Apparently I don't ramble enough....

A friend and I were talking at the gym the other day and he was laughing at the fact that he checked out my blog and there were so few entries. It's true. Catch me in real life and we can ramble on and on, but finding time to write the blogs is a challenge even though I vowed to improve that this year.

So, as I left that conversation I thought about a blog topic 'du jour' and decided I'm still stuck on the whole 'self fulfilling prophecy' thing. 3 years ago there was news that the economy was definitely teetering on a breakdown. Over and OVER the news talked about recession. I kept yelling to everyone in my empty car - "If you keep saying that, then it will happen", and guess what, it did.

So, I'm here to tell you today that we're now going to create a self fulfilling prophecy to get out of this. Yes you keep hearing that times are hard. Yes you keep hearing that banks won't lend money, Sure gas prices are high, our banking, auto, real estate (I could go on) industries are crying "woe is me", but there's good news. Yes! Good news I said. It's got a caveat of conservatism in it, but... take it when you can get it.... http://sbne.ws/r/4oie Small Businesses are reporting improving economic conditions. Can I get an 'AMEN' brotha?

Believe that it's getting better and it will. Relax, it will all work out. My business has suffered through the worst of this economy - after all, who wants to buy a business when our economy is in the midst of the Great Recession? Well I say NOW is a perfect time to change our attitudes and make it happen, and now is the time to buy a business. Banks are loosening up, Value Multiples are down, Sellers are motivated, AND small businesses are reporting improving economic conditions. AMEN Brotha!

Business Resiliency

So yesterday I got the year end numbers for one of my clients. I've had the listing for a little while, but the seller is happy with my work thus far and the prospective buyers that I've brought to the table. For differing reasons we've yet to complete the transaction, but let me be clear - this is not a failing business. It's established (almost 20 years), very profitable, and very resilient, which is what got me thinking about blogging on it a little. For confidentiality reasons I have to be a little vague, but read on.

So, here you have this service business that operates in a zone that has been closely tied to commercial and residential construction and provides a service that can easily be seen as a luxury. What do you think of with this economy when I say construction and luxury? Yeah, you're right, the odds are against this business' survival. Earlier this year, the numbers were GRIM and it's hard to sell a business when their numbers look grim, to say the least.

In the face of this however, the owner didn't panic, didn't offer a fire sale, didn't say "aw, the hell with it, I'm just going to close up shop. He gave some thought to what other work he could do and what other services he could provide with the equipment he already owned and with the expertise his employees already had. He stayed focused on diversifying his service offerings and turning over all kinds of rocks to look for clients to sell to. Have you ever heard the expression "stick-to-it-iveness"? He has it.

So the result: he had a blowout 2nd half of the year. 3rd and 4th quarter sales were up versus the prior year, cash flow was right in line with prior years, he's put contracts in place for multiple years forward, guaranteeing future revenue streams, and overall he's put this business in a much better place than it was a year ago, all during the crappiest economy our generation has ever seen. When the economy rebounds, the business will be poised to take advantage. That's Business Resiliency, and that makes for a great business for someone to acquire and grow! Know anyone? Let me know.

Now's the Time

A New Year, now's the time to make this blogging thing more of a habit.

Now's the time to take on new habits that will improve business. It's the time to say 'adios', 'farewell', 'bon soir', and a general HEARTY 'Good Bye' to what has been for MANY a tough year! So Now's the time to say 'Hey' to practical changes, improvements, enhancements. Now's the time to post a new blog, update my website, generate new business, grab some new clients and continue to solidify my place in the business brokerage community.

For anyone reading this - spread the good word: Now's the time to buy a business. It is entirely a buyer's market and there's a lot of good news to keep in mind as you're considering an acquisition. It's like the perfect storm of events (but in a good way):

• Seller's are motivated and many of them have ridden out the storm, trimming expenses, diversifying their revenue base and keeping their business on solid footing. There are MANY good strong and still very profitable businesses available for acquisition and they've done well even in this economy.
• Multiples are down - you get more for your money.
  
• Seller's are willing to provide creative financing. More than ever, motivated sellers understand that it's just what they have to do to prove that they stand by the strength of their business.
• Banks are starting to get hungry again. They pulled back hard over the last couple years and are ready to get back in the game
• The Senate has agreed to extend the SBA Recovery Act Funding. Read here for more details, but suffice it to say this is very good news: http://www.webcpa.com/news/Senate-Extends-SBA-Recovery-Act-Funding-52779-1.html
  
• Economic indicators are pointing to an upturn in the economy. It won't be a boom recovery, but a nice steady climb back to solid ground. Businesses that have remained successful in the last few years are perfectly positioned to capitalize and come out of this smelling like a rose.

Have you or someone you know been thinking of acquiring? Now's the Time.

Phew, almost 2 months since the last post. I wonder how I'll be able to make blogging a more regular part of my daily activities. Especially since I recently started my new responsibilities as the VP of Finance for an Insurance Agency with office across Maine and NH. I'm 3/5ths VP for this company and 3/5ths President of a Business Brokerage Company, and 1/5th board member for Scarborough Community Chamber and the Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE - www.consultexpertise.com)

So wait you say I'm not a mathematician (or maybe you are), but that doesn't add up. You're right. And that's why my son asked me the other day "Dad, how come you never sit in the living room any more without your laptop". Thus the math resulting in 7/5ths.

So without a doubt, this new VP role is a blessing - one of epic proportions since business brokerage has been tough with the current economy and even more so because since my wife lost her job last week. Augh. And did I mention to you that it hasn't stopped raining since before I can even remember? Oh, no - of course I didn't tell you that yet, I haven't blogged in nearly 2 months, so you missed all the rain (but my lawn, which is up to my knees, has not missed the rain but has apparently enjoyed it)

Now of course that brings us back around to the time spread - do I have time to add another 5th for blogging? (that would make 8/5ths now in case you're the non-mathematician in the crowd) The Social Media experts say I have to, so here's to hoping for more frequent updates - and accordingly even more time with my laptop in its new found place when I'm in the living room. Don't worry Noah, we'll settle into the new routine and find some extra fifths of time.

So I'm in a session at this month's Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) www.consultexpertise.com and we're learning more about social media. Our speaker thinks that Blogging is critical and is essential. So allright, I've done Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, a website for my business, but have let the blog go (until now). Who the heck has time? I've got 3 kids, 2 pets, a wife who works, a house to clean, baths to give, dinners to make, lawns to rake, and on and on. When will I find time for this? I DON'T KNOW! But I guess it's time to get on board. This is marketing, we are publishers, it's a discussion, get engaged, it has to be part of your marketing arsenal. Ok, here I am, thanks to Lynnelle (www.boldvisionconsulting.com)

Going forward, I'll blog about topics related to Business Brokerage, how to improve the appeal of a business you want to sell, how to critically evaluate a business you're considering acquiring, and most any topic in between. That means you'll also be hearing ramblings about my family and other things going on in my life. I'll try to keep it infomative and light, and hopefully even funny. Follow me and see how it turns out (an speaking of following - @mlparadis on twitter)