Tough Love For Family Business Transfers

Posted on October 9, 2012 by barbara.taylor

My recent post in the New York Times deals with the thorny issue of transferring ownership of a family business from one generation to the next, or more accurately the decision not to. While family-owned businesses have impressive results, outperforming public companies in areas like stock price and return on equity, the statistics associated with ownership transfer are sobering. Following is the uncut version of my recent Email interview with author and third-generation business owner, Tom Deans.

Does Your Business Have Curb Appeal?

Posted on October 3, 2012 by barbara.taylor

Like your house, your business projects an image to potential buyers. When they come to see your business for the first time, your “curb appeal” can attract a buyer to your business—or cause them to walk away from it. Do you need to improve your curb appeal? Here’s a three-step plan.

3 Reasons Why I Decided to Sell My Business

Posted on September 11, 2012 by barbara.taylor

Regardless of the size of the business, its age – or that of its owner – the industry or geographic location, most of us end up reaching our limit as business owners in much the same way. Here are three reasons why my husband and I decided to sell the first business we started together back in 2003.

Protecting the resale value of your business

Posted on August 28, 2012 by barbara.taylor

How is that we’ve been trained to think of certain things like cars and homes in terms of resale value, but not our most valuable asset: our business? Even if you have no plans to sell today, or in the short term, or ever, it is good to get in the habit of protecting the resale value of your business.

What to say when a buyer asks THE question

Posted on August 6, 2012 by barbara.taylor

Many business owners believe the act of selling their business is similar to passing the baton in a 400 meter relay: once you’re finished running, you get to relax. In reality, many buyers will insist that you stay on for a transition period – anywhere from six months to five years – during which time [...]

A Day on Main Street: Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Posted on July 18, 2012 by barbara.taylor

Unlike some historic Main Street districts — tucked away off the beaten path, waiting for determined travelers to come take a gander — Eureka Springs’ Main Street district is the star of the show, pulling in over 750,000 tourists every year. It seems almost silly to mention that many of the Victorian-era buildings in Eureka Springs are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The entire downtown was put on the Register in 1970. Simply put, Eureka Springs is one, glorious Main Street nirvana.

Is a Knowledge-Based Business Sellable?

Posted on July 12, 2012 by barbara.taylor

To grow a valuable business – one you can sell – you need to set up your company so that it is no longer reliant on you. This can be easier said than done, especially when, like a PR consultant or plumber, what you are selling is your expertise.

The “Boots First” Exit Strategy

Posted on July 3, 2012 by barbara.taylor

Exit planning is all about learning the options for your exit and finding a customized solution that works best for you, your company and your family situation. If working in your business until you cannot work anymore sounds like it is the best strategy for you, then here is how to implement your exit plan.

Using Your 401(k) to Buy a Small Business

Posted on June 18, 2012 by barbara.taylor

Last week’s post at Transaction, my New York Times blog, looked at an increasingly popular way to finance the purchase of a small business: rolling over funds from your 401(k). Business brokers see buyers use this financing alternative all the time yet it is still a relatively little-known option, even within the financial services community.

Four Ways to Protect Your Turf

Posted on June 11, 2012 by barbara.taylor

Big companies lock out their competitors by out-slugging them in capital infrastructure investments, but smaller businesses have to be smarter about how they defend their turf. Here are four ways to deepen and widen the protective moat around your business.