About This Blog
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Peter Siegel, MBA is a nationally known consultant and author - with over 25 years experience on the topic of selling, buying, and niche financing (the purchase of), small to mid-sized businesses. His clients include: business buyers, business owners/sellers, small business advisors, and business brokers. |
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This Blog contains observations, tips, news, events, and case studies relating to selling or buying a small business. |
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This Blog is ideal for business buyers, business owners, advisors, business brokers & agents. |
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Contact me by phone at 866-270-6278 |
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Opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily represent those of BizBen. |
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Opinions expressed here do not constitute legal advice. Those interested in specific guidance for legal matters should seek competent professional advice. |
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Posts contributed by Peter Siegel, MBA
The following posts were contributed by Peter Siegel, MBA.
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Posted on March 19, 2010
 Key Comparisons Explained By Peter Williamson On BizBen Talk Radio

A very enlightening overview of the marketplace for small and medium-sized businesses for sale--the chief industries and comparisons among them--was provided to listeners of BizBen Talk Radio Program on Saturday, March 13th. Peter Williamson of Action COACH, shared his insights, gained over many years as a successful entrepreneur, helping buyers to understand the kinds of opportunities available and to focus their searches on the most appropriate businesses.

Posted at 6:30am | 0 Comments
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Posted on March 18, 2010
 Business Buyers, Business Brokers Line Up For SBA Loans

Once again--for the third time--the SBA is offering incentives to encourage loans under its 7(a) and 504 programs, so entrepreneurs will have the funds needed for the expansion and purchase of small businesses.

Posted at 10:48pm | 0 Comments
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Posted on March 10, 2010
 Is It A Business Opportunity Investment Or Buying A Job?

Buyers looking for a company to purchase need to be aware that there is a difference between investing in a business opportunity and buying a job. But not all enterprises are easy to categorize. Here are three clues to help a buyer understand this principal.

Posted at 8:37am | 0 Comments
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Posted on March 1, 2010
 More Entrepreneurs Purchase A Small Business In California In February

An increase in the number of California buyers who managed to purchase a business last month, compared to the sales statistics posted in February of 2009, confirms that market activity is on a growth pattern, though it is slow. The hurdles haven’t disappeared, but California’s resourceful entrepreneurs are finding more ways to complete deals.

Posted at 7:55am | 0 Comments
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Posted on February 25, 2010
 How to Buy Businesses Geared For The New Decade - Six Ideas

Smart entrepreneurs planning to buy businesses know to focus on industries with promising futures. And with the economic and social landscape changing, making the right choice is particularly important. Six recommendations about business sectors correctly positioned for success are offered here.

Posted at 7:08am | 0 Comments
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Posted on February 18, 2010
 Seller Training: An Overview About This Provision

Seller training from a business owner after a sale of a business can mean all the difference to a buyer and how successful the transition. This article by Peter Siegel of BizBen talks about different aspects of seller training after a small business has been sold.

Posted at 4:42am | 2 Comments
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Posted on February 10, 2010
 Earn Outs: Latest Feedback, Structuring An Earn Out

Questions regarding earn outs in deal structures is starting to come up a lot these days. "Answers To Viewers Questions" section of the BizBen Blog we explore answers to the question, "Is this a good time for buyers and sellers to use "earn outs" so if the business value has slipped because of the economy, the seller stands to gain when things get better, and the buyer can get a good business at today's discounted price, then pay for its recovered value from proceeds of the business? Also, how do you recommend structuring the earn out" See what our panel of professionals and viewer comments have said to answer this question about some mistakes buyers of small businesses make.

Posted at 4:30am | 5 Comments
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Posted on February 1, 2010
 January Small Business Opportunity Sales In California Gain 24%

A 24% increase in the number of small business opportunity sales last month compared to January of 2009 is a hopeful sign of improvement in the California market. There were 1,024 completed transactions in January.

Posted at 8:17am | 0 Comments
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Posted on January 26, 2010
 Tips on Selling a Small Business in 2010

Think selling a small business today is like it was, say, 20 months ago? Much has changed in the economy and in the small business marketplace. And a seller should follow these six principles to achieve success when selling a small business.

Posted at 5:27am | 0 Comments
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Posted on January 20, 2010
 How To Buy A Business - Six Tips

The new decade brings a new set of realities for entrepreneurs who want to know how to buy a business. Successful buyers will be those who understand and adapt to these realities.

Posted at 6:30am | 0 Comments
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Posted on January 6, 2010
 Last Year and Month Show 34% Fewer Business Sales Throughout California

The 14,277 small and mid-sized businesses that changed hands in the state last year represent a 34% decline from 21,689 sales recorded in 2008, and a count of last month’s deals, 1,193, also shows a 34% drop when compared to the 1,804 closed escrows in December 2008.

Posted at 6:54am | 0 Comments
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Posted on December 10, 2009
 3 Things To Consider Before You Buy Bar Establishments

Owning a bar is a fantasy that many can claim. Who hasn't once thought about what it would be like to own and manage the hottest place in town? Your favorite bar may be the place where "everybody knows your name," but is it a good financial investment? Like all business investments, there are important factors to consider before you jump in and buy.

Posted at 8:05am | 0 Comments
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Posted on December 9, 2009
 3 Tips for Increasing Profitability When Looking to Buy Liquor Store Businesses

When on your search to buy liquor store businesses, consider additional ways that you may use the location to generate additional revenue streams. Wine and spirits are an important and profitable part of the American culture -- and by implementing a few creative programs and events you can reach new audiences, drive customer loyalty, and increase profitability.

Posted at 7:02am | 0 Comments
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Posted on November 4, 2009
 Buying A Franchise: Pros and Cons

The current economy may be tough for many individuals who are looking, without much luck, for work that will get some money coming in again. But for franchisors who offer an alternative to the headaches and insecurities of corporate employment, business is on the rise.

Posted at 7:34am | 6 Comments
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Posted on October 28, 2009
 Buying A Carwash: Three Types To Consider

One of the most popular business offerings is the carwash. It’s considered easy to run, the number of cars on the road continues to increase, while it doesn’t seem that carwash installations are being added to keep pace. Peter Siegel with BizBen chats about buying a carwash.

Posted at 8:23am | 4 Comments
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Posted on October 27, 2009
 Should Real Estate Be Included In The Sale Of A Business?

Should business opportunity offering include the real estate? There are no right or wrong answers to the question about whether the seller of a business should include the real property, or sell the company only and continue on as the landlord/lady. This question was posed to our panel of experts and we got a diverse range of suggestions and ideas, demonstrating that the solution to this puzzle depends on circumstances and requirements of the parties.

Posted at 8:10am | 3 Comments
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Posted on October 21, 2009
 Six Seller Secrets - Avoid These Errors

Recognizing that 70% of the small and mid-market-sized businesses offered to buyers are never sold, and that some of the obvious reasons--over-pricing, inadequate records, insufficient lease--have been discussed in detail, it might be useful to point out lesser- known problems, often resulting from errors made unknowingly when attempting to sell a business.

Posted at 6:09pm | 6 Comments
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Posted on October 14, 2009
 Is Inventory Value Part Of, Or Added To The Price For A Retail Related Business?

Here’s a question posed to our panel of experts that brings up one of the more difficult issues that must be addressed when a retail store is being sold. "How do you handle the inventory amount in the valuation and price of a retail based small business? If the inventory value is high compared to the "value " of the business by itself: Do you add the inventory value to the business value? Should the owner be expected to take back a note for the value of the inventory? Our industry panel of experts respond with answers.

Posted at 7:03am | 6 Comments
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Posted on October 13, 2009
 Want To Be In Business For Yourself? Take This Test

If you have that American dream about being self employed, perhaps by buying a small business for sale, you should know that not everyone is suited for a career as an entrepreneur. Before taking the steps toward business ownership, you can ask yourself three questions designed to help reveal whether you have the characteristics needed to be successful as your own boss.

Posted at 8:16am | 5 Comments
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Posted on October 12, 2009
 Good Advice for Buyers -- Make an Offer

What the seller of an interesting business will accept, what his "hot buttons" are, what they are willing to negotiate about; these are all facts that come to light when an offer is made. The way to find out what it takes to buy a business and to be taken seriously by the selling and brokerage community is to make an offer.

Posted at 7:54am | 3 Comments
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Posted on October 7, 2009
 Unreported Income Claims: What Should A Buyer Do?

One of the most difficult challenges when purchasing a small business is expressed by this prospective buyer of a liquor store who is told by the seller that there is more money being made than shows up on the books. Should the buyer accept that statement and go ahead with the purchase so he doesn’t miss out on a good opportunity? Or would he be smart to consider the seller untrustworthy and pursue other opportunities instead? Our panel of experts answer the common and often asked question about unreported income claims.

Posted at 8:52am | 2 Comments
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Posted on October 6, 2009
 SBA Sees Boost in Lending to Small Businesses

The money needed to help individuals buy small businesses or to enable small business owners to expand their companies is becoming more available after the severe credit freeze that impacted the economy during the end of 2008 and the first part 2009. The SBA announced that loans to businesses totaled $1.9 billion in September, the highest monthly sum since August 2007.

Posted at 8:41am | 1 Comment
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Posted on September 29, 2009
 Experts Panel: Creative Solutions For Florist Seller

Our BizBen Panel of Experts was consulted on a problem posed by a visitor to our site, who asked what to do about selling her flower shop, considering that she has a manager who is interested in buying it and would be good at running it, but lacks the funds to make that happen.

Posted at 9:03am | 6 Comments
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Posted on September 21, 2009
 Add Backs: What Is for Real When Reviewing Financials?

The use of “add backs” is common among sellers of small and mid-sized businesses when showing their financials and explaining that the buyer will actually enjoy more profit than is shown. But buyers are cautioned to watch out for “add backs” that are actual expenses pretending to be owner benefits.

Posted at 8:33am | 2 Comments
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Posted on September 18, 2009
 Future Listing and Sales Activities: Predictions & Opinions From Industry Experts

Concluding one of the slowest summers in memory, in terms of the number of completed deals and new listing activity (total August 2009 sales of 997 businesses represented a 40% drop compared to the 1,722 deals concluded in August, 2008), we wondered if the fall will bring more activity to California’s market of small and mid-sized businesses for sale. So, we asked our Panel of Experts to give us their insight about what we can look forward to in the months ahead.

Posted at 8:04am | 3 Comments
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Posted on September 8, 2009
 7 Steps to Buying a Liquor Store

Unlike many small businesses, due to strict regulations there are many steps that you must take before you can consider buying a liquor store. Peter Siegel with BizBen discusses the seven steps will put you on the right track to buy a liquor store legally.

Posted at 7:30am | 6 Comments
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