Author: Sam Goldenberg & Associates

Businesses can face various challenges, and many issues that arise are not always immediately obvious. However, there are common signs to look for when a company is in trouble or headed in that direction. Recognizing these signs early is crucial, as they can help business owners make informed decisions about the future of their business.  Below are some key indicators that a company may be struggling: Lack of Proper Focus One of the most significant issues a business...

Once the deal is sealed and the closing is complete, many business owners might think their job is done. However, ensuring that the transition to the new owner goes smoothly is crucial not only for the business’ continued success, but also for protecting your own ongoing interests.  First and foremost, even after the sale, most sellers have some sort of vested interest in the new entity’s success. This can come in many forms. For instance, if...

In today’s business world, effective communication is paramount, and the telephone remains one of the most essential tools for engaging with clients, prospects, and partners. Automated answering services, voicemail systems, or hold music can significantly impact your company’s image and customer satisfaction. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the telephone is a productive sales tool rather than a hindrance.  The first interaction a caller has with your company is often through a phone call. This brief...

One of the most critical questions for prospective buyers, investors, and lenders is understanding a business’s true income. However, it should come as no surprise that the party most invested in uncovering this information is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Why is determining a business’s real income so difficult? While financial records should provide a clear picture, business owners often engage in practices ranging from minor adjustments to outright fraud in order to minimize reported income...

When it comes to buying or selling a business, we often get asked two common questions: “How many businesses are for sale?” and “What percentage of businesses on the market actually sell?” To get a sense of the market, it’s important to break things down by business category. The industries that make up the majority of small to mid-sized business sales include: manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, business and personal services, and household/miscellaneous services. Together, these...

Entrepreneurs are typically dynamic and driven individuals who play a critical role in driving innovation. However, to succeed, they must leverage their strengths while being mindful of their weaknesses. By understanding both, entrepreneurs can maximize their potential and build more sustainable businesses. Strengths of Entrepreneurs Flexibility and Positive Attitudes Entrepreneurs are highly resilient and maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging situations. These traits help them navigate market shifts, customer needs, and unforeseen obstacles with confidence. Creativity and Willingness...

Many businesses have a product or service that’s performing reasonably well, perhaps even thriving, but doesn’t quite align with the company’s core offerings. It’s often called an “orphaned” product—a good or service that is disconnected from the company’s main focus. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. It’s more common than you might think. In fact, there are many buyers, from individual investors to private equity firms, actively seeking product lines that can...

If your business interacts with customers, it’s inevitable that at some point, you will receive customer complaints or negative feedback. The key to turning these situations into opportunities is how you handle them. Ignoring or dismissing customer complaints can damage your brand’s reputation and customer loyalty. However, addressing these issues effectively can improve your operations, boost customer satisfaction, and even create positive PR for your business. Here’s how to approach customer feedback and complaints in...

Before delving into the specific steps that benefit business owners who are looking to sell quickly, it’s crucial to understand the buyer’s viewpoint. For many buyers, purchasing a business is a once-in-a-lifetime event, often involving significant personal and financial risk. Therefore, sellers must take proactive steps to ensure their business is as appealing and risk-free as possible.  There are three key areas to focus on for a successful exit:  Prioritizing Pre-Diligence Reducing Perceived Risk Engaging the Right Professionals By focusing...

While learning that you have a serious buyer for your business may feel like a cause for celebration, it’s important to hold off on the champagne. The journey from a buyer expressing interest to a finalized sale involves several steps, and your business broker or M&A advisor will play a crucial role in guiding you through the process. Step 1: Preparing the Offer Once a buyer is genuinely interested in your business, your broker will help you...

As a business owner, one of your ongoing priorities should be finding ways to save money. Ultimately, this will boost your bottom line and make your business more attractive to buyers. Let’s take a look at some strategies to run a more efficient and cost-effective business.  1. Consolidate Services for Better Deals There are many clever ways to save money, and some are easier than others. One simple strategy is to consolidate your service providers. By choosing...

Most business owners fret about whether they are asking too much or not enough for their goods or services. This dilemma keeps many prospective sellers up at night. Ask too much, and you may fail to attract enough customers; ask too little, and you’re cutting yourself short. In this article, we’ll examine how to determine if you are charging the right amount for your goods and services. Many business owners begin working with an M&A advisor...

For many business owners, deciding to sell their company is one of the most significant financial decisions they will ever face. This choice not only alters their financial situation but also impacts their lives as a whole. Life after selling a business can be vastly different, so it’s essential for owners to consider what their future might look like post-sale. Sellers must carefully contemplate both the financial and personal implications of selling long before they put...

Business owners are constantly seeking ways to cut costs and boost profits to make their businesses as attractive as possible to buyers. Fortunately, there are many surprisingly simple strategies to save money across various aspects of your business. 1. Embrace Digital Solutions One effective way to save money is by going digital. Just as you should evaluate which tasks can be outsourced or handled in-house, consider which operations can be performed digitally. For example, if you...

  If you, as the seller, want to receive the best price for your business, it’s essential to understand that your adjusted or normalized EBITDA will serve as the foundation for the purchase price. This EBITDA will be used as a multiple to negotiate the final price. Every dollar counts; for example, if your EBITDA is off by $50,000 and the multiple is three, the final acquisition cost of your business is reduced by a significant...