A small business broker can really make a major difference when it comes to buying or selling a business. Much like a real estate agent, a small business broker has insider information that most business owners are not privy to, and he or she can help you negotiate the sale of a business to satisfy both sides of the equation.

Locating the Right Small Business Broker to Start the Purchase Process

There are several ways you can find a small business broker:

• Check with the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). This organization not only lists members who meet certain criteria, but it also offers its own certification and education courses.
• Refuse to work with any professional who asks for more than 15 percent of the total sale.
• The sale of your small business should be kept private to minimize the loss of essential staff during the transition. Be sure your broker is discreet.
• Investigate the broker’s background. Just as you would investigate a broker if he or she were to help you negotiate a lease, knowing the experience of a broker for the sale or purchase of a business is even more important.
• Develop a marketing plan. Buying and selling a business is much like conducting business itself. Make sure your broker has a clear strategy in mind once you move beyond the consultation stage.

For more information on hiring a small business broker, or to learn how to start a business and negotiate a lease, give the consultants at a call.

A new business lease can be for any number of valuable assets for a budding company. This includes real estate, equipment and vehicles. While some larger businesses may find that the outright purchase of some items that experience regular use is economical, many key business items are far more affordable on a lease program.

Advantages of a New Business Lease for Equipment

New business leases are valuable options for both large and small business owners, since company size may sometimes be out of proportion with available capital. Of course, even if a company has plenty of disposable capital, the savings and tax-deductible properties of business leases make them far more logical choices than outright purchases. This is especially true for items with high turnover rates like vehicles and electronics.

Advantages of Negotiating a Business Lease for Real Estate

Real estate values have been fluctuating over the last few years, and many are questioning whether purchasing property (residential or commercial) is as smart of an investment as it was just a few years ago. Because of this, it is often far more beneficial for small business ideas to come to fruition through new leases instead of land purchases. There are often more options if a small business idea turns out to be a failure when the assets are leased instead of owned.

Each business is unique, so you may want to consider contacting the business consultants at for more detailed advice on how to make decisions relating to your business lease and for assistance with negotiating new leases.