity of your company, that matter too. Add value
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If you decided to sell your business, you now have two options: Do-It-Yourself or work with a business broker. In today’s climate, it takes a lot more than just sticking a for-sale sign in your window. The truth is, as a business owner, your time is better spent running your company; not dealing with prospects or negotiating deals. Hiring a broker may be your ideal option if you want to
Read More “3 Questions you Should Ask Before Hiring a Business Broker”
Over the past year, many owners have been working hard to keep their businesses afloat. At times, having to reinvent or resize their company to stay competitive amidst the pandemic. Now, as things are turning around, you may be asking yourself, Should I sell my business? As valuations continue to go up, and buyers remain eager to spend their money, it’s prompting to be a big year for bus
Read More “What's the Best Way to Sell Your Business in 2021?”
Money can be considered a taboo topic of conversation in some circles. As a rule of thumb, you do not speak about salaries, debt, or the cost of your most recent vacation with friends or family, do you? We understand that, but when it comes to selling a business, we need to talk about money, and more specifically, cash. What is cash and how does it affect your business when you are selling it? Wh
The market has experienced one of the most sudden and, for some, catastrophic economic declines in our history. There is no shame in feeling a little bit like you are between a rock and a hard place – having to decide whether to possibly close a business or sell a business. The important fact is, this is not a reflection of you, your work ethic, professionalism, or entrepreneurship. In fact,
To sell your small business, there are some very crucial steps to take before the listing. For one, it is very important to understand your business’s value in the marketplace. Obtaining a valuation allows you to thoroughly understand a business’s financials and their value in the marketplace, and give you an understanding of the price at which you should list your business for s
Hiring a business broker may seem complicated and an unnecessary expense to someone who is trying to save money and simplify the sale of their business. Why add more to your long list of to-dos when you have enough going on? Well, the thing is, a business broker is so much more than just an extra set of hands. Studies have shown that working with a broker increases your chances of selling your bus
Read More “Five Reasons Business Brokers Improve Closing Rates”
Are you ready to take the next steps in your career? Are you hoping to sell your business but unsure of where to begin? Follow these simple steps for selling your business for the best price and wherever you need an extra hand, we recommend you reach out to an experienced business broker for guidance. 1. Business Valuation A business valuation is always the fi
Did you think we would still be discussing COVID-19 this summer? Some of you knew we’d be in this for a long time, others may have believed the world would normalize by May. Whichever may be the case for you, this pandemic is still very real within our borders and it is affecting our lives and businesses. You don’t need to put on hold all of your plans. Interestingly enough, business s
Read More “How to Prepare Your Business for a Post-COVID-19 Sale”
Transworld Business Advisors Cleveland, Akron & Northeast Ohio – What are the Main Reasons for Selling a Business? Transworld Business Advisors is the market leader and the largest business brokerage in the world. We specialize in selling businesses of all kinds and with over 40 years of experience, and as a certified exit planning advisor, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you
SMART BUSINESS OWNERS PLAN THEIR EXIT STRATEGY How can I maximize the value of my business? As a Transworld Business Brokerage, we are asked this question frequently. In this section, we will discuss the steps and strategies that a business owner can employ when preparing to sell a business. The key is preparation – the better prepared your exit strategy is, the
The day will come when you may have to walk away from your business and begin a new chapter of your life. Quite often, businesses are transferred from one family member to another – many times from parent to child. If you have reached that well-deserved retirement, here are factors to consider when transferring your business to a family member. 1. G
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Be ready this year! View our Pre-Sale Checklist for Selling Your Business Starting fresh in the first quarter is always a perfect time to plan for the coming year. As a small business owner, you might be thinking about selling your business. Whether the reason is early retirement or the desire to invest in a new endeavor, there are definite steps you can take to prepare your business for sale. Co
THE LIFE CYCLE OF YOUR BUSINESS What is the Sigmoid Curve and why should you care? If you are a business owner, you are the only person in your organization that has a thumb on the pulse of your business's life cycle. The Sigmoid Curve is a model for consistent business growth.
Small business owners do not have the cushion of IPOs and board members to fall back on. In fact, many of these businesses do not have million-dollar investors knocking on their doors for the latest advancement in tech. Small business owners are everyday people – with common, everyday anxieties. A new year can often feel like a fresh start, but in some cases, it can feel like the beginnings
The road to reach closing is a long and tedious one. As a seller, working with your broker, you have already gone through business pricing, organizing financial documents, and working on the offering package. After all of that, there is still the process of meeting and negotiating with potential buyers with your broker until you have found the right one. Likewise, as a buyer, you have had to work
In order to predict business trends in 2020, one must reflect on the previous year. As we enter into the first months of this new year, let’s take a look at some of the fastest-growing new industries in the United States. Wind Turbine Installation Automated Guided Vehicle Manufacturing Solar Power Social Networking Platforms Telehealth Services Peer-to-
Read More “Business Sales are on the Rise - What to Expect in the New Year”
Business ownership is a lot of work whether it’s a salon, a contractor or even a manufacturer. Owners, of course, know that going in. However, when you start your dream business and as you work to grow that business, you rarely give thought of what happens when you decide to sell it. When getting your business ready to sell, there are a lot of things you need to do legally and financia
Read More “Steps to Make Your Business More Appealing to a Buyer”
Your business's social media presence, particularly on LinkedIn, can make your business more attractive to potential buyers through goodwill and branding. We live in the digital age – the era of the Internet and social media. It is rarer now to find a restaurant without Wi-Fi than ones with it. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that businesses are only encouraged to have a social medi
Read More “Leverage the Linkedin Network to Help Sell Your Business”
The thought of selling your business may be daunting. However, understanding the importance of negotiation and having the right team to support you can make all of the difference. Not only can you close the best deal for your business but you can be well on your way to your next project: be it a new business or even retirement. The best deal is one where both you and the buyer feel satisfied and e
The future is digital – actually, the present is digital, and that means businesses with a technological component are becoming more and more popular. Industry experts are calling 2019 the year of entrepreneurship. As a business owner hoping to sell, this just might be the year to do that. As a franchise owner looking for new opportunities, preparing your business for sale could be the best
Arguably, there is never a wrong time to sell your business. There will always be interested buyers – the only caveat is the selling price, depending on the market and the health of your business. However, you may be in a position where you would like to sell sooner rather than later. Here are six signs that it’s time to sell your business. Are you lacking passion? It is not unco
There are many benefits to franchising your business or becoming a franchise owner. However, one does not often hear about the next step: reselling a franchise. As an entrepreneur, it is not uncommon to be satisfied with accomplishing one goal and while constantly looking for new challenges. Your franchise business could have been a passion project, but your time to start your next project has arr
Successfully selling your business is tough, but with the guidance of the experts at Transworld Business Advisors you can get it done! At Transworld we have detailed and proven steps, to ensure the process stays on track. You need to continue to run your business to ensure it continues to be profitable, right through the sale date. Let the professionals at Transworld take
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Goodwill, much like it sounds, is a company’s positive reputation. More specifically, business goodwill is an accounting term that describes intangible assets. In essence, a company’s brand name, loyal customer base, good public reputation, and patents, for example. An intangible asset cannot be quantified like sales or property but is just as important in determining a business's va
Read More “How to Assess Goodwill When Buying or Selling a Business”
As the saying goes, “never judge a book by its cover.” The same can be said about a business. There are many factors to consider in order to determine the value of a business. It does not merely come down to numbers in a financial statement. If you are considering selling your business sometime in the future, there are a few things you can do to maximize the value of your business.
Read More “Considering Selling Your Business? How to Boost Your Company's Value Before Selling”
Your business may be unique to you but because it belongs to an industry and has competitors, it falls under certain well-known categories. In order to stand out during a sale and get the best offer possible, there are 5 factors to consider. These factors will not only set your business apart, but they are also great guidelines to consider as you begin preparing to sell your business. 1. Strong
Read More “5 Factors that Make Your Business Stand Out When Trying to Sell”
Nearly 8,000 small businesses were sold in 2016. That means the process of selling is not unfamiliar to many Americans. However, for someone who may be going through this journey for the first time, it may feel daunting and perhaps even impossible. Do not fret – with the guidance of an experienced business broker and some research, you can find yourself on your way to sign on the dotted line
Selling your business is an important step in your career - almost as important as beginning it. Knowing how and whom to sell your business to is not a process to be taken lightly. Similarly, being in the market for a new business can be tedious. In fact, almost every article you will find online both buyer and seller will argue for hiring a broker because it is a lot to figure out on your own. Th
Read More “Choosing a Business Broker to Sell Your Business: 7 Questions to Ask”
According to Investopedia, an exit strategy is defined as “[...] an entrepreneur's strategic plan to sell his or her ownership in a company to investors or another company.” An exit strategy gives a business owner the capacity to reduce his/her stake in the business. If a business is successful, the business can make a substantial profit, but if the business is not highly successful, a
Read More “Own a Business? Have you Prepared Your Exit Strategy?”
In order to determine the worth of a business, there are multiple factors to consider. It goes beyond how much money is made on an annual basis; in fact, all aspects of its past, present, and future are considered. It can seem daunting to try to calculate this on your own. For this reason, a proper business valuation must be conducted. This is the first step you will need to take when workin
Reaching the decision to sell your business is an important one. However, the next big decision is whether to sell it on your own, or with the help of a broker. With many steps and details to consider, there are numerous advantages to having a broker to mediate, guide and close the deal. 1. Valuing your business The moment you have decided to sell your business, you have to begin to p
Read More “How You Will Benefit from a Business Broker Selling Your Business”
Selling your business can itself be a daunting prospect, and that’s even before you have to think about how and when to tell your staff, and how they will react. Change can be unsettling, but if the process of delivering the announcement is properly prepared, it doesn't have to be a negative event. So, here are some tips on how to handle the situation when you break the ne
Whether you are buying or selling a business, there are several actions that are required from both parties. From establishing the price and starting negotiations to reaching an agreement and writing a check, business transactions have a specific timeline. With reputable expertise to advise buyers and sellers, experienced brokers have perfected the buyer/seller timeline. Here are some easy-to-foll
Read More “Business Transaction Timeline: The Process of Buying and Selling”
Your business may have been your dream come true. You had a good run, but now you feel more anxious than happy every time you think about it. This might mean it is time to sell your business. The decision to sell will not come easily –– and that is understandable. It is important to accept that selling your business is not a sign of failure, but rather comprehension of your current sta
Choosing to sell your business is a big decision but it does not end there. In order to market the sale, find the right buyer and close with ease, you will want to make sure you have done everything possible to expedite the process. With so many important elements to consider, choosing the right business broker is arguably the next most important decision you will make. But how do you know which b
There are certain intangible assets that have no monetary value if you try to sell them by themselves, but their worth is essential to the market value of a business. In fact, it is assets like these that give your business a competitive advantage over others in your industry. What makes your business different, unique, and special? These are all questions to consider when deciding to sell your b
Read More “Competitive Advantage: Using Your Company's Unique Attributes for Selling”
When you are negotiating the sale of your business, you do not want anyone other than the buyer to know the details of the deal. In order to avoid information leaking out, it is vital to ensure business sale confidentiality. According to Andrew Cagnetta, CEO of Transworld, “Seller AND buyers want to keep a sale confidential to make sure customers, vendors and employees do not know prior to s
Read More “Selling Your Business: Knowing Your Confidentiality Agreement”
The fundamental reason a business owner makes the decision to sell a business may not necessarily be for financial reasons, but to free up resources, focus on other priorities or make time for other opportunities. In this article, we review why owners might decide to sell a business, along with some steps to consider when preparing for the sale. 1. Retirement After years of investing tim
The decision to sell your business is a big one; it is an important decision likely to affect the lives of many. As a result, it is crucial to keep the sale and all negotiations for the sale of your company as confidential as possible. Likely to affect your clients, employees, vendors, and competitors, it is best to ensure any positive, or potentially negative, reactions do not affect the fi
Read More “When and How to Tell Your Employees and Clients You're Selling Your Business”
As a successful business owner, you have likely spent years developing the skills and expertise to run your company well. Therefore, when the time comes to sell your business, it’s easy to understand why it is best to work with professionals who have spent years perfecting their expertise in selling successful businesses like yours. Rely on the Experts Business owners who try to sell thei
New year, new you? Resolutions, set. Vision board, done. If your new year’s goals have you wanting to be your own boss, you may be torn between starting your own business or investing in a startup. But setting up a business from scratch and starting with a new concept or idea can involve significant risks. Instead, you may want to consider purchasing an existing franchise resale; this can p
Read More “Buying a Franchise Resale: What You Need to Know”
The truth is, no two businesses are alike. Promoting your unique strengths makes your business more valuable and easier to sell? Identifying and maximizing the strengths of your business will not only help run you run profitable company today, but will be part of a targeted marketing strategy should you ever decide to sell your business. There's more than one way to sell a business. As a busine
As it is with many things in life, timing is everything — especially when determining the right time to sell your business. Transworld presents the following list of questions that will you help determine if you should sell your business. Consider them carefully and answer them honestly: Am I ready to sell?Do I feel more exhaustion or passion when running the business?Could selling the bu
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Business brokers, also called business transfer agents, or intermediaries, bring many benefits to the table for buyers and sellers as they assist in the process of buying and selling a business. Transworld Business Advisors is a global network of brokers offering a turnkey solution for those that want to build a solid business and future for themselves while maintaining a balanced quality of lif
Read More “Why Working With a Business Broker to Sell your Business Matters”
It's not unusual for buying or selling a business to feel like an intimidating task. Business owners are often fully focused on business operations and may not have addressed details to maximize the business value. On the other hand, a buyer may be interested in owning a business, but not know where to start. The process can be time-consuming and tedious for both the buyer and the seller. Howeve
Read More “Selling a Business? How to Avoid Unwanted Delays”
Selling a business is rarely an easy decision to make and there can be a great deal of complexities involved in the process. Most importantly, before finding a qualified broker to proceed with the transaction, you'll need to take several important preliminary steps to prepare yourself and your business. Timing is Everything Selling requires careful planning and Transworld is here to help. We wi
Confidentiality is an important factor in the successful sale of any business and should be taken seriously. Preserving the value-adding aspects of your business like your customer base, relationships with reliable vendors, experienced employees, and your market share helps you command a good price for your company. A breech in confidentiality can create havoc for a seller trying to sell it for
Read More “Selling Your Business? Ensure Confidentiality with These Tips”
If you own a successful business, chances are good that you will have significant interest from a number of buyers when you decide it is time to sell. While this is very encouraging and exciting, it is important to understand that only a fraction of these potential buyers might actually be qualified to buy your business. It is also important to consider how much information you share about your
Read More “Selling Your Business: Determining if a Buyer is a Qualified One”
[caption id="attachment_831" align="alignnone" width="992"] Confidentiality Hacks[/caption] A large part of the value of any business is linked with its reputation. However, when an enterprise is put on the market, its good name can be one of the hardest things to protect as the sale process evolves. Rumors may begin to circulate once employees, customers, and suppliers notice a sudden interes
Read More “Confidentiality Hacks: How to keep your business sale a secret”
We've debunked the misunderstandings that leave so many sellers woefully unprepared when they put their business on the market.[/caption] When you've never done it before, selling a business can seem a daunting prospect. Though it's not like selling property or an automobile, one principle nevertheless remains the same: if you want a good selling experience, you must take time to understand what t
Knowing what your business is worth is key to selling it at a profit. Your business valuation is also likely to be the first concern of potential buyers. So how do you properly determine the value of your business? The answer can be complex and somewhat confusing because business valuation is an art, not a science. Valuations are subject to the appraiser's judgment, skill, and quality of method
Determining what is the right time to sell a business can be an emotional process. Investors, employees and relatives who have all contributed to sustaining the business or are depending on the business for their livelihoods can elevate tension when making the final decision to sell. Since 44% of recent buyers look online first to buy, having professional guidance from a business advisor that can
Read More “Is It the Right Time to Sell Your Business? Determining When It's the Right Time to Sell”
When you are packaging your business for sale, the uniqueness of your business makes it more attractive to acquirers. Having unique factors such as a defined brand identity, along with practical qualities. like a dedicated customer base, is hugely beneficial to prospective buyers. Here are some examples of features that make a business stand out from the rest: Brand name A good name can attract
Read More “Packaging the Sale of Your Business: Making Your Company Marketable in a Crowded Field”
Need to advertise that your business is for sale? Even the most successful business owners often lack the experience and time to advertise that their business is for sale while running day-to-day business operations. Fortunately, working with a business broker can help you target and reach potential buyers for your firm while keeping the potential sale of your company confidential. Additionally, w
Read More “Advertise My Business for Sale: How and Where to Market Your Business”
When it's time to sell a business, some business owners might go it alone in an attempt to save the money needed for professional assistance. But selling a business alone can lead to many potential roadblocks: business owners can be distracted from their business, unable to find qualified buyers, and have trouble with proper valuation. For these reasons and more, business owners should avoid selli
