Invest in Yourself, Buy a Business

It’s part of the American Dream: buying a business. While many of us dream or even casually explore the prospect of running our own business, few people take the leap. So, what takes a buyer from “I wish. . .” to “I will!”? Buying a business is unlike any other venture you’ve undertaken. You aren’t investing in a volatile stock market, gambling on others. You aren’t applying to yet another job where you work for someone else- investing in your coworkers, the economy, and your employer. Your chief investment will mean more than dollars and cents. This time, you’re investing in yourself.

Have a Plan-and Stick to It

Many first-time business owners become overwhelmed with the prospect of buying a business, simply due to the time involved. Buyers are already balancing their time between family, friends, and community involvement- all on top of 40+ hours a week at work. But a lack of time should never be the reason not to pursue your dream of owning a business. Think of how much time you spend watching TV or surfing the internet. If you committed just 1 hour of each day to your business search, you would have almost a full work week every month to dedicate solely to making your dream a reality. Once you’ve decided that you’ll dedicate a specific amount of time each day to your new venture, stick with it. When you invest in yourself, you are your own boss and employee. A good boss wouldn’t retain an employee who might show up for work every day. Take your search seriously, and set goals: “I will find 3 businesses that fit my criteria by March.” “I will meet with a broker in person within the month.” “I will meet with my accountant to discuss my capital resources next week.” “I will be a business owner within 1 year!”

Be Realistic About Your Needs and Resources

Whether you start your business from scratch or choose to use a broker to buy an existing business or franchise, you will need to seriously consider how much capital you are willing to invest. Take a close look at your needs. You will need to look for businesses with cash flows that can accommodate your lifestyle. What can you realistically afford? I suggest calling in the professionals. Without guidance, you may find yourself doing more dreaming than acting. Look at your net worth, financing options, and available resources. How much are you willing and able to invest in yourself? Speak with your accountant, your business broker, and your banker early in your search.

Bring in the Professionals

Admittedly, as a business brokerage firm, Sunbelt Business Brokers has a vested interest in the matter, but using the expertise of professionals can help you navigate the minefield of buying a business. Contact your attorney, your accountant, and yes-your local business broker-and let them know you’re looking to buy a business within the year. They can advise you on the best way to go about your search, and they can also help you to avoid the costly mistake of buying the wrong business for your needs. We highly recommend enlisting the help of a business broker. They can keep you informed when new listings become available, when listing prices or terms change, and can even be hired as advocates on your behalf as you search for the right business.

Get in the Right Mindset

Let’s be honest. Few people become the CEO of their own company by casually surfing the net on a Sunday night. When you invest in yourself, you need to become passionate about the experience. Repeat it to yourself as a mantra: “I will become a business owner this year!” You wouldn’t invest in someone else unless you were sure they were 100% committed. Buying your own business is no exception. It will be a long and involved process. But having the right mindset can be the difference between casual exploration, and holding the keys to your own business.