If you've ever started your own business and bootstrapped it, then you can can probably relate to this post.
Question: Why do most small business startups fail?
Answer:
5. The owner runs out of money
4. The owner's friends run out of money
3. The owner's spouse and children run out of money
2. The owner's employees run out of money
and the Number One reason why small business start-ups fail....
1. The owner runs out of family, friends and employees

Can you relate??? Hopefully, this gave you a reason to laugh out loud today.

The price of gas.  The insincere client.  The tightness of money.  Doom and gloom at every turn.  Ugh!  When I first became serious about a transition to Florida, I began to fly from Philadelphia to Brevard every other weekend.  Everywhere I went I met the most gregarious, affluent people.  I was absolutely sold on Brevard County Florida each and every time I landed here. 

Here's the kick in the gut!  Most of the smiling faces and good times were attached to REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATES!!  I was introduced to dozens of great people.  I was invited to dinners and parties (do any do that anymore?)  I was sold on the people not the place.  At some later point in time, I fell in love with the beaches, the quaintness, the weather, the convenience, the family feel of Brevard. 

I moved my residence permanently to Brevard (Melbourne) in 2006.  I actually went to real estate "school" for reasons other than selling houses.  However, I rationalized that "at least I'll be with a good crowd".  From my view, Brevard real estate agents were Professionals.  They could hang with Dr's, lawyers, engineers, or mechanics and construction workers.  They were optimistic, driven, intellectual, and, DAMMIT, a boatload of fun!! (Ever shoot a game of pool with a couple of realtors?) 

I still think my realtor friends are awesome.  They just don't fit the adjectives used above anymore.  I was involved in the real estate market in the greater Philadelphia area in the mid to late 90's.  The market had drastically appreciated, then leveled off at break neck speed.  The big issue was not whether homes could be sold.  In my neck of the woods, there were 4 realtors for every buyer.  There were the big names and the newbies.  It was a competitive market.  Looking back, I can say that it was the agents that stepped up their game that pulled through the tough times.

I was telling someone just this afternoon, "I could spend 10hrs/day, 6 days/week working my contacts and networking opportunities and still not reach everyone on my list."

 We live in the Digital Age.  I have a website with the slogan "Global Partner".  Never before have agents had at their fingertips what exists today.  I was sold on Brevard County 2 years ago by several of really great people, a couple of which also happened to be realtors.  I'm excited about 2008. I am working with 8 buyers and have more listing appointments than I can get to.  I miss those fun people that introduced me to Brevard.  If you're not having fun in this market, get in touch.  I could use some help.

Are there any real estate agents or brokers left out there that still are not short sale experts?  In this market?  Where can you go to learn the "ins and outs" of short sales and foreclosures?  Educate yourselves.  Arm yourselves.  If homeowners can't ask us these questions, whom will they ask?  The banks?  The profession has changed.  We are licensed to assist buyer and seller.  I run into so many so called professionals that don't know their way around these issues.  One real estate investor told me recently, "If I wasn't doing short sales deasl right now I wouldn't be doin deals...PERIOD!" 

I work with a gentleman that is a nationally known expert in short sales.  That's all he does.    Get in touch with me if you want to:

·          Learn the ugly truth about the foreclosure process that
even the banks don't want you to know about.

·          How to use the legal process to postpone foreclosure sales
that will instantly put multiple deals on the table for you.

·          7 sure-fire ways to ensure you get the discount you
deserve.

.          Know the 6 things required to get your short sale
approved?                                                                                                                                                 learn the most common mistakes investors make and
how exactly to avoid them.

.          learn why the BPO is where the money is made on
every short sale deal.

.          learn the most highly effective ways of postponing
a sale so you have all the time in the world to get your deal
done...Guaranteed!

It's time to educate yourself and step up your game!  Your clients will thank you for it.

The Executive Summary is one of the most important components of your business plan. Apart from the cover page and table of contents, it is the first thing the investor sees and reads: it is here that you must attract the attention of the Investor. The Executive summary should briefly describe the nature of the business, its products and/or services, the people behind the business and their unique qualifications, and the requirement (i.e. Business Finance). The executive summary should emphasize the financial upside, while requiring the investor to look into the plan for the details. A professional Business Plan Writer can target the Executive Summary to create interest in your business, and together with assistance from your Accountant or CPA will be able to highlight your strengths, and to emphasize your grasp of the marketplace and your special place in it, with a view to making a presentation to a Business Broker who can assist you in obtaining the Business Finance that you require or marketing your business for sale.

While poor management is most frequently the main reason businesses fail, inadequate business financing is a close second. Whether you're starting a business or expanding one, sufficient working capital is essential. It is not enough to simply have sufficient financing in the form of a small business loan; knowledge and planning are required too. The most helpful relationship would be with a small business accountant and a business advisor; these relationships ensure that entrepreneurs avoid the common mistakes of securing the wrong type of small business loans, miscalculating the amount required, or underestimating the cost of borrowing money.

I can assist you in acquiring the right financing.

Making the decision to sell your business is the easy part, to go about selling it is another problem altogether, which is exactly why a Business Broker can prove invaluable. The important aspects include setting a price for the sale, advertising, negotiating with a buyer, and compiling all of the legal and financial details that need to be addressed and placed in order to make the sale a smooth professional transition. Your CPA needs to be advised so that accounting for the financial activities of the business can be presented to the buyer. Business Brokers and your CPA deal with these issues frequently, therefore it is advisable to let the experts move in to help you; this might incur costs but will be beneficial to you in the long term.

 Discretion is the key.Your Business Broker should be able to promote your business for sale without employees, customers or competitors knowing that it is for sale. This is important to ensure the smooth transition of the business during the selling process.

Call me for a free business valuation. 321-693-1429