What determines the true market value of your business?
Possibly, you have heard about “rules of thumb” and presume that your business will be worth approximately what a similar size company in your industry is worth.
But, it isn't that easy.
There's what your business is worth today to you.
What it's worth to a prospective buyer, now or in the future.
And, there's what it could be worth with a bit of proactive planning.
There are at least eight factors that drive your business value, and each of them is potentially more important than the industry you are in.
Would you like to know what your business is worth? What's more, what it could be worth with a small amount of effort and investment? Business brokers have a variety of methods to determine value. We utilize a number of them. In particular, we process business data through sophisticated proprietary algorithms - a SWOT system used by over 50,000 businesses worldwide. Another is a detailed category-by-category analysis of your business tax returns for the past three years. Some brokers will provide those services for you without charge or obligation.
Want to grow your business value? Here are three of the most important secrets to building business value:
1. Cultivate Your Differentiation from the Pack—Develop Your Unique Selling Proposition
People don't acquire what they could easily build themselves. If favorably low prices are your chief competitive advantage, a prospective business purchaser could conclude that they can merely open up as a competitor and win over your customers with introductory discounts for far less cost than buying you out. You need to develop a unique connection to the market, or an expertise in serving your customers, or a proprietary product or way of doing business, or a technological or logistical advantage, or a team of exceptionally competent employees—one or more exceptional attributes that make buying your business far more attractive than trying to compete with it.
2. Generate Recurring Revenue
A key factor in any business purchase decision is the buyer’s assessment of how the business will perform after they buy it. There is nothing more comforting and reassuring than recurring or “automatic” streams of income from such things as subscriptions, service contracts, or monthly, seasonal, or annual renewals. Almost any company can structure itself so that at least some of its revenue is recurring; and, the more "automatic" income there is, the more valuable the business will be.
3. Build Customer & Market Diversification
Reliance on one or just a few customers for the continued prosperity of your business is extremely precarious and raises an immediate and urgent “red flag” for potential buyers. The most valuable and sustainable businesses have many customers, each representing a small fraction of total sales, rather than one or a few large accounts providing a significant percentage of the revenue. Most potential acquirers will either walk away or greatly devalue your business if any one of your customers represents on average more than 15% of your sales.
Contributor:
I am the Founder Of BizBen.com. I consult daily with intermediaries, business buyers, owner/sellers & advisors daily about buying and selling California small to mid-sized businesses. Contact me today about joining & utilizing BizBen, consultations, & advisory services.
ServingNationwide - All Areas
Cheryl's a restaurant business broker, over 25 years in the bar and restaurant industry coupled with a J.D. Cheryl works tirelessly to create successful strategies and effective negotiations for those who wish to purchase a new or sell an existing bar, restaurant, cafe, or night club. 415-309-2722
ServingCity Of San Francisco
For over 25 years Peter Siegel, MBA has been providing niche business purchase financial advisory and loan placement services with SBA Loans, Non SBA Financing, Retirement Plan Conversions, Note Restructures, etc. Call me regarding business purchase financing and to get pre-qualified: 925-785-3118.
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The Veld Group provides a refreshing approach to Business Brokerage, Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Consulting and Valuations. From Your Street to Wall Street, we cater to Main Street Businesses as well as more complex Strategic Firms and Start-Ups.
ServingSouthern California
McGovern Escrow Services, Inc., is a leading independent escrow company. We are a trusted partner with our clients, assisting them through the tangled bulk sale & liquor license transfer process. We provide attentive, quality & innovative customer service. Phone Elizabeth McGovern at 415-735-3645.
ServingSan Francisco Bay Area, North Bay, Central Valley
Laundry consulting, due diligence, buyer representation: We preview laundries for you and evaluate them. 28 years laundry industry experience: buying, selling, valuing, retooling, analyzing, consulting services for laundry buyers and entrepreneurs in California. Contact us today about our services.
ServingSouthern California
I am an experienced entrepreneur, attorney, & business professor. I & my EvergreenGold® team offer business owners sound advice & expertise to build business value & achieve profitable sales. Call me today for a business evaluation & SWOT analysis for your business anywhere in the USA.
ServingNationwide
If your business involves alcoholic beverage sales, we can help. Obtaining a liquor license transfer or selling a business with a license in California does not have to be a frustrating and overwhelming process. We have procured thousands of licenses for our clients.
ServingAll Of California
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