Tag: broker

sell your small business

How To Sell A Small Business Without A Broker

Once you’re ready to sell your small business, hiring a business broker tops your list. An article from this perfectly defines the role of business brokers that is to act as “intermediaries between buyers and sellers of a business”. They are the equivalent of real estate brokers or agents who sell properties on behalf of property owners.Business brokers manage everything necessary to sell your small business, from planning to marketing to closing the deal. Some even assist during the transition process. Considering such an enormous task, enlisting a broker may seem the easiest and most convenient thing to do. However, their service comes with an outrageous fee, usually around 10% commission from the sale. This is certainly a huge cut from your profits.If you want to retain the full profit from the sale, you can opt to sell your small business sans middlemen. This is an excellent choice especially if you have previous experience selling a business, you know of prospective buyers, or you’re not in a hurry to sell-off. However, when you decide to sell your business on your own, you have to be ready for a tedious legwork.So, how do you go about the sale? Know your reason for selling the small business According to a business broker, the first thing that a buyer would want to know is why a business is being sold. For a business to attract a potential buyer, you need to have a good reason.Some of the common reasons are retirement, sudden changes in personal circumstances, illness or death, boredom, partnership disputes, and burnout. Prospective buyers find these as ‘attractive’ reasons to buy a business.It may be harder to sell a business if you tell the buyer that you’re selling the business due to its sorry financial state, persistent losses, lack of manpower, and changing market conditions and trends.Make your business easily marketable by timing your sale properly. Show positive attributes to make it more marketable such as a strong customer base, increased profitability, consistent good financials, well-defined business processes, and a good contract. Plan your sale Prepare your business at least two years ahead of the sale, especially if you won’t enlist a broker. Have an ample amount of time to improve your client base, business structure, and financial records. This will help improve the value of your business and make it more attractive to buyers. This should also help ease the transition process. Get your business appraised Once you’re ready to sell, you need to decide on the worth of your business. It is best to work with a professional business appraiser to get a proper valuation. Often, business owners become illogical when it comes to evaluating their own business. Some price is too low in an attempt to make it more marketable but end up losing on potential profit. Others price it too high hence making it unattractive to potential buyers.A business appraiser will evaluate your business to determine its worth. He then prepares a detailed explanation to give credibility to the proposed price. Prepare all documentsGive time in preparing the design or sales package for your business. This document represents your business in the best possible light to potential buyers. It should include financial, operational and marketing information. If you are not comfortable with your communication skills, you can enlist the help of professional business writers.Financial documents are an important part of the sale process. Gather your books of account, financial statements, and tax returns for the past four years. Review these documents with an accountant. In addition, develop a list of assets that are being sold along with the business. Include other necessary documents such as lease agreements, supplier contracts, and contact lists.Prepare an information packet or operating manual that provides an overview of your business processes. In addition, you want to add photographs of your business, testimonials, case studies, and customer profiles. Highlight accomplishments and milestones to make it more marketable and command better-asking price. Prepare your business on-site Alongside the documentary preparations, you should also make your business site presentable. Check your physical store, production site, warehouse, and other related locations. You might need to have some areas repainted or redeveloped. Check if equipment or machinery needs to be replaced or fixed before the sale. Investing in such developments can help improve the asking price.It might sound cliché but first impressions last. An unkempt and dilapidated business site might turn off a potential buyer. It pays to invest in your physical asset as soon as you decide to sell on your own. Look for a buyer to sell your small business Finding a buyer is difficult, but it becomes doubly challenging if you don’t have a business broker. Unless you have a ready buyer, it may take several months to years before you can find the right buyer.The advantage of hiring a business broker is that they have wide networks and established marketing methods. If you are working solo, you will need to compensate for these services. There are listing sites dedicated to businesses-on-sale. You only need to pay a one-time fee and your business becomes available to potential buyers.You can also tap your networks. Perhaps, a friend or an acquaintance (or someone they know) is planning to buy a business. You can check your local business clubs or chambers. Visit online forums and social networks. Don’t limit your advertising methods. Final Thoughts As you can see, if you sell your small business without a broker is possible. It can even be advantageous if you play an active role in the sales and negotiation process. Quite obviously, business owners are more passionate to sell their business to the right buyers. Of course, you just have to remain rational and avoid getting your emotions to affect your decisions.As a final caution, if you have no experience selling and buying a business, you should consider working with a business broker or someone who has experience in this field. Better yet, you can check with your local chamber of commerce for assistance and counseling.Read Also:How to Boost Traffic to your Small Business Cost Effective Custom Mobile Accessories Packaging for your Small Business How To Empower Your Small Business through Digital Marketing? 4 Simple And Cheap Methods To Attract More Customers For Your Small Business

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Mortgage Broker

Work with a Local Mortgage Broker Company for Your Vancouver Mortgage

Real estate investing is one of the best and safest investments that any of us can make. Whether you are planning to provide housing for ourselves, or want it to be a source of income, buying a property is undoubtedly a big step. Many people observe hiring a mortgage broker as something casual. The expense of working with a mortgage broker is irrelevant in terms of how fast and efficiently the work will be done.The best way to get a roof over your head is to pay in cash, the whole amount at a time. Of course, for most of us, this is mission impossible (unless you are a lottery winner or rich heir). An average employee would probably need years of savings to decide on such a step. That is why another, equally good and affordable option was created - taking a mortgage. Check this page to see some good and bad sides of getting a mortgage.If you decide on this step, you will certainly need help. The mortgage-lending process is not straightforward. However, it can be quite confusing for people who do not understand legal and financial affairs. That is why it is best to hire a proven mediator who has the necessary knowledge, experience, and information. Mortgage Broker Tasks When you apply for a loan, you ask for money from mortgage lenders. These can be banks, credit unions, and even individuals involved in this financial business. A broker is there for you, to guide you to the lender that offers the best deal, according to your requirements and capabilities.Individuals and agencies can perform mortgage broker tasks. They work closely with lenders and are familiar with their current offerings. At any moment, they know where the interest rates are lower, who gives the more extended grace period, and so on. The point is to find a product set that offers a monthly rate that won't put too much strain on the borrower's budget.One more strenuous task that brokers will do for you is dealing with paperwork. Applying for and obtaining a loan can sometimes be complicated. Someone who knows what documents you need and how to gather and prepare them can be very helpful. Benefits of Hiring Local Mortgage Broker As every intermediary, mortgage brokers work on commission they previously agreed with lenders. But they certainly want their clients to be satisfied. Hiring a broker may not save you money, but it will bring you savings in other segments. For example, you will not waste time gathering documentation, compiling reports, and filling applications. They already did all these many times, so everything can be done sooner than you think.With the authorization you give your broker, they will try to finish the job within deadlines. Of course, you will be there to monitor the entire procedure, to read everything they did, and to underwrite whatever it takes. But you don’t have to deal with forms and legal terms. That can save you a lot of nerves and energy.Brokers have an insight into government-funded special home loan programs. It is an excellent way of getting a loan to solve housing issues, especially for groups of clients who may have difficulty applying for a mortgage - young people with short employment history, the disabled, people with low credit ratings, etc. Hiring a Broker vs. Going Directly to LenderMany people observe hiring a mortgage broker as something unnecessary. They find it a significant expense for something they can do on their own. And that is perfectly fine if they are aware of the fact that, in addition to the lender, they have to deal with realtors, lawyers, underwriters, and various institutions where the necessary documentation is obtained.In the whole process of applying for a loan, you are likely to focus on a few offers that seem acceptable. You will go directly to the bank, which will present their products, with some variations, perhaps. Maybe you’ll have luck, and find a suitable offer for the first time.Experts from a Vancouver mortgage company suggest that can be a trap for those who are in a hurry to buy a property. As they don’t have time to shop around, they will usually opt for the first offer. In most cases, it won’t be the most favorable one.Brokers have an insight into a much wider selection of mortgage offers by a large number of companies and individual lenders. The benefit of this collaboration is precisely the access to more options, from which you can choose the best one or the one that gives you the best conditionsThe process of applying for a loan can be quite stressful. Having someone from that branch to help you with knowledge and experience is always a good idea. The cost of working with a mortgage broker is insignificant in terms of how quickly and efficiently the work will be done.Read Also:Finding the Best Mortgage Lenders to Buy Your Dream House 7 Expert Tips In Finding The Best Mortgage Broker In Vancouver Business potential of stockbroking agencies in India

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insurance broker

The Top Benefits of Using an Insurance Broker

Investing in insurance, whether for your home, vehicle, family, or business is the best decision you can make. However, the process requires in-depth skills and expertise to help you navigate through the many choices and select the ideal coverage. You also have to choose a good insurance provider to meet your needs. The insurance broker deals with a range of services and products, and you can trust that they will recommend to you the policy that suits your needs best.Navigating through the requirements can prove to be super daunting, and this is where insurance brokers come in to take the stress off your shoulders. Some individuals prefer obtaining the coverage direct from the insurance provider, as they feel that using an insurance broker is an extra expense that they would instead do away with. However, that is only because they fail to look at the bigger picture to realize the numerous benefits that come with using an insurance agent. If you are still skeptical about the idea, Here are the top benefits to expect from using an insurance broker: The broker is experienced As mentioned, navigating through insurance requirements requires skills and expertise to help you land the best provider and coverage that will meet your needs. The little you know about insurance is not enough to guide you through the process. Luckily, the brokers have been doing this for the longest time and understand precisely what needs to be done to get you the best insurance deals. The insurance brokers deal with a range of services and products, and you can trust that they will recommend to you the policy that suits your needs best. They have dealt with clients with similar needs as yours, and they can successfully guide you through the stressful claim process. With the right broker, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will get personalized support and that you are protected at all times. Save your time The insurance broker is more like your representative. You can leave everything to the expert all from documents and attending any meetings until you get the best coverage to meet your needs. With this, you will have more time to do what you are good at around your home or office. Quality coverage is a guaranteeThe other reason for using a broker rather than going direct to the insurance company is that the brokers have more exposure than you do. They understand the market better and are aware of which insurance companies to trust and which ones to stay away from. They are also great bargainers and will ensure that you get the best coverage at a reasonable price. The brokers are well-trained to handle all insurance aspects. They can quickly evaluate your needs to determine the kind of coverage that you need. Also, the fact that they have more exposure than you do helps them in making comparison shopping to ensure that you get nothing but the best. Saves your money You are probably wondering how using a broker will help you save money while you will be paying for the services. For starters, the brokers will help you save time, and you can focus on working instead. Also, there will be minimal to no mistakes made, thus no losses.The benefits of using brokers for your insurance needs are endless, and these are just a few of what to expect. You should, however, take your time and look for a reputable and reliable broker to enjoy the benefits.Read Also:How Private Hire Insurance Takes You Out from Problems? Learning How to Choose the Best Merchant Account for Your Burgeoning Insurance Company

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sub-broker

How to become a sub-broker?

To become a reputed and successful entrepreneur, it takes hard work. In India, the opportunities for launching new businesses are umpteen, but the competition is fierce. There is no magic mantra that can help one company find success within record time. It requires dedication, perseverance, and knowledge. Sub-brokers are entrepreneurs with immense potential for making a profit. They are not trading members of stock exchanges, but they can act on the behalf of one. They can also assist business owners and new investors to buy or sell securities through registered trade members.The opportunities of a sub-broker business are plenty. If you have a fair idea of the share market and its products, it is going to be a rewarding business for you. In fact, it is a rewarding profession for novices as well. Anyone with the aptitude for share trading and the will to learn about the share market should be able to master the necessary skills of a sub-broker. What are the necessary qualifications of a sub-broker? The qualifying criteria remain more or less constant across the country for sub-brokers. Here’s a list of the edibility requirement for joining the elites –The person should have a graduate degree. Any subject should do, but the aptitude for share trading is a must. The applicant should have passed their 10+2 examinations at the least. They should know about the financial markets of the country. They should either have the qualification that gives them the knowledge of it or previous experience that gives them the insight of the share markets. He or she should also be able to manage basic financial transactions.They should have the latest information on the economic, socioeconomic, political and environmental scenario in the country. That is because every change in the scenario impacts the share market.They should know how to operate computers. The applicant must also be able to learn specific trading and monitoring software necessary for the process. Nothing can replace good communication skill for sub-brokers. They should be able to convince and comfort their clients during and after investment. It is a highly competitive niche and reliable skills of communication can give you an edge over your competitors. They should be good at management. You must remember that every business is about great management. Nothing can take the place of management when it boils down to man, market, and money.The aspiring sub-broker should clear the basic NISM modules on mutual funds, equities, F&O, and commodities. These regulations ensure that all sub-broking work should follow the completion of these modules.How to find a stockbroker to work with? Next, it is time for the sub-broker to find a broker as a partner. It is the most crucial step towards setting up the sub-broking business and you need to keep a few things in mind before you go down this path – i. Pick a good broker Finding a good stockbroker does not mean looking for one with a lucrative office or higher profit share. The broker you should look for should be reputed in the market, should be trustworthy and active. Make a list of the priority values you want to see in your stockbroker. Consult with your friends, family and fellow sub-brokers during the selection process. Check the broker’s profile before you go into business with him or her. ii. You should be ready for the full-time commitment Being a sub-broker is not a part-time hobby. It is a business and a full-time commitment. You will almost never be off the clock. Even when you will be away from your desk, you will be receiving updates on your mobile phones. Staying connected 24/7/365 will ensure that you will always be ready when a big business opportunity knocks on your door. iii. You need to be more than the average sub-broker Clients expect a lot more than the usual assistance and dealing. It is a competitive market, and you need to cater to your clients’ needs for market advice, investment aide, and product selection. Every client now deals in multiple products like mutual funds, currency, equities, and securities. It has become the responsibility of the sub-broker to advise them on the selection of products to avail the best investment opportunity at the time. What are the finishing touches of becoming a fine sub-broker? Get your own client database Becoming a good sub-broker takes a lot of practice and time. It is important to have databases of people, who are likely to become your clients soon. It is possibly the only profession where cold calls are still valuable and useful. The first stage of the database may consist of your family, friends, ex-colleagues and social media contacts only, but you need to start working on that data. You will have to go through multiple rounds of meetings with your clients, explain the prospects, your business USP and their chances of making profits in the long run. Build your network Finding a reliable sub-broker is a challenge for many regular share market clients. You need to fill that gap and become the sub-broker they can trust. So, do not push sales from the first round of calling and meeting. Ask for references once you establish a relationship with the client. Attend networking meetings. They might be a tad bit cliché, but they are always effective in getting new leads for the new sub-broker. Yes, you should expect to find them the moment you step in. It will take some time for others to warm up to you and for you to notice the new opportunities in the market. Keep yourself updated Lastly, no great sub-broker can remain great without regular brush-up of their market knowledge. So, go ahead, install some of the best market update applications, follow rewarding share trading blogs and follow the news on the changes in the financial policies of the country that can affect the market. To offer your clients a little more than the next sub-broker is offering, stay updated with the international market news as well. The ups and downs of the global market always influence the prices in the Indian share market.Read Also :How To Choose The Best Broker For You How Real Estate Factors Into Business Decisions

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