Before Going Into Business...


What You Need To Know

Every year thousands of new businesses are started by optimistic individuals with the spirit. Unfortunately, the failure rate for new ventures is extremely high. If you're planning to be among those starting a new business, take some steps that will increase your chances of being among those who succeed.



• Buying a Business
If you are considering buying an existing business, take time to investigate the business thoroughly. Don't be too eager. Many people feel they should get into the business and then worry about the problems as they develop. An investigation of all the problem areas may indicate that you shouldn't buy that particular business in the first place. Make sure the price is not too high.

Many small businesses are not profitable enough to give an acceptable return on both the buyer's time and money. If the buyer wants $30,000 per year for working 60 or 70 hours per week and wants a 12 percent return on his $100,000 investment, the business must net $42,000. Analyze the past performance of the business you're thinking of buying to be sure it can satisfy your requirements. If you are willing to take a reduced return on your time and money for the sake of self-employment, do so with your eyes open — know the facts. Most buyers don't ask enough questions or require enough financial history to make an informed decision. Any business worth buying should have kept adequate records. The inability or the unwillingness to provide the proper financial information is an indication that the business may be overpriced. The need for professional assistance when buying a business cannot be overemphasized.



• Buying a Franchise
The idea behind franchising is that some entrepreneur develops a successful business and, in order to expand, sells franchises to others who set up new outlets. For a fee, the franchisor allows the franchisee to use the established company name, its secrets, and its method of operation. The franchisee typically pays a lump sum up front and a percentage of gross sales to the franchisor.
Going into a franchised business is similar in many ways to going into any business. To succeed you must be filling a need and have enough capital, the right personnel, and the willingness to work long hours.
A franchise should give you what any business venture should: a reasonable salary for your time plus a fair return on your capital investment.
A franchised business can fail, so it should not be thought of as a risk-free venture. Analyze everything carefully. Get your business and legal advisors involved; have them review agreements and financial data.



• Starting a Business
If you start your own business, improve your chances for success by avoiding these common pitfalls:

Lack of Money: You’ll probably need capital to start your business, plus a cash reserve until your business becomes self-sufficient. Plan your cash needs carefully and realistically, and provide a generous cushion for setbacks and unexpected expenses.

Consider leasing equipment instead of buying. If you must buy, look into used equipment. If your business is going to need a start-up bank loan or other financing, obtain the money before you make any major commitments.

People problems: Make sure that you'll be able to hire and pay for the employees you need, especially if your business requires specialized skills. Evaluate your own business skills honestly and objectively. Do you have both the financial and marketing skills that your business will need, or do you plan to hire someone who does? If you decide to take partners into your business, take a very close look at your potential partners. Partners don't have to be best friends, but they should like one another. Even more important, they should have membership agreement so that each partner can examine in advance the pros and cons of the partnership arrangement. Have your tax advisor and your legal advisor review the agreement before the document is signed. Be sure to line up qualified accounting and legal advisors, as well as any other experts you may need. Good advisors can mean the difference between success and failure, especially in the early days of your business.

Insufficient planning: Research your industry and your competition in depth, and prepare a written business plan covering several years. Write a short mission statement for your company, identify your target market, and state your business plans as specifically as possible.



• Checklist for Starting a Business

1. Write a business plan that includes your business objectives and your strategy for achieving them. Be specific. What are your products or services? How will you market them? What's your geographic market area? How will you distribute your product? What's the competition? What are your expenses? Include a realistic start-up projection for one or more years of income and expenses.

2. Select competent advisors to assist you — a lawyer, banker, accountant, insurance agent, marketing expert, and other professionals that your business may require. Engage advisors who can spot problems before they become serious, act as a sounding board for your ideas, and give personal attention to your business in the early years when you need it most.

3. Choose the best form under which your business should operate - sole proprietor, partnership, regular corporation, S corporation, or limited liability company.

4. Most new businesses need capital. Decide whether the financing should come from lenders or additional owners of the business.

5. Location is a very important factor in a business's success. Decide whether it's best to rent or own your building, and then evaluate different sites.

6. Obtain the necessary permits and licenses for your business. Review any regulations that may apply to your business.

7. Go over any insurance needs with your insurance agent.

8. Your business will have new tax responsibilities such as:

a. payroll taxes for employees
b. worker's compensation
c. unemployment insurance
d. sales taxes
e. property taxes
f. excise taxes
g. business income tax Apply for the necessary federal and state identification numbers, and get information about the taxes that will apply to you.

9. Set up a good recordkeeping system that will give you information you can understand and use in the management of your business.




For details about issues related to buying or starting a business, or assistance with any other business concerns, please do not hesitate to give us a call!