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due diligence Tagged Articles

Why Dr Jekyll would not be a good business buyer

We're all familiar with the story about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; the person with two completely different personalities. Just as there are different types of buyers with different motivations, there are also buyers with different types of personalities. If you're planning on buying a business or if you own a business that you want to sell, here are some Dr. Jekyll "traits" that would discourage a seller revealing too much information about their business.

Angel Investors - Due Diligence
Due diligence is the process of researching an opportunity to come to a decision whether an investment should be made or not. There are typically 5 key areas that angel investors will look at in their due diligence: People, Product, Sales, Financials, Legal.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Business Plan?

This article is the fourth in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Communication Plan?

This article is the sixth in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Disaster Recovery Plan

This article is the eleventh in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Exit Plan?

This article is the twelfth in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Management Plan?

This article is the seventh in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Performance Plan?

This article is the tenth in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Productivity Plan?

This article is the eighth in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Sales and Marketing plan?

This article is the fifth in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Transition Plan?

This article is the thirteenth and final article that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Technology Plan?

This article is the ninth in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, how is your Financial Plan?

This article is the third in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

Thinking of buying or selling your business in the New Year, then start with your life plan

This article is the second in a set of 13 articles that collectively talks about 12 different plans to manage and operate a business. Why so much planning? Many business owners operate their business with the idea to earn as much as they can and pay as little tax as possible. This means selling the business is only considered when the owner is worn out and no longer has the motivation to maximize the performance and therefore purchase price they will receive. However, if this series of plans were recognized and executed on a consistent basis, not only would the business be available to sell as it’s in its best condition, but also allow the business owner an easier and more positive environment in which to own and operate the business; to be benefit to employees, suppliers, lenders and of course, the owner.

10 ideas that will make your next business plan soar.
Is business plan is a critical strategic document that maps out the business, where it is heading, how to get, what resources it needs to be successful. This article offers tips on how to make your next business plan so much more effective.

10 things to expect from your business intermediary
Buying or selling a business comes with personal emotional and financial risk as well as the complexities of finance, accounting, tax, negotiation and legal items. Having a professional agent or intermediary to help “quarterback” and manage the variables is good business. Here are some attributes to look in the intermediary that you choose.

11 reasons to reject the recession and grow your business

Watching CNN, CNBC, MSNBC and the other media you keep hearing about the “green shoots” in the economy. This can be seen with things like the Federal Stimulus program beginning to gain momentum, clear direction with the resolution to the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler, the level of fear about the economy subsiding, housing sales starting to stabilize and unemployment stabilizing. So it’s time to put the recession behind us and get on with it.

5 guaranteed ways not to sell your business
Selling a business is rarely a simple and straight forward process. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve found is that the seller doesn’t put themselves in the shoes of the other parties be it the buyer, lender, landlord, employees, franchisor or whoever. This article outlines 5 ways a business will NOT sell their business no matter how hard they try.

5 more guaranteed ways NOT to sell your business
Selling a profitable and attractive business is always a complex process. If you own a business and wish to sell, make sure you understand that what you say and do will affect the outcome. This is the second of three articles. The first is called “5 guaranteed ways not to sell your business.” The third is called “5 things to avoid when trying to sell your business.”

5 things to consider if selling your business
Selling a business requires not only preparing the business for sale, but also what you do as the owner. The following are 8 tips for you to consider if you want to successfully sell your business.

5 tips for a successful SBA loan
An SBA loan has successfully helped many small businesses. At the moment, qualifying to obtain an SBA loan is particularly challenging. The following information will help those looking to get an SBA loan to buy a business.

5 tips to use when selling your business
Selling a business is rarely a simple and straight forward process. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve found is that the seller doesn’t put themselves in the shoes of the other parties be it the buyer, lender, landlord, employees, franchisor or whoever. This article outlines 5 suggestions for a seller to use when approaching the way to sell their business.

5 traits of a successful entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes including diverse social, economic and education backgrounds. There is no “guaranteed” path to being a successful entrepreneur but this article suggests there are five traits they generally have in common.

6 questions to answer bluntly to find out if your business is in a crisis
Is owning and operating your business in this current economic climate getting you down? Not sure what your next steps should be? Not sure if you have options? The first thing is to know where you and your business currently stand; which is the purpose of this article. Once you know that answer, dust off your business plan, refresh it and review your next steps from an informed position.

7 tips for a successful business loan
The economy is starting to heal and small business owners are readying to get back into business. This includes borrowing money so they can successfully start, buy or grow their business. This article offers 7 tips to use when making your application for your next business loan and get a “yes” rather than a “no.”

8 tips to consider when selling your business
If you are planning on selling your business and your motivation is high, the following tips may help you. Be careful that your desire to sell your business does not come at the expense of making a decision too quickly or indeed being pressured into something you may not normally consider.

Buying or selling the Perfect Business

Buying or selling a business comes with many variables. The seller brings their perspective of knowing the business “like the back of his hand” as they are responsible for growing and maintaining the business. The buyers bring new enthusiasm and ideas with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Finding the right business is generally a major challenge. If a seller and buyer can come together with as many of these items aligned, they have a much greater chance of success.

Caveat Emptor – Let the “seller” beware

Selling any business is rarely an easy and straightforward process. There are many things to contend with such as employees, customers, landlords, lenders, suppliers and may be others such as a franchisor etc. However, there is also unknown an opportunist that may be interested in your business and it’s important you know about them. The Latin phrase, Caveat Emptor normally applies in the law that a buyer needs to be careful before they make a final purchase decision. The same applies in this case, Let the “Seller” beware before they accept an offer to sell their business.

Eight reasons a business does not sell
Selling a business contains many moving parts. It’s not just the buyer(s) but also the family and friends, employees, landlord, suppliers, lenders and many others that demand attention or require working with.

Is business ownership right for you?
Business ownership is an option many refugees from Corporate America are considering. Unemployment is high and growing so owning your own business to control your future is a great option. But where do you start? This article covers some suggestions to get you started.

Seven growth industries to consider if you are starting a business
If you are planning on starting or buying a business, it makes sense to consider a business in a growth industry. This article outlines seven industries that are doing well, despite the recession.

Starting a business...let's start with you
If you're buying a franchise, starting a new business or buying an existing business it's difficult to know where to start. This article suggests you start with yourself. Read on to find out more.

Starting a business…Look before you leap...no really!

Are you a "forced entrepreneur?" Just in case you were wondering, a "forced entrepreneur" is someone that's been happily working in Corporate America until that pink slip arrived. So you're highly skilled, highly motivated and thought you would easily get a job somewhere else...but you're not sure that's what you want to do? Perhaps becoming an entrepreneur is where you would really like to go but are not sure where to start. This article helps address that dilemma for you.

Starting a business…start with your business plan.
A business plan is a critical element to your success as it gets you focused on doing the things you need to do. Most of us, if left to our own devices, would do the things we like to do and avoid the hard things that we procrastinate over. This articles explains how to tackle the process of putting a busines plan together.

Starting a business…what are my options?
This article discusses the options available to a new entrepreneur planning on entering business ownership. It explains a new entrepreneur has three options and how to consider which option is best for their situation.

Starting a business...what options are available?
Over the last 2 years, Corporate America has not been kind to it's employees. Perhaps that's the wrong way to look at it. Maybe a better approach is that we only let things happen to us if we don't take action. Perhaps moving into business ownership is an action you need to take but are not sure where to start? This article suggests some options. The rest is up to you.

Successfully sell your business...to the right buyer
If you plan on selling your business, it will help you to understand the different types of buyer. Each buyer who inquires will have their own unique reason to want to buy. Let’s find out what’s important to each type so you are better prepared.

The Power of Seller Finance to sell your business
Selling a business comes with many challenges. The number one reason most transactions don’t close after a buyer and seller have “negotiated” a deal is that the landlord cannot come to terms with the seller and/or buyer. The number two reason is that finance is not available.

Tips to successfully buy or sell your next business

Whether you’re buying or selling a business it is never a neither simple nor straightforward process. Not only are there disclosures and laws to follow, but both parties are working with known other parties such as a lender, landlord, franchisor, accountant, financial planner or attorney to name a few and so it’s unknown how each of these parties will respond. The Golden Rule is to put your feet in the shoes of the other party. It won’t solve everything but hopefully it will allow you to understand “their view of the world.”

Why entrepreneurs adjust their thinking when business failure is not an option
A true entrepreneur only sees opportunities and the chance to make a lot of money. In a down economy they see it as the time to build greater knowledge, strength and resources to be ready for the inevitable upturn in the economy. However, we if we are not wired like the true entrepreneur we need to remind ourselves of what it takes to keep going and get to the next level.

Be honest when you sell your business

Honesty in business is as it is in life and a must and extremely important. If you are about to sell your business or if you are in the middle of selling it then make sure you are honest from the outset...not only with the broker, if you are using one, but also with potential buyers. If you tell lies at the outset or during the initial stages then it is very likely this will be found out at the due diligence stage of the selling process. The problem with telling lies is that if they get found out you may put off potential buyers and lose their trust.

Buying and Financing a Business in Canada – Pro’s and Con’s and Advice!
The article provides insight into the pros, cons, and prepartion and due diligence required when contemplating a business purchase in Canada

Fake Job Reference Services
You may have heard about new web-based services that are offering fake work histories and references for job seekers. In tough economic times, some unemployed job seekers are taking desperate measures to make up for a spotty work history or poor references. As an employer, this means it's more important than ever that you conduct due diligence on potential employees before you hire them.

4 personality traits to watch when selling your business
Just as there are different sellers with different motivations, there are also buyers with different types of needs and personalities. If you’re the seller of a business or looking to buy, understanding these different personality types may help you be more successful.

Preparing To Partner Effectively and Profitably
Thinking about forming a partnership? Read on to discover the key steps you should take to increase the odds of working effectively and profitably together. Without doing due diligence regarding the strengths of each partner and the parameters of the partnership itself, you have little chance for enjoying and profiting from a long-term, successful partnership.

Employee Background Screening Helps Bosses and Workers

Employers that hire a worker that is dangerous, unqualified, unfit or dishonest can face a legal and financial nightmare. Background checks have become mission critical for keeping an employer productive and out of court. Without exercising due diligence, firms are likely to hire problems just waiting to happen. However, job applicants should not feel that background checks are an invasion of privacy. Federal law gives applicants a great deal of rights in the process, and a safe workplace with qualified and honest workers benefits everyone.

Five Easy Questions That Should Be Asked at Every Job Interview

The interview process, if used effectively, can be a great tool to find out more about a job candidate and to obtain information needed to make hiring decisions, However, it is also a powerful opportunity to ask “due diligence” questions for the purpose of uncovering any “red flags” that may show the candidate is unqualified, unfit or dishonest. These five interview questions, if asked of all candidates, can go along ways towards protecting employers from the legal and financial nightmare of a bad hiring decision.

9 strategies to successfully sell your business
To successfully sell your business, there are 9 important areas to consider before selling. They range from creating a team to support and help, goals to achieve, tax responsibilities, income necessary, different legal matters to consider, etc.

Do You Know Why it is Necessary to “Look before You Leap” with Your Internet Based Home Business?
When it comes to marketing your internet based home business it is of vital importance that you do your due diligence before getting involved in any affiliate program. In case you don’t know what due diligence is, it is just another way of saying “Look before you leap”.

5 tips to successfully sell your business
Here are 5 helpful tips to consider when you're thinking of selling your business. There are many factors involved and things to think about because they can easily go overlooked. These tips will help you get on your way to successfully selling your business.

Avoid these 5 mistakes when trying to sell your business
Often times little things can get in the way of selling your business- things we don't think about or have little time to think about. Avoiding these simple mistakes can help in the process of being successful when selling your business.

Is your business feasible?
Before you can start a business you must be reasonably sure that the business is feasible. One also needs to be certain of the resources required to start the business and then continue managing the business profitably. This article will guide you through the process of conducting a feasability study.

Understand your tax position before selling your business
It is important to know and understand where you stand with your taxes- your tax position, especially when you're thinking of selling your business. These are a few steps to ensure you know your tax position and are able and ready to sell your business.

Warning Signs You May Be Dealing With a Decoy Angel Investor Or Venture Capital Fund

Decoy Investors are people who pose as an investor usually with an alternative motive to get the unsuspecting entrepreneur to pay them some sort of a fee before closing. Unfortunately, for deceitful people, the easiest thing to sell an aspiring entrepreneur is HOPE. What are the warning signs? How can you spot a scam artist posing as an investor? What can you do to protect yourself and your business? We list 7 different types of Decoy Investors to beware of when trying to find early stage capital.

The Franchise Contract: Understanding the Personal Guaranty
One of the most important provisions of a franchise agreement is the personal guaranty. It’s important for prospective franchisees to fully understand the reason why franchisors require this covenant and what the implications are in the event the franchisee has problems. When performing franchisor due diligence, keep this factor in mind.

Considerations before Buying an Established Small Business - Why is the Vendor Selling?

Before buying an established small business, it is absolutely vital to find out the truth as to why the vendor is selling. There are many valid reasons for selling a small business, however, there are also many more excuses. Make sure that you are being told the truth, and not buying somebody else’s problem. At times a small business owner may know in advance that some external event is going to impact the business. They decide to sell before the event becomes common knowledge. Discover how you can get to the truth before buying an established business and avoid any nasty surprises when it is to late for a change of heart.

The Top Ten Lies of Venture Capitalists
Venture capitalists are simple people: we've either decided to invest, and we are convincing ourselves that our gut is right (aka, “due diligence”) or there's not a chance in hell. While we may be simple, we're not necessarily forthcoming, so if you think it's hard to get a “yes” out of venture capitalist, you should try to get a conclusive “no.”

The Harder I Work, The Luckier I Get
"Diligence is the mother of good luck." - Benjamin Franklin

Entrepreneurs Raising Early Stage Venture Capital are in a Beauty Contest

Startup and Early Stage entrepreneurs must compete for the attention and limited capital available from angel investors and early stage venture capitalists. In many ways it can be compared to a Beauty Contest. The business fundamentals of a successful business are in place, but to be "picked" from the other companies also pitching those investors, that company must be the most attractive to that investor, that judge who will decide if the company qualifies to go to the next stage in the process.

Genuine Fake Diplomas on the Rise -Dealing with Fake Degrees and Educational Fraud in Hiring

Education fraud is a significant tissue for employers. Getting a college diploma apparently no longer requires years of hard work, taking tests, paying tuition or even reading a book. Why bother going though the formalities when all a person needs is a credit card and a web browser in order to buy an authentic looking diploma that mimics real colleges, universities and even high schools across the U.S. Or an applicant may simply claim a degree or credential they don not really have. Through due diligence and employee screening background checks, employers can prevent fraudulent applicants form cont entering their workforce.

What are my options if I cannot sell my business?
If you experience difficulty selling your business, there are options available to you. It is important to take care of your lease if applicable, assess your assets and see what you can do to get the best price for your business and work on your inventory. This article goes over these steps and more to help you when you find you cannot sell your business.

What can I do if I cannot sell my business?
There are many things you can do if you cannot sell your business. This article outlines a few, like selling any excess items for cash on eBay or Craistlist, selling your business with assets in place or getting an equipment appraisal to value your assets. All of these and more are options if you find you cannot sell your business.

If I am thinking of selling my business, where do I start?

Knowing where to start when selling your business can be hard to figure out. When selling your business, it’s important to consider a few things first: what assets come with the business? What fixtures, furniture and equipment are included and how is the inventory? Asking yourself these questions and addressing them first can ensure success when selling your business. This article explains each of these in greater detail to help when figuring out where to start when selling your business.

Why an appraisal is critical to a seller when selling their business

When trying to sell your business, getting an appraisal is beneficial for a number of reasons. Understanding what assets are part of the sale, removing any personal items that aren’t for sale and deciding the worth of your business with a professional ensures success when trying to sell your business. This article outlines the benefits of an appraisal and why it is critical when selling your business.

Benefits of Seller Finance when selling your business
There are various reasons why it is important to consider seller finance when buying or selling your business. There are upsides and downsides to seller finance and both are worthwhile knowing. This article outlines both, and shows that seller finance can make a big difference in the end.

5 alternatives to Seller Finance when selling your business
There are many things for both the buyer and seller to consider when selling or buying a business. The five options in this article deal with seller finance and will help ensure success when dealing with your business. Some topics include: sellers credit, earnings, inventory and real estate.

5 more seller finance options to consider when selling your business
This article offers five more reasons to use seller finance when selling your business. These options are less known but as effective in ensuring success when making a business transaction. A few options include license agreements, consulting agreements and different kinds of insurance.

How to Make Money in the Mobile Home Park Business
Although it has taken us literally thousands of pages to describe how to do due diligence and operate mobile home parks effectively, the general theory on how to make money with mobile home park investments could fit on the back of an envelope. These are the few, simple steps to making money in mobile home parks.

When You Sell For Less Than Your Debt
Automotive Dealers Are Being Forced To Sell For Less Than Their Debt.

How a business transition plan enhances selling your business
One successful way a business owner can start to sell their business is to create and execute a transition plan. Such a plan defines the needs of the business owner and then helps them to move towards their individual outcome. Starting here ensures success when a business owner decides to sell their business.

Merger Miseries Four Do Do Diligence

Due diligence is a process used in mergers and acquisitions to reduce the potential for surprises or miscalculations in purchase price. The process is more of an art than a science. One observation I have made is that there is heavy emphasis on the tangible assets like buildings and inventory. Less emphasis is typically placed on the critical human resources assets. I believe that is a mistake. This article explains why and suggests an alternative.

Hiring in China: Do Your Due Diligence.

When doing business in China, you have have to take care each step of the way. Whether your are looking for business partners, involved in technology transfers, selling to Chinese customers or simply trying to hire a manager for your China operation, due diligence is something you have to take seriously. Entrepreneurs must be extremely cautious since we like moving fast and often follow our gut along the way. This generally works but when your gut is wrong on a "China decision" the risks are high and resulting problems can be ten-fold more complicated. Here's my story where in hiring my business development manager, my gut failed me ... don't think I'll do that again!

Merger Miseries 5 Mini Mergers
Every day we read and hear about the mergers or acquisitions going on between the behemoth companies. They show up on the international radar due to their size and impact. Less visible, but equally impactful in the aggregate, are the hundreds of thousands of small restructurings that go on within organizations every day. This article discusses the smaller mergers and their impact.

6 questions to ask when selling or buying your business
When thinking of selling your business, there are two things a buyer is looking for to ensure success: cash flow and potential. Once these are taken care of, there are six questions to consider that will help the present business. Looking into these questions and understanding them will ensure success when buying and selling a business.

Top Ten Questions To Ask When Exploring Franchises
During the research and due diligence phase of investigation, there are numerous questions to ask both the Franchisor and the existing franchisees. After all, what better source of information than from those individuals currently operating that particular franchise model.

What questions should I ask when buying a business?
There are many questions buyers typically ask when thinking of buying a business that include the level of sales, qualifications and motivations of the employees, questions about landlord and suppliers. While these questions are helpful and appropriate, this article offers some more questions that will help in the decision of buying a business.

The True Cost of Employee Turnover
When you hire an employee, due diligence pays off. In fact, by simply investing $50 or less in a thorough employment background check, you can potentially save your organization tens of thousands of dollars in expenses.

What do I want to know when buying a business?
Before the seller of a business and a new buyer come together for the first time, there are a few things that should be considered. The buyer has a few steps to go through first: learning and understanding the buying process and understanding how much personal capital to invest. Following these and other steps ensures that the buyer is on the right track to owning their new business.

Points to Consider When Looking At A Home Business
If you have never had an online business before, or indeed are not aufait with the internet world of marketing, then starting an online business can be quite daunting.

MLM / Network Marketing Prospecting: These 3 Words Could Determine Your Success
The most important phase in building your mlm / network marketing business is prospecting. Go beyond the words of what your prospect is telling you, what is he/she really telling you?

Who Else Wants to Discover the Truth Behind MLM Pyramid Schemes?
In this article I will help quell the fear of Pyramid Schemes by adding Truth to the paranoia that plagues Network Marketing and Home Based Business Franchise industries. Many believe that 'network marketing', 'MLM' and 'pyramid scheme' are synonymous, and this is just pure misinformation and fear, and often times ignorance.

Home Business Opportunity - Entrepreneurial Qualities
Business Opportunity entrepreneurs are an exclusive group of people who share certain unique characteristics which differentiates them from others. These characteristics allow them to develop and maintain the positive mind set and necessary skills to start, manage and run an internet home business. In fact, these traits are essential to the future success of their business opportunity.

Work At Home: Who Else Wants A Home Based Business

Affiliate marketing is one of the most effective and powerful ways of earning some money online. Production is just solid marketing strategies that have been trusted over years of hard work and dedication. In fact, many of the home based business activities can be found in a global marketplace. No need to go anywhere and any further. In the rush to be working on the internet, online business candidates tend to choose a novelty product.

Business Credit Cards versus Personal Credit Cards
I get asked this questions a lot. What is the difference between a business credit card and a personal credit card?

Business funding sources for today's business owner...
Yes and no. Yes if you have a strong personal credit score. No if you are typically under a personal fico score of 720. The banking industry has significantly tightened the credit requirements recently in the last 12 months. If you do maintain a strong credit score then you are in luck.

5Linx Scam And The Facts About It
There's something anyone who is looking at an MLM business opportunity should understand about the word scam and 5Linx scam is no different.

Seven Steps to Avoid Employee Lawsuits
Labor and employment disputes represent the top litigation threat to the majority of U.S. corporations, so it's no wonder that a major fear for business leaders is the fear of employee lawsuits.

The Truth About The SendOutCards Scam
Here's the real truth about the SendOutCards scam and what it really means in the MLM and Network Marketing industry. Read this before moving forward with any home based business opportunity.

Zrii Health Drink MLM Business: A 3rd Party Review
Get the information you need to make a sound decision or learn more about the Zrii healt drink MLM business. Then let me hlep you take your business and explode it on the internet.

How To Choose The Best Network Marketing Company: 3 More Crucial Choices, Part 2

Again, experience speaks volumes and here are 3 more critical question to ask of any network marketing opportunity you are researching and the answers you are looking for. Save yourself a tremendous amount of money, time and anguish. Question #1: Does the company have a product or products that are more than "the best" in flooded niche market? Answer #1: You are looking for a company with a very unique product or products.... Question #2: Does the company have an in-depth training system? Answer #2: You are looking for a company rich in..... Question #3: Does the company have a strong policy of team leadership and mentorship? Answer #3: You are looking for a personal, hands-on....

Top franchise businesses suffer in current economy while home online business soars
It is no secret that top franchise business owners have taken a hit in this crazy economy.

4 Curiosity-Building Rules On How To Handle Family & Friends For Criticizing You At Having Joined A Network Marketing Business Opportunity
As soon as your family and friends find out that you are involved in a/another home based business opportunity get ready for the criticism. You should put these rules into place while you are building your network marketing business as they are also curiosity builders.

Emotional Fullfilment - Controlling Your Own Destiny
When you think of becoming a businessperson by making the transition from employee to Franchisee, you don't generally think in terms of emotional fulfillment. However, in reality, the evaluation of emotional factors should play a significant role in making that final decision to join the world of the capitalist, or remain in the realm of employee.

Who is On The Bus After a Merger
If you have ever been through a merger, acquisition, or even just an internal restructuring, you know it is a tense time for most people. One topic that fills the airwaves is who is going to survive and who will be let go. This article gives three tips for how managers can keep the right talent in the organization.

Is Mike Morgan's Home Based Internet Marketing Business a Scam?
How can you tell if the home based internet marketing business you are looking at is a legitimate internet business or one of the many scams you will find online? There are a few fairly easy signs to spot which will identify a legitimate business opportunity. Simply searching the company name and scam will probably not give you anything helpful to base your judgement on.

Due Diligence - An Overview
The author, John Franczyk, presents a summary of the areas that should be reviewed during a due diligence review of a contracting counterpart.

Franchise Start-up: Engage Professionals to Eliminate Costly Mistakes
In a challenging business environment where competition is extremely high and too many players fighting for the customer’s dollar, it is not so easy to succeed with a new start-up.

Can you find a legitimate home business opportunity during the recession?
Home business expert, Andrea Scott, shares questions to ask yourself to determine if you have found a legitimate home business opportunity.

The Simple Steps to Make Money Online
If you have the desire, need and most importantly the passion and commitment to make money online, the solution will be obvious. Imitate someone who has already had the kind of success you want, and copy them.

5 tips when selling your business
A business for sale is similar to a house for sale in some respects but very different in others. Some helpful tips to consider when selling your business include: considering commercial real estate, how helpful a team of advisers could be in your journey to sell your business, what assets there are and that the value of all things included in the business are properly valued.

C-Level Sales Training Tip 2 – The Prospect Seemed Interested, but the Sales Cycle Is Stalled
Learn to shorten sales cycles in this article by moving those sitting on the fence to closing.

Training and Support are the keys to your Internet Marketing Business
It does not matter which Internet marketing company you choose to work with,if the Internet marketing training and support are good,then your chances of success are much higher. If you are exploring online business opportunities then make 100% sure of these two factors.

The Definitive Guide To Choosing The Right Home Based Business - Part 6 of 6

Around the world, tens of millions of people each year search for a home based business opportunity that will either free them from a job they hate, allow them to retire early, give them more time to spend with their family, divert their poorly performing investment portfolio into a profit generating magnet, or all of the above. Just as there are vast differences of opinion, even amongst friends, there are vast differences in business opportunities. Before you start on your due diligence when hunting for that one home based business opportunity that is right for you, take a moment to understand some differences in business models, their expectations, their commission structure, your current resources, and your personality. The following is Part 6 in a series of six (6) characteristics for choosing the right home based business.

The Definitive Guide To Choosing The Right Home Based Business - Part 5 of 6

Around the world, tens of millions of people each year search for a home based business opportunity that will either free them from a job they hate, allow them to retire early, give them more time to spend with their family, divert their poorly performing investment portfolio into a profit generating magnet, or all of the above. Just as there are vast differences of opinion, even amongst friends, there are vast differences in business opportunities. Before you start on your due diligence when hunting for that one home based business opportunity that is right for you, take a moment to understand some differences in business models, their expectations, their commission structure, your current resources, and your personality. The following is Part 5 in a series of six (6) characteristics for choosing the right home based business.

The Definitive Guide To Choosing The Right Home Based Business - Part 4 of 6

Around the world, tens of millions of people each year search for a home based business opportunity that will either free them from a job they hate, allow them to retire early, give them more time to spend with their family, divert their poorly performing investment portfolio into a profit generating magnet, or all of the above. Just as there are vast differences of opinion, even amongst friends, there are vast differences in business opportunities. Before you start on your due diligence when hunting for that one home based business opportunity that is right for you, take a moment to understand some differences in business models, their expectations, their commission structure, your current resources, and your personality. The following is Part 4 in a series of six (6) characteristics for choosing the right home based business.

The Definitive Guide To Choosing The Right Home Based Business - Part 3 of 6

Around the world, tens of millions of people each year search for a home based business opportunity that will either free them from a job they hate, allow them to retire early, give them more time to spend with their family, divert their poorly performing investment portfolio into a profit generating magnet, or all of the above. Just as there are vast differences of opinion, even amongst friends, there are vast differences in business opportunities. Before you start on your due diligence when hunting for that one home based business opportunity that is right for you, take a moment to understand some differences in business models, their expectations, their commission structure, your current resources, and your personality. The following is Part 3 in a series of six (6) characteristics for choosing the right home based business.

The Definitive Guide To Choosing The Right Home Based Business - Part 2 of 6

Around the world, tens of millions of people each year search for a home based business opportunity that will either free them from a job they hate, allow them to retire early, give them more time to spend with their family, divert their poorly performing investment portfolio into a profit generating magnet, or all of the above. Just as there are vast differences of opinion, even amongst friends, there are vast differences in business opportunities. Before you start on your due diligence when hunting for that one home based business opportunity that is right for you, take a moment to understand some differences in business models, their expectations, their commission structure, your current resources, and your personality. The following is Part 2 in a series of six (6) characteristics for choosing the right home based business.

The Definitive Guide To Choosing The Right Home Based Business - Part 1 of 6

Around the world, tens of millions of people each year search for a home based business opportunity that will either free them from a job they hate, allow them to retire early, give them more time to spend with their family, divert their poorly performing investment portfolio into a profit generating magnet, or all of the above. Just as there are vast differences of opinion, even amongst friends, there are vast differences in business opportunities. Before you start on your due diligence when hunting for that one home based business opportunity that is right for you, take a moment to understand some differences in business models, their expectations, their commission structure, your current resources, and your personality. The following is Part 1 in a series of six (6) characteristics for choosing the right home based business.

Honest Evaluation of the Potential Opportunity - Healthy Skeptic Or a Dose of Paranoia?
Effectively understanding the process of online research when looking into potential business opportunities is an absolute must for the serious entrepreneur. Simply plugging a term into your search engine of choice and then perusing the results is hardly effective, and can result in inaccruate and unncessary bias.

Brokers, Dealers, Private Lenders, and Venture Capital

A broker is defined as anyone who makes securities transactions for others. (The exception to this is a bank.) A dealer is defined as someone who buys and sells securities for their own account, through a broker or otherwise. Most entrepreneurs are looking for start-up capital and for someone else to raise capital for them on a straight commission, with no up-front fees. Only registered broker dealers, and Bona Fide employees, can legally solicit/sell securities for a company on straight commission, with no up-front fees. They always charge an up-front retainer, sometimes called due-diligence fees, before commencing. This fluctuates depending on the complexity of the transactions. Most brokers/dealers avoid startup and early stage companies. A Bona Fide employee cannot be paid commission from the sale of securities.

Dads Working From Home presents question #9: Is this legit?
Sometimes you so badly want to believe the hype, you mute your BS detector.

Retirement Is Not The Goal, Entrepreneurism Is

Most working men and women over the age of 50 start thinking about retirement, and many start planning for it. They do their due diligence on investment strategies, position themselves well in their companies, review their estate planning, and so on. While each individual step in retirement planning in amongst itself is sound advice, the main question to ask during this transitional phase in their lives is, "What is the goal?" Retirement should not be the goal. Retirement limits your potential to positively impact the lives of others. Owning a simple yet fully principled internet business where you are the centerpiece of leadership is the key to getting all the benefits of retirement, with the added advantages of residual income and a source of true happiness for you and your family.

Does this internet business really work or am I going to waste my time ?
Most people that are exploring internet based business opportunities has been disappointed a few times. They have tried numerous opportunities,spend countless hours and lost huge sums of money in the search for that perfect opportunity.

How much money do you earn with this internet business ?
As a rule I don't tell anyone how much I earn on the internet.The reason for that is that most people won't believe me and the other reason is that it really does not matter.

Take Your Life To The Next Level!
This is about taking your life to the next level. To acheive the happiness you deserve.

5 tips for a buyer to qualify for an SBA loan
A Small Business Administration or SBA loan can help someone in the process of buying a business. When applying for this kind of loan, there are some tips to help with the process. From having positive cash flow, getting a business valuation to understanding loan auditors, these and other tips can help anyone when they are thinking of buying a business and getting an SBA loan.

Wealth Creation
Six Steps to Financial Freedom

It is now the perfect time to work from home
Everyone knows it but few are willing to explore it.The "work from home" internet business is a huge diamond mine waiting to be mined.Billions of dollars are being made on the internet year in and year out.It is like a treasure chest that only a few people around the world has found and opened.These people also found the ultimate treasure in the same search - freedom and independence.

3 Profitable Internet Income Ideas
If you’re one of the many people looking for ways to pay your credit card bills or need extra income, then internet income opportunities should be a welcome thought.

A Home Based Business Is A Excellent Source Of Supplemental Retirement Income
The current recession has many people beginning to wonder if they will have enough money to retire. Situations differ, some people are already retired and with the sudden rise in prices they may be finding it difficult to make ends meet. Others are finding it difficult to pay the bills and have enough left over to save for retirement.

8 Things To Know Before You Start Any Home Business
The best home business these days is one that you can do on the internet – not the one that your family and friends are trying to sell you. How do you start a successful home business? The secret of success is perseverance ,not to stop halfway through the business building process as so many people do.Stick to your business for at least 12 months before exploring a new venture.

3 Things you can do to build your home-based business faster
There are a few simple things that you can do to build your home-based business faster,I would like to concentrate on the 3 most important things.

The Importance of Due Diligence When You Buy a Franchise

Due diligence, which is originally coined in reference to the Securities Act of 1993 of the United States, is a legal term that has taken a more legal meaning for the last seventy years. After the stock market crash of 1929, brokers were obliged to follow detailed steps before they can sell securities such as bonds and stocks to investors. Among the causes of the Great Depression was the lack of proper control on Wall Street but now, a lot of things have changed.

Top 20 Reasons to Write a Press Release
Any marketer will tell you that publicity is more effective than advertising for creating visibility for your business. And dollar for dollar, publicity is usually the least expensive way to get your name in the paper.

Legitimate Home Based Business: Do Your Due Diligence
When starting a home based business a concern many people have is finding one that is legitimate. Whilst there are always going to be people who are looking to take advantage of you, when looking for a legitimate home based business there are a few things you can check out.

Work At Home: 7 Reasons To Develop Business Opportunity Ideas

Work at home business opportunity ideas evolve from skills and expertise that you already possess. Every job has an attached set of skills that can be learned either through experience or education. Those same skills can be adapted to suit other jobs including work at home business opportunity. The myth of job security persists in our society in spite of the growing number of people whose jobs are in jeopardy through no fault of their own. When you are working as an employee, your skills are viewed in terms of how they fit with your experience in a job market. When faced with unemployment more people are looking at their skill sets and adapting them to fit with a work at home business opportunity.

Look Before You Leap Into Affiliate Marketing
Before you take the plunge into a Internet home business you need to take some time to “look before you leap” . While this may sound simplistic it is a key strategy of affiliate marketing. This one simple process can save thousands of new Internet marketers from failing and save them some of their hard earned cash.

Home Based Business: 5 Tips To Get Started
Home based business options can give you the flexibility to create the lifestyle you really want. There are no quick fixes for your financial picture but there is a solid opportunity for anyone who wants to work online. Realistically it can take 3 to 5 years, depending on your goals, marketing knowledge and skill level, to develop a significant income with your home based business.

6 tips to successfully apply for an SBA loan
Though the ability to apply and receive an SBA loan used to be difficult, the process is much easier these days. To help make your loan application find more success, this article offers a few tips like management experience, profit and loss statements, tax returns and others.

Buying An Existing Business Part IX of IX
This is the IX Part of a IX Part series of articles discussing the buying of an existing, small business. In this article we offer some parting advice and tips to buyers seeking to purchase a small, existing business.

Are Sales Cycles A Thing of the Past?
Sales cycles, sales steps, sales effectivenss, CRM, sales performance. Stop thinking sales cycle and start thinking customer buying process.

Importance of Terms When Buying or Selling A Business
Though the price is an imperative part of buying or selling a business, the terms of the deal are also crucial. This article shows some of the reasons why understanding the terms can help you when it comes to any business transaction.

Reference Requests for Salespeople

For the first time in months, I was recently asked for references. No problem! But it got me thinking about who asks for references, why they ask for references and when they ask for references...and what salespeople do when they're asked for references, and whether those references lead to closed business. As I thought this through, quite surprisingly, my three largest personal clients - all multi-billion dollar corporations, never asked. Three medium sized companies - over $100 million - never asked. I am personally working with only a handful of smaller companies and only one of them asked. Those insights tie directly to why people ask for references:

Filing a Trademark: Plain Text Vs Stylized/Logo
When filing a trademark, the USPTO gives you two options: Standard Characters or Specialized Form (Stylized and/or Design). Let's look at each one in detail and that should help you decide the best way to file for your mark.

Trademark a Name and Logo: Together or Separate?

Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry. Now when it comes to filing, a big question is should the name and logo be filed together or separately?

FAQ For Business Buyers
So, you want to buy a business. . .maybe? Where do your start? What questions should you ask? How do you work with those Brokers? What about location? Goodwill-- what's that? Can I do a 1031 exchange on Goodwill? When and how should I do due diligence? Can I get the Company Name? Read more in this article.

Thinking about Selling Your Business? - Some Quick Tips
Follow these tips for a successful business sale or merger and you'll be rewarded with a higher business valuation, a better buyer, tax savings and a more successful deal outcome.

Compromising Situations
Learn how an experience in Corporate Japan led to a life long lesson in problem solving in the business world.

Article #12 Afraid Of Spending Money On Schemes & Ideas That Don't Work?

Then it is time to educate yourself about your money. The economy is already plunging into more debt than we can handle as Americans. And there is more junk on the news and Internet with people pushing their product or service down our throats. It is very easy to get confused about the schemes on the Internet. So don’t spend your money on the lofty ideas of others that may or may not work. Do your due diligence and research those companies before you spend your money.

Franchise Resales Part II - Due Diligence Tips
This is the second of a two part series dedicated to helping people better understand the give and takes of investing in a franchise resale.

Home Based Business: Dream of Business Success Online

Home based business online is the dream of success for thousands of people world wide. Being able to work from home and make money solves many problems for people. Family life is more easily managed if you work from home. The number of people who search on Google for work at home related information increases every day. Wherever their is great business opportunity there is also the potential for con artists and scammers to separate you from your hard earned money. Using common sense and good judgment is essential when you are looking at becoming involved with any business opportunity. When you hear something that sounds too good to be true you should exercise due diligence in researching the claims. The Internet is a medium that allows average people to be able to compete in a global market with their home based business online.

Ethical Expectation You Should Expect From Your Business Broker
Some business brokers belong to certain associations that have a code of ethics for brokers to follow. These, along with their own code of ethics, help ensure business brokers are of value to a business seller and buyer. A code of ethics ensures that a business broker puts the needs of the client before their own when making a business transaction.

Home Based Business - 4 Pre-LaunchTips

Home based business opportunity pre-launch recruiting generally means that the company is not yet tried and true. Some companies may well offer a solid business opportunity however most will never make it to launch. Companies with weak products and incredibly weak business and compensation plans can still make money for a short period especially in a pre-launch offering. Internet marketers have become desensitized to common sense, it seems, when it comes to pre-launch offers. It is easy to get caught up in the hype and the promise of riches if you jump on board early in the offering. Timing is everything! The frenzy to join before a business is actually launched does, in fact, produce large sums of money for those who join at the start of any home based business opportunity.

How to Build Your Winning Team

Looking back at the hundreds of business relationships I’ve had in five companies over the last quarter century—employees, investors, partners, vendors/suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, board of advisors and directors, volunteers, bankers and many joint ventures—I can say with confidence that only a few ended up really bad. But then, only a few dozen were extraordinary. The vast majority were pretty much just “OK”. Not great, not terrible. And one would think that after all this time and experience I’d be getting better at my choices. And yet, I still hit and miss. Here is the distinction: I’ve learned to accelerate through my mistakes.

Align with your buyer’s objectives to close sales quickly
What is the most important reason that sales fail to close on time or even close at all? When you get a mismatch by sellers selling forward and buyers buying backwards! Sounds like double Dutch? Well this article discusses how to position your proposition in line with the prospect to make them an eager buyer.

Success with Angels: Ten Top Action Items
Every new startup I know dreams of being funded by an Angel investor. Yet according to the latest data from AngelSoft, only about 1 out of 100 companies who initiate the formal request process actually get funded. If you follow these action items, you could be the next one.

Before launching your first blog
Things to consider before launching your first blog

How to Better Qualify Prospects to Increase Sales
Are you wasting a lot of time with tire kickers? Or have you thought that you truly did do your due diligence only to discover you missed something? Learn what actions you need to take to increase sales because you now know how to better qualify your prospects.

The Evolution of HR Audits

Over the last 25 years we have seen significant changes in the HR auditing process, in the value derived from conducting HR audits, and in the HR audit tools used. Increasingly HR audits are conducted of HR rather than by HR. This white paper reviews the changes in HR audits, discusses the external and internal forces affecting the process and use of HR audits, and provides information about the leading HR auditing process.

Why you need an appraisal to get an SBA loan
Getting an SBA loan hasn’t always been an easy task and some recent changes have been to require a business valuation in order for the loan to be approved. An SBA lender cannot provide this service, but a third part like a business broker can. The benefits of an SBA loan and reasons for hiring a business broker to help are outlined in this article.

Now is the Time to Master Financial Conversations

While these are admittedly challenging times for many, I still see a lot of sales being made among the companies we are working with. The biggest difference in selling today is the amount of time it takes for sales to close, especially compared to the last few years. But some sellers aren’t feeling any pain – their sales aren’t taking longer in spite of the economy – and yours don’t have to either.

Beware the Pocklingtons and Madoffs of this world
When selecting new partners, investors and customers, it's important to conduct due diligence

How to Avoid Business Opportunity Scams
Katie Yeakle, AWAI Executive Director, gives some great tips on how to avoid "business opportunity" and "online money making" scams.

Start An Online Business - Considered Buying An Existing One
For those who have some money available there is always the option of buying an existing online business and this is a good alternative for those who do want to start an online business from scratch.

Buying damaged goods How to evaluate a distressed companys potential

Thorough due diligence and a professional valuation can help reveal whether a distressed company is a diamond in the rough or fatally flawed. This article provides tips on spotting imminent trouble, including debt reduction programs and cost-cutting tactics. It also helps buyers evaluate an acquisition’s hidden opportunities, by weighing its market position, demographic trends, revenue growth, cash reserves and industry conditions.

Franchising Your Business Should Not Be Smoke and Mirrors
If you are looking to Franchise Your Business, do yourself a favor and investigate the franchise development company you are thinking of using. Beware of smoke and mirrors when talking with franchise development companies.

I Want To Start Franchisng My Business: Be Careful Who To Use
So you are exploring the option of franchising your business, be careful of who you use. Not all Franchise Development companies are the same.

Poor Ethics Reflect Poor Business Professionalism & Potentially Poor Business Results
Have you ever considered that not returning a phone call could be a reflection of your own personal business ethics? And possibly the lack of ethics is contributing to your poor business results? Learn what dead horses and business values have in common.

Managing Risks in todays Environment
Part of managing risk is ensuring good communications with your people. If your organization needs to deal with a critical issue, staff will have some idea a problem exists just by watching management body language. Avoid making things worse by letting the rumour mill take over.

Entrepreneurship and Franchising: Perfect Together
For years we’ve been reading articles about a franchisor’s desire to select franchisees that are not too entrepreneurial…that are in fact interdependent rather than independent. In order for most prospective franchisees to take the leap into business ownership…they need to develop an entrepreneurial spirit.

What to Expect When You Hire a Copywriter
The Copywriting Process Unveiled~

Blog Flipping - How to Sell your Blog
10 important points to consider when trying to sell your blog or website.

Understanding Add Backs When Buying Or Selling A Business
An add back is a type of tax deduction that small business are able to claim on their taxes. Understanding them and how they work shows one of the many benefits to owning your own business. This article goes into detail about add backs and how they are used after you decide to buy or start your own business.

Attitude is Everything in Sales
Well perhaps not quite everything, however attitude in my opinion counts for a lot more than “been there and done it” does. Give me someone with the right attitude and aptitude for the job and experience is often a bonus – the icing on the cake, rather than a prerequisite.

Importance of On-line Networking
This article is intended to teach Hiring Managers, Recruiters, Executives, Staffing Manager and others in a hiring role the importance of building and maintaining a solid on-line network and hw it can help your recruiting efforts.

Is Your Organization Effectively Deploying the Human Capital It Needs to Compete?

Most organizations understand that effective management and deployment of assets can mean the difference between success and failure. But many organizations fail to consider their most critical asset – human capital. A recent study by McKinsey & Company revealed that “A” performers tend to be 50-100% more productive than “C” performers. Clearly, identifying the “A” performers can enhance an organization’s performance. So, how does an employer identify the “A” performers, and once identified, how does an employer retain them?

Selling swimming pools is the same as selling what you sell

6 Lessons about selling Lesson # 1: Make sure the person the customer talks to on the telephone is a good representative for your business. Lesson # 2: Never assume you know what the customer’s problems (needs and wants) are. Lesson # 3: Listen to the customer. Lesson # 4: Give the customer choices of solutions to pick from. Lesson # 5: Follow up, Follow up, Follow up Lesson # 6: Use the magic words – “Who do you know?”

Franchise growth in times of recession
Remarkably franchise networks often grow in times of recession. Nick Strong, MD of www.selectyourfranchise.com looks at the reasons why and what action franchisors should be taking to get ready for network growth.

Understanding Purchase Price Allocation when buying and selling a business
The need to understand what and how purchase price allocation works helps when buying or selling a business because it affects both the buyer and the seller. This article outlines purchase price allocation and in what ways in effects a buyer and seller of a business.

Why Franchises Fail
According to the U.S. Department of Consumer Affairs, about five percent of franchisees fail. Any number of factors could be responsible for this failure; however, such failure can nearly always be prevented by doing your due diligence at the outset.

Hiring a Franchise Lawyer
Many assume that, because a franchise agreement is by nature a contract, any attorney is competent to review it. However, this is not necessarily the case. Franchise agreements are unique contracts, and only franchise lawyers are qualified to handle them.

Buying Real Estate in the Dominican Republic
Introduction Real estate transactions in the Dominican Republic are governed by Property Registry Law No. 108-05 and its Regulations, in force since April 4, 2007. Ownership of property is documented by "Certificates of Title" issued by Title Registry Offices.

Warning Signs When Buying a Franchise
Because investing in a franchise is a life-changing event, every prospective franchisee should thoroughly investigate a franchise opportunity before signing any sort of franchise agreement.

Finding a Franchise
There are a number of ways you can find and purchase franchises. Keep in mind that due diligence is necessary, and anything that sounds too good to be true probably is.

Are Employment Policies or Handbooks Really Necessary?
Among my clients and many other businesses the question often arises: Do we need written employment policies or employee handbooks or manuals? The following is what I usually advise and why.

Most Common Franchising Mistakes
Franchising can be a wonderful, fulfilling experience – but it can also be a depressing, disenchanting experience. Unfortunately, there are a number of franchisees that, much to their discouragement, are faced with the harsh realities of franchising. Why? Take a look at the following mistakes many entrepreneurs attempting to become franchisees make.

How Much Can You Make in Franchising?
Franchisors often don't give straight answers to franchisees asking the question “How Much Can You Make in Franchising?” due to the numerous legalities involved.

The Convenience of E-tail E-Commerce and Online Shopping

The advantages of shopping online are (1) zero traffic or commuting time (2) no need to stand in long checkout lines and (3) the ability to peruse dozens of shops to compare pricing (with a few keystrokes of due diligence). In addition, if you factor the convenience of online shopping it is a perfect synergy for savvy online consumers who maintain hectic schedules and are inclined to make the most efficient use of their time.

The Key to Franchise Success? Target a Narrow Customer Base
If you’re thinking that purchasing a franchise concept that appeals to as many people as possible equals success, think again: targeting a narrower customer base may be a better way to go.

Are You Ready to Start a Franchise?
Joining the franchise industry requires much thought and research for both the franchisor and the franchisee. A competent franchise consultant from a reputed consultation website can make their job easier.

How to Evaluate a Franchisor’s Training Program
For a woman interested in buying a franchise, evaluating the training a franchise business offers should involve even greater research – after all, this is about your future – not a vacation.

A Look at Business Plans
What is the role of a Business and Marketing Plan as viewed by lenders whether they are traditional lenders, venture capitalists, angel investors or insurance companies? Some of the do's and don'ts in the development of the plan.

The Importance of Intangible Assets When Buying or Selling a Business
It is important to know what tangible and intangible assets are in business. Knowing the difference and examples of each can help you with your taxes and the transaction of buying or selling a business. Assets can also be a legal matter, in which case it is important to know about legal protection and how they can help you in any business transaction.

Buying a franchise? Avoid these costly mistakes
Buying a franchise? Avoid these costly mistakes. It takes a lot of money to build a business, and you certainly don't want to waste any. Check this list of 7 costly mistakes to avoid...

Helpful Business Plan Resources
The number of resources available to help write a business plan is virtually infinite. With the aim of narrowing down the list to a helpful few, here are a few of my favorites.

What is a 'Covenant Not To Compete' when buying or selling a business
A Covenant Not To Compete is useful when a seller has found a buyer for their current business. This ensures that the new buyer does not open the same type of business as the seller for risk that existing customers will want to do business with the seller and not the new buyer. There are many factors involved to evaluate a Covenant Not To Compete and they are outlined in this article.

A Turkey Vulture?

When business owners are tired of experiencing the ups and downs, “feast or famine” of seasonal business cycles, the pressures of price wars, the ineffectiveness of conventional advertising and the long hours and hard work, they look for alternatives. And that’s when they are vulnerable to the schemes and dreams out there that often look like soaring eagles but are, in fact, turkey vultures.

Venture Capital - Preparing The Plan

Make it so that your mother or grandmother can understand it. Entrepreneurs too often fill their business plans with of acronyms, tech terms, and buzz words. Intermediaries can usually tell after the first paragraph how difficult it will be to raise capital for your business. Condense what you do and what you want into a statement that you can make very promptly in seconds or minutes. If you cannot communicate quickly, you will lose the investor’s interest.

Two Ways for Entrepreneurs to Manage Risk and Avoid Losing Their Shirts
One habit that separates successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful ones is managing risk. This article suggests two important tactics that every entrepreneur should lock in place in order to avoid losing their shirts.

Eight Questions to Ask Before Jumping into a Business Opportunity
This article explains why many entrepreneurs fail to separate facts from myths in their business and offers eight questions to ask before entering into any business opportunity.

Common Pitfalls in Buying a Business – Inadequate Due Diligence ©
This is the fourth article in a series focusing on the mistakes commonly made by purchasers of businesses. This article will note mistakes buyers often make in their "due diligence."

The importance of Intellectual Property when buying or selling a business

For all buyers and sellers of businesses, it is important to understand what and how intellectual property can affect you. Understanding the different kinds of intellectual properties is important in figuring out the right kind of legal protection one must have to protect assets and ensure the business is worth the right amount. This article outlines the different types of intellectual properties and how to become familiar with them.

Is Due Diligence Important when Buying a Business?
You have been searching various businesses for sale and now you have found the perfect business to buy. How much due diligence do you really need to do? A lot!

Business Niche: Where do you place?
When considering what type of business will be perfect for you, consider what niches you prefer. Do you enjoy restaurant franchises or would you prefer something with a Monday to Friday hours. Knowing what niche you fall into can be your greatest asset in finding the business or franchise of your dreams.

Buying Or Selling A Business Is Unlike Anything Else
This article summarizes the benefits and values of buying or selling a business. It covers valuations, advertising and negotiations. All of these steps are key features when one is thinking of selling their business or becoming a buyer of a business.

10 Reasons Your SBA Loan May Be Declined
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has come up with a third party lending program for qualified buyers. There are rules and qualifications for this lending program that are explained in this article. Also, you will find the top 10 reasons why your request for an SBA loan might be declined.

Overview of the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act

Recently, a new law called the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act ("CNPCA") came into effect aimed at eliminating unnecessary regulation and providing flexibility to the not-for-profit sector. The new legislation modernizes the corporate governance of not-for-profit corporations by promoting accountability, transparency and efficiency. This articles highlights the important provisions within the Act that will affect non-profit corporations.

Executive Review - Internet Users Handbook, 2012, 2nd Edition

The Executive Review highlights the importance the Internet Users Handbook - A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams While doing Business Online. This extraordinary, first of it kind handbook helps raise awareness of Internet Crime; Scams, Spam, Viruses, and Malware and prepare the user for doing business online. Learning to recognize these business risks saves the user money and may save personal or company equipment from unnecessary damage or loss.

Unified Thinking
It is imperative that both the Franchisor and potential Franchisee is on the same page when it comes to expectations. Have you asked yourself the right questions??

What to Look for When Buying a Small Business
On the surface it seems like a sure-fire winning formula for an aspiring entrepreneur: Buy an existing profitable business and the money should keep rolling in, right? Not quite. Experts remind aspiring small business owners that past performance is no guarantee of future profits no matter how great the acquisition target seems to be.

Buying a Business

Buying a business can be a big step forward, or it can turn out to be disastrous. This briefing assumes that you have already found a suitable business (the 'target business'). It explains how to complete the purchase of the target business, including checking what state the business is really in. The main pitfalls tend to be similar, regardless of how large the target business is. The briefing covers: * Approaching the target business. * Completing due diligence. * Negotiating the purchase. * Settling the purchase once it is completed.

Trusting Anonymous People with Your Future
Would you let a convicted child rapist mind your toddler? How about asking a known con artist to take care of your accounting and banking? Or letting a drug addict mind your home for you while you’re on holiday? Silly, right?

Due Diligence A necessity Not a Luxury
Due diligence has significant implications for all entrepreneurs especially when buying or selling businesses. A Properly conducted due Diligence Search can advantage both seller and buyer and may lead to long- term relationships and business synergies.

Internet Users Hbk - Chapter 3a: How to do Your Own Online Due Diligence
Chapter 3a How to do Your Own Online Due Diligence. 3.1 What is Due Diligence? 3.2 But I am Ready to Act Now! 3.3 12 Simple Due Diligence Investigations 3.4 How to Conduct an Online Due Diligence - Bruno 3.5 Due Diligence Tools

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