Dennis Gerschick Buying A Business Articles Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Buying-a-Franchise-vs-Starting-a-Business.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Buying-a-Franchise-vs-Starting-a-Business.html Buying a Franchise vs. Starting a Business © During economic downturns, many employees get laid off from their jobs. They are then faced with the question of what they do next. They may file for unemployment benefits and look for another job. Others may consider buying a franchise or starting their own business. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of buying a franchise versus starting a business from scratch. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Getting-it-From-Here-to-There.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Getting-it-From-Here-to-There.html Getting it From Here to There "Build a better mouse trap and the world will beat a path to your door" is false! Building a great roduct is NOT enough. Executives need to think through how they will get their great product from their place of business to the ultimate end user. What needs to happen in the process? What are the implications for pricing and marketing the product? This article is intended to spur your own thinking. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Evaluating-Your-Companys-Culture.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Evaluating-Your-Companys-Culture.html Evaluating Your Company's Culture I believe a company's culture is the single most important factor that will determine whether the company is sucessful or not. Business owners and executives should consider what they want their company culture to be and how they can shape it. This article provides many practical tips. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/The-Importance-of-Directors.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/The-Importance-of-Directors.html The Importance of Directors This article focuses on the importance of directors in closely-held companies. It discusses the factors that should be considered in selecting a director. The article explains how effective directors can help the management team. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Avoid-the-Downward-Spiral.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Avoid-the-Downward-Spiral.html Avoid the Downward Spiral © This article explores the reasons why companies get into the "downward spiral." It also notes several reasons why executives and business owners often do not keep up with the numerous changes that affect their business. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Diagnosing-a-Troubled-Company--Part-II.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Diagnosing-a-Troubled-Company--Part-II.html Diagnosing a Troubled Company – Part II © This article is Part II of a series of articles. It suggests a number of criteria to consider in reviewing a company's financial statements. It also addresses why it is important to properly handle a customer's complaint. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Common-Pitfalls-in-Buying-a-Business--Buyer-Overpays.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Common-Pitfalls-in-Buying-a-Business--Buyer-Overpays.html Common Pitfalls in Buying a Business - Buyer Overpays This article explains the reasons why buyers often overpay for a business. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Diagnosing-a-Troubled-Company--Part-I.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Diagnosing-a-Troubled-Company--Part-I.html Diagnosing a Troubled Company Part I Companies get into troubled for a variety of reasons. Just like doctors do check-ups to determine what is wrong with their patient, business owners, executives, and their advisors should examine their business to determine what is ailing it. This article starts to explore how to diagnose a company. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Advising-a-Troubled-Company.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Advising-a-Troubled-Company.html Advising a Troubled Company Many businesses get into trouble and many others go out of business. There are many reasons for this. This article is the first in a series explaining what business owners and executives can and should do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Common-Pitfalls-in-Buying-a-Business--Inadequate-Due-Diligence.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Buying-A-Business/896/Common-Pitfalls-in-Buying-a-Business--Inadequate-Due-Diligence.html Common Pitfalls in Buying a Business – Inadequate Due Diligence © This is the fourth article in a series focusing on the mistakes commonly made by purchasers of businesses. This article will note mistakes buyers often make in their "due diligence."