Table of Contents
from the Fortt Business Guide & Real Estate Tutorial
a Guide to Buying Real Estate and Businesses

Copyrighted ©1998 fortt Business Guide plus all updates to year 2010

Please Note: 

The Fortt Business Guide & Real Estate Tutorial contains a wealth of valuable, difficult to find information about buying, selling and operating a business that would take years for you to discover on your own; information that you always wanted to know more about but few would ever share with you and/or you were hesitant to inquire of.  Now you will have your own in-house reference library of business and real estate transfer (Buying, Selling, Leasing) of ownership information for your handy reference.

In addition, I have created or acquired numerous formats over the past 40 years to help me accomplish my objectives as a Business, Real Estate & Commercial loan Broker, formats that I am now sharing with you along with completed tried & proven (completed) samples for easy reference. These Fortt Business Guide & Real Estate Tutorial business and real estate formats (or modified formats from other various sources, i.e., attorneys, accountants, Escrow, etc.) have been created, tried & proven during my past decades of selling, leasing & financing businesses and buildings.  Even so, not any form will satisfy all needs for all people and that is why you can easily modify them for your specific needs because of being formatted in Word or Excel.

Interestingly enough the price of these 1,120 +++ files of great ideas and formats contained in the Fortt Business Guide & Real Estate Tutorial is about what you would pay for just 2 or 3 forms from a Legal Form Company.   Recently, a business owner friend of mine informed me that just last year he spent $400.00 for a 15 page business plan for his brew pub, a business plan that he had to rework to satisfy his needs.  The Fortt Business Guide has many, many files pertaining to creating business plans, how to write one and how NOT to write one.  Of course, there are also hundreds and hundreds of additional files (as you will see) that pertain to almost every facet of acquiring or selling a business and/or a commercial building.  Granted, many of these files may have no value to your particular needs, yet surely you will find a multitude of them that could be invaluable............and it takes just one good idea to save your financial future.

In addition there are a multitude of Links that will lead you to numerous fascinating & helpful "outside" Websites that should help you.  Well, just spend a few minutes scrolling through the files listed below to see for yourself what is being offered - a 12 year project for me to bring these to you..  

You will also discover how to finance a business or real estate acquisition because I have created separate files in the Real Estate & Business Information folders entitled “Financing Choices - (for) Business, and Financing Choices (for) Real Estate, which you can print off for a review before you create your Purchase & Sale Agreement.  Some of these concepts could convert a weak financial buyer into a strong one thanks to leveraging and financing techniques that I have developed over the years.

The Fortt Business Guide also provides you with a Sample Document Folder that hosts all kinds of signed off forms, Purchase & Sale Agreements, Addendums, Leases, Fee Agreements that you may use for reference purposes as you prepare your own Purchase & Sale Agreement and  other documents.  The values contained in the Sample Documents Folder may be small to medium but the “mechanics” of most transactions remain basically the same, bearing in mind of course the importance of correctly creating meaningful and effective documentation is of paramount importance for any size transaction..  In addition, I have a Legal Form file that contains Links to major legal form companies that should satisfy your extraordinary needs.  

You can now search for a word or topic in this Table of Contents folder by utilizing the Word search function via the Edit tab on the upper menu bar  which should serve quite well as your Index. to locate topics of interest. 

Obviously these listed titles below are not Hyperlinked to the actual program files but  of course will be linked on CD.

Enough said!

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                                          (1,120+ files on CD as of January  2010)

                                  Here are some the files contained in the.......................    

          Fortt Business Guide & Real Estate Tutorial Library:

(A)            Introduction

(B)            Table of Contents (1,120 ++ files posted)

(C)            Purchase & Sale Agreements; instructions for...

(D)            Business Purchase & Sale Agreement & Exhibits (13 files) 

(E)            Business Forms (88 files)

(F)             Business Information  (A zillion great ideas are contained  in these 660 files)

(G)           Sample Documents – (42 files)

(H)            Real Estate Purchase & Sale Agreement & Exhibits (12 files)

(I)                Real Estate Forms (81 files)

(J)             Real Estate Information (Much outstanding information -134 files)

(K)            Brokers, Business & Real  Estate (90 files)

(L)             Moving to the Seattle?

(M)           Moving to Washington or Oregon?

(N)            Your suggestions

Note:  Your formats will become much stronger & more creative after you read the Business & Real Estate Information files.......and these are the folders that you should first review..

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Hello Sellers!  At last, a long overdue new “twist” to Business Brokerage:

                    (Sellers, now investigate your Buyers)

Recently I thought to myself how unfair it is for a Buyer to demand of Sellers that they disclose almost everything about the business while most Sellers will demand very little from the Buyer outside a financial statement & perhaps a credit report.  My good ol’ boy buddy owns a legal investigation company, i.e., C & C Legal Investigations, one that conducts private investigations of individuals and companies.  This firm is located next to my office building.  For a $125.00 (+/-) fee, L & L Legal Investigations will conduct a basic investigation of your prospective buyer without this person’s knowledge, i.e., the person who may owe you hundreds of thousands of dollars or more after the closing of your business Escrow.  What type of person will be buying your business?  Now you will have NO excuse for not discovering who will be your borrower prior to signing the final closing papers.  Check out Legal Investigations in the Business Information folder.

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If you treat your business ever day like you’re going out of business for one reason or the other, your business will indeed succeed!

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(A)      Introduction folder -

       (1) Introduction.doc (file) - As the name implies this is an introduction to my background as a Business Broker as well as stating the reasons as to why I wrote this program.  This file also presents some ideas regarding how to structure a business to sell, i.e., value allocations, stock vs. asset sale, etc., Buyer considerations as well as those of the Seller's.

(B)   Table of Contents folder - You're here!

(C)   Purchase & Sale Agreement; instructions for preparing  (Purchase & Sale Agreement Instruction folder.)

Purchase & Sales Agreement; instructions for.doc (file)- Explains to you the various Purchase & Sale Agreements & Exhibits, how and when to use them.

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A business entity Purchase & Sale Agreement that is properly drafted, along with its supporting Exhibits, is like an electric fence because it makes a “good neighbor.” That is, all pertinent parties will understand the boundaries of the transaction, what to expect after a closing for a properly prepared Purchase & Sale Agreement along with its Exhibits leaves no issues open to dispute or misinterpretation after the closing of Escrow.

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Quoted by Robert H---- of Austin, Texas, a Fortt Business Guide purchaser from a few years ago who has since become my dear good ol’ boy Texas buddy, a very special man (and friend)!  In fact, I flew to Texas to help him acquire a chain of stores; that is, until we discovered all the problems associated with that business, mainly because the Seller suffered from a severe case of amnesia about earnings, assets and everything else, as many Sellers do.    When Bob purchased one of my first programs he photo copied and edited the 1,000 pages of text & formats contained in 236 (+/-) files then returned these edited pages to me that were full of his suggestions and corrections to me via Fed-X.  My current program has 1,120 (+/-) files & 5,000 (+/-) of far better information.

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A note regarding the business & real estate forms contained herein these folders.

Let me add that a good business and/or real estate broker can be a terrific asset when it comes to acquiring or selling a business or building for umpteen dozen reasons.  However, most commercial real estate agents & brokers (and especially house agents) do not have an inkling of the mechanics involved with transferring the ownership of a business entity sales whereas a knowledgeable business broker also understands both fee simple and leasehold real estate just because the building or space is obviously an intrical part of the business ownership transfer process.

These forms and other files containing great ideas will enable you to save thousands of dollars in brokerage fees; that is, if you cannot locate a business broker whose knowledge & experience you can trust.  The other advantage of creating your own Purchase & Sale Agreement, of course, is that you will learn a whole lot more about the business per se just because of performing your due diligence.  Lastly, if you are utilizing the services of a competent business broker then compare his Purchase & Sale Agreement with the content herein to see if he is leaving anything out of the transaction that could adversely affect your interests.  There still are brokers who want to write up their transactions on the backside of an envelope – or use pre-printed, i.e., “canned,” Agreements that leaves a GREAT DEAL TO BE DESIRED!  Furthermore, there are a few brokers and many agents, mostly real estate, who either do not know what they are doing and/or are only concerned about placing a commission in their pockets.

Also, by reviewing your Fortt Business Guide library you will become a much more informed Buyer or Seller, either monitoring the steps your broker or attorney is taking and/or reviewing the final product before your make the big commitment.

Lastly, if you were to buy just one form from a legal forms company it will cost you a minimum of $35.00 and up.  Granted, you may not find the exact form(s) herein that will satisfy your specific needs albeit the form is in Word format so you can modify them to your satisfaction.  And I have also provided you with Links to these legal forms companies.

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(D) Business Purchase & Sales Agreement folder. 

This is the "heart & soul" of The Fortt Business Guide to Buying or Selling a Business because from this Agreement the Escrow Company will prepare your Sales Contract.  Take the time to learn this Agreement. The Buyer will be conducting his/her own “due diligence” thereby discovering all facets of the business operation @ a savings of $150.00 to $300.00 per hour by not paying an attorney/accountant to do this.  And the Buyer and Seller will each save an additional $2,000.00 to $3,000.00 by preparing their own documents.  Of course at some point you should bring on board a good business attorney to review your creation.  By then you will have hopefully become an informed Buyer or Seller so that you can accept, reject of modify the advice given to you.  Also read my files about attorneys and accountants in the Business Information Folder, with all due respect to those professionals.  I have also presented to you a number of financing scenarios in the business (and real estate) Purchase & Sale Agreements that should help you buy or sell most any small to medium sized business and/or building.

   PSA = Purchase & Sale Agreement (aka Definitive Purchase Agreement) & Exhibits – (13 files)

(1)   Biz PSA-1.doc (file) - Purchase & Sale Agreement – Business Entity with notes.

This file is the same Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) as the following one other than it is filled with BROKER NOTES that explain or clarify most of the clauses that are not self-explanatory.  This PSA file is for reference purposes only - should be printed for convenient reference when needed.

PSA Consists of:  Receipt of Earnest Money, defining Purchaser & Seller, description of business & real estate, multiple financing choices, miscellaneous provisions agreed to by Purchaser & Seller, Seller warranties, corporate/LCC warranties, Purchaser guarantees, equipment warranties & "as is" clauses, miscellaneous agreements - Purchaser & Seller, miscellaneous verbiage, an itemization of Exhibits to choose from, Seller shall provide the Purchaser the following, restrictions pertaining to resale of business and building, building lease or Fee Simple, miscellaneous verbiage, Important dates and pro-rations, escrow instructions & closing agreements, Business Broker disclosure, confidentiality agreement, contingencies for the Purchaser & Seller, acceptance by Purchaser, Acceptance by Seller, Agreement was prepared by, Purchaser's acknowledgement of Seller's acceptance, counteroffer time restraints, Addendum blank……………..and closing and escrow instructions, escrow wrap up and commission agreement. 

(2)   Biz PSA-2.doc (file) - Purchase & Sale Agreement – Business Entity without notes - Bring this file up on your screen, rename and store it, then commence creating (the exact opposite of a canned or boilerplate PSA) your own Purchase & Sale Agreement, using the PSA - Biz notes.doc (file) above for reference purposes. Also, refer to the Sample Documents folder for completed examples that will clarify how to easily create a successful Purchase & Sale Agreement & Supporting Exhibits, perhaps printing off one for your handy reference.

(3)   Biz PSA-3.doc (file) -  Purchase & Sale Agreement – Business Boilerplate -   This is a “canned” Purchase & Sale Agreement (PSA) that may better suit the needs of a smaller, retail type business or for a person who does not have the time, interest, background nor creative desires to properly structure a “tailor-made” Purchase & Sale Agreement for a particular business.  Personally I have avoided this type of form because I always felt “hamstrung” due to not being able to address the important “due diligence” issues nor could I be creative with my financing requirements.  If I were running a business brokerage office, i.e., with salespeople who could get my office into a “heap” of trouble then I would insist that they use these “boilerplate” forms just to keep me out of the courtroom because the forms contain enough “boilerplate” language to protect my firm from the rogue, loose cannon salesperson who “screws up” by not understanding nor accepting the process.  Of course this type of PSA is an invitation for attorneys to “reinvent the wheel,” perhaps with just cause because the forms are so limited & restrictive.  In any event, if you just want to make a deal then fill in the blanks and hand it over to your attorney for review & to “reinvent the wheel.”  This is the same form that commercial real estate people use for business sales in the State of Washington.  Oh yes, you possibly could use this “boilerplate” form then attach an Addendum(s) to it with financing and/or other verbiage from “my” custom Purchase & Sales Agreement forms.  If you are going to make this extra effort then you might just as well create your own “tailor-made” Purchase & Sale Agreement right from the start while simultaneously learning all facets of the building and/or business that you are desirous of acquiring or selling while saving yourself thousands of dollars in fees in the process.

(4)    Biz PSA-4.doc - (file)    Exhibits – Business entity with notes  - Your PSA form will have a reference section listing Exhibits. This Exhibit file-containing notes is the same as Exhibits - Biz.doc below except that this file has reference NOTES explaining the use of various Exhibits. This Exhibit notes.doc file - should be printed out and set alongside your computer for handy reference purposes.

Exhibits consist of:  Blank Addendum to PSA, legal description of real property, plat map and specifications, building and property inspections, a review of the terms and conditions of the existing building/space lease - plus a copy of an actual lease, allocation $_________ of business sales price, disclosure of Seller liabilities, business contingent liabilities, list of creditors, schedule of business indebtedness, if any, which is to be assumed by the Purchaser, inventory valuation, what & how much, work in progress & finished goods, which jobs and how much, contract retainage(s), which jobs and how much, schedule of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable & Spread, equipment and machinery list, leased and/or Vendor supplied equipment/machinery, if any, an actual lese agreement for equipment and machinery (with sample Purchase Option Provision), personal property excluded from sale, serial number of equipment, machinery and description of rolling stock, bring titles to closing, products developed but not marketed, outstanding sales/bid proposals, jobs & dollar values, pertaining to insurance, real/personal property and individuals, attached face pages of insurance policies, seller warranties, general & governmental, covenant(s) not to compete, consulting or management contract, employment contract, hazardous or toxic materials, a description of customer lists - to be provided at closing, proof of tax payments, and an actual copy of the UCC search report,

(5)    Biz PSA-5.doc - (file) - Exhibits – Business entity – without notes - This is the Exhibit file from which you create your chosen Exhibits.  It's the same as the foregoing file, except does not have the explanatory notes.  Bring this file up on the screen, rename and store it.  Then choose the Exhibits that you want incorporate your changes to, deleting those Exhibits that you do not need.  These Exhibits will then become apart of your Purchase & Sale Agreement.  Letter these Exhibits the same with those referenced in your Purchase and Sale Agreement.   Refer to Sample Documents folder if need be.

(6) Biz PSA-6.doc - (file) - Addendum, Business  -   After you have a signed off Purchase & Sale Agreement, use this form for modifying its terms and conditions, if need be.  At the end of your PSA form there is also a blank Addendum form that makes it very easy to incorporate future needed changes by "copying and pasting" sundry clauses to the blank addendum.

(7)   Biz PSA-7.doc – (file) - Stock Purchase Agreement -  This superb file was prepared by a Texas attorney for a F/G buyer who was desirous of purchasing a business located in Austin, Texas - @ a cost of $375.00 per hour.  The total legal fees for this document and the Due Diligence Questionnaire (in the Business Forms Folder) amounted to $5,000 (+/-), including consultation.

(8)   Biz PSA-8.doc – (file) - Addendum, Business, to use with a boilerplate Purchase & Sale Agreement – Sometimes I am “forced” to use a simple, boilerplate (canned) Purchase & Sales Agreement (PSA) even though I detest them, just to keep things simple, especially with Buyers or Sellers who do not understand English very well, compounded by the fact that anything more than one page is too complicated.

(9)   Biz PSA-9.doc - (file)   Commission Agreement – This is a blank Commission Agreement that can be customized for varying usage and additional information how to secure a deferred commission.  No “Good ol’ Boy Deals” here, especially when it comes to the payment of a Broker's commission.

(10)          Biz PSA-10.doc  - (File) – Note, Earnest Money - Use a note for Earnest Money until you feel reasonably secure with your transaction.  Be certain to read my file Earnest Money Depost.doc (file) regarding how not to lose your Earnest Money deposit.  Many times it's much easier to put up Earnest Money than it is to get a refund of it when the deal "goes down."

Also, there are some comments about why Earnest Money notes are worthless, yet necessary at the onset of writing up your Purchase & Sale Agreement.   There are two unique and usually contrasting perspectives regarding Earnest Money Notes as shared by Purchasers and Sellers.  In any event, I have provided you with a sample Note for completion when you write up a PSA.

(11)          Biz PSA-11.doc – (file) - Counter Offer - Many times a Seller (and Purchaser) needs to make a Counter Offer to a proposal.  Probably the most important point in the Acceptance Cut Off time.

(12)          Biz PSA-12.doc – (file) - Earnest Money Release – Neither person nor entity will refund your Earnest Money deposit without 1^st having a release signed by all involved parties.  Here’s what you do with a happy Seller or how to protect yourself in the event an angry Seller doesn’t want to have your Earnest Money refunded.

(13)  Biz PSA-13.doc – (File) - Bump Agreement for Purchase & Sale Agreement  – Has your business been for sale for quite sometime?  Perhaps an offer could surface that may work out well but it could also fail due to some contingencies that you do not feel comfortable about?  You want to accept it but while not tying yourself up for weeks or months due to these contingencies that could drown the transaction.  Hence, you want to keep the business on the market………..and if another, stronger offer is presented then this will give the underlying (initial) Buyer an opportunity to proceed with an immediate closing or to “get out of the way.”

 (E)     Business Forms Folder – (88+ formats)

(1)   Biz Forms-1.doc – Addendum, business – (file) - This form is used to modify the terms and conditions of a signed off Purchase & Sale Agreement.

(2)    Biz Forms-2.doc - Bill of Sale (file) - To be used when transferring ownership of personal property, i.e., equipment, machinery and furniture, etc.

(3)   Biz Forms-3.doc - Building Loan Proposal Format (file) – Have you ever considered purchasing a commercial building for your business?  If so, or if not, this format will help you “package up” the required documentation sufficient to satisfy most any local or on line lender.

(4)    Biz Forms-4.doc - Business, 25 Questions re Vet (file) - Would you like to purchase a veterinarian clinic?   If so, you should review these 25 helpful questions in addition to asking Biz, 165QQ.doc (file) – (preceding file).

(5)    Biz Forms-5.doc - Business 35 Questions re FBO (file) - FBO = Fixed Based Operations (Small Airports), 35 specific questions in addition to asking Business Bldg. 262 Questions (file).

(6)    Biz Forms-6.doc  - Business, 56 Questions re Radio (file) - Are you thinking of buying a radio station?   Here are 56 questions to help you make that decision in addition to Business Bldg. 262 Questions (file).

(7)    Biz Forms-7.doc - Business, 71 Questions Evaluate  (file) – Here are 71 probing questions that a professional Business Evaluator would ask a business owner about the past, present and future operation of a business when preparing an evaluation.

(8)    Biz Forms-8.mht - Business and Legal Forms (file) - Immediate Access to Attorney Drafted Business and Legal Documents – you can order any of these forms on this site and download them within minutes of payment; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Very simple ordering process.  In addition keep www.Legalzoom.com and www.nolo.com – both sites are full of great information and you’ll find publications to purchase that will help you in all phases of establishing the growing of your company.

(9)    Biz Forms-9.doc - Business Buyer Escrow Costs (file) - The best time to ascertain your closing costs is when you sign off your Purchase & Sale Agreement.  You do not need adverse surprised at closing of Escrow.

(10) Biz Forms-10.doc - Business Buyer Questionnaire (file) - This is a questionnaire I use when interviewing prospective purchasers in person or over the phone.  It gives me a script to follow as well as defining the interests of the person who I am interviewing.  This form might also help a buyer focus his/her interests a bit.

(11) Biz Forms-11.doc - Business Excel Forms – (file) - Pertaining to financing and accounting, including banking and loans, personal finance, business plans and financial statements……….plus legal forms, including business and commercial, real estate and rental, corporate forms and more.  This file will take you to Microsoft’s Office Template Gallery Home.

(12) Biz Forms-12.doc - Business, Package Checklist (file) - Although the title on this form states "Listing Package Check List," one which I use when listing businesses as well as buildings, it is a check list of "important and required information" that any Buyer must have when putting together an information package for a business of interest.

(13)  Biz Forms-13.doc – Business Seller (mini) Questionnaire – File) – If you are either a Broker or a Buyer, here is a good questionnaire to help you ask the right questions and keep a record of what was said. 

(14)  Biz Forms-14.doc - Business-Bldg. 265 Questions – (File) – These questions will help you place your finger on the pulse of a business in an industry that you wish to purchase – plus I have now included 85 (+/-) questions pertaining to the building that the business is operating out of.  And if you need more building disclose information, go to Real Estate PSA Exhibits Folder and the Real Estate Transfer Disclosure file in the Real Estate Forms Folder.

(15) Biz Forms-15.doc - Buyer Broker Employment Agreement.- (file) – Use this form after you have read the Buyer Broker Employment Agreement in the Business Information Folder.

(16)  Biz Forms-16.doc – Commission Agreement - (file) – This is a blank Commission Agreement and information how to secure a deferred commission.  No “Good ol’ Boy Deals” here, especially when it comes to the payment of a Broker's commission.

(17)  Biz Forms-17.doc – Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Agreement - file) – This Agreement was used when I approached a smaller phone company about acquiring a 900 # during the days when they were “hot.”

(18)  Biz Forms-18.doc - Confidentiality Agreement (full) - (file) - This is a more formal & sophisticated Confidentiality Agreement than the following one, which I generally use.

(19)  Biz Forms-19.doc - Confidentiality Agreement - (file) - You can choose from two:  One is Confidentiality Agreement that I use whenever I confer with a Purchaser about a business offering/showing, whereas the second one is a purchaser of the Fortt Business Guide had to sign when he was looking at a business to buy in Texas - this C/A cost the Seller several hundred dollars in legal fees for his attorney to prepare.

(20) Biz Forms-20.doc - Confidentiality Agree Buyer & Broker - (file) – The Buyer and his Business Broker sign a joint confidentiality Agreement to leave with the Seller.  None of these agreements “hold much water” if the Buyer and/or his Broker still yak, yak about the opportunity.  There has to be some good faith and understanding amongst the involved parties.

(21) Biz Forms-21.doc - Confidentiality Agreement, Seller to Buyer - (file) - Some business Buyers are totally paranoid about anyone finding out their interest in a particular business.  Hence, this form should surface this concern, if nothing more.

(22)  Biz Forms-22doc - Confidentiality Agreement – Patent - (file) – this form was provided by an Invention “Integration” company to ensure me that my interests will be safeguarded.  Note that the employees, i.e., staff, besides my principal contact, are included.

(23) Biz Forms-23.doc - Confidentiality Agreement - (file) -  Protects each party to a possible future business association so that proprietary information can be freely exchanged and shared by those involved in a business transaction.  This is a “mini” Agreement that is easy to understand, maybe not as strong as a full blown one.  Even so…..a buyer can sign a super strong, multi-page Agreement, yet if he still “yaks” about what he has seen what value it is.  Buyers & Sellers still have to have a certain amount of trust with each other.

(24) Biz Forms-24.doc – Non-Circumvention and Non-Disclosure Agreement -

This Agreement protects the Seller if certain proprietary information is shared with a prospective buyer of a business.

(25) Biz Forms-25.doc - Consent of Spouse (file) - If your wife (or husband) cannot attend a closing then have a Consent of Spouse form signed in advance by the missing spouse which is no more than a Limited Power of Attorney.

(26) Biz Forms-26.doc - Dealer Agreement (file) - Does your business need a Dealer Agreement to ensure that those who market its products are doing so as Dealers, i.e., as quasi Independent Contractors, and not as employees?  You do not want the IRS to claim that your Dealer was (is) actually an employee posing as a Dealer, then claim all the withholding taxes that you should have been paid and perhaps did not.  This Agreement cost a business owner $657.00 in attorney fees.  Perhaps this Dealer Agreement could help your firm?  

(27)  Biz Forms-27.mht – Earnout Agreement (file) – This file is shared with you so that you know where to purchase a form for your “Earnout.” After reviewing the $35.00 cost of this 18 page form (which surely is worth it) I realized that the Fortt Business Guide CD of 1,000 files of forms & information is truly quite a value in comparison.

(28) Biz Forms-28.xls - EBITDA Valuation Spreadsheet (file) - Be certain to review & utilize the EBITDA file in the Business Information Folder.  These “cells” can be renamed to better satisfy your business needs.

(29) Biz Forms-29.doc - Equipment List – Form - 1 (file) - This is another sample Equipment List, created for a restaurant.

(30)  Biz Forms-30.doc -Equipment List Form - 2 (file) - This is a sample form for a Machine Shop which should help you understand how to create your own Equipment List.

(31) Biz Forms-31.doc - Escrow holdback – Repairs, form (file) - Granted, this agreement is not very tight, at least from the Seller’s perspective. Nonetheless it is far better than a “good ol’ boy handshake arrangement.”  Let me add that a “tight agreement” could prove to be a disaster for the borrower, especially if the Purchaser & Seller cannot agree upon what improvements that need to be completed to the structure and/or business.  Yes, these funds were derived from the equity in the Seller’s building; nevertheless the Purchaser has to repay this funding plus interest.  See Harry’s lease with an Option to Purchase in the Real Estate Forms Folder. 

(32)  Biz Forms-32.doc - Escrow Instructions-1 (file) - After you have a signed off Purchase & Sale Agreement, then you need Escrow Instructions for your business escrow company, which will give it an immediate overview of the entire transaction.

(33) Biz Forms-33.doc - Escrow Instructions-2 (file) - This is a generic Escrow Agreement form which was prepared by an attorney for a radio station closing.  I have always preferred the Escrow Instructions1.doc (file) form just above.  Perhaps, however, you may prefer this form.

(34)  Biz Forms-34.doc - Escrow Progress Report (file) - When you buy, sell or broker a building (like a business), you must keep track of important commitments, inspections and/or performance dates……..and who said what and when during the closing of Escrow.  The transaction must be "ridden" daily; that is, if it is in Escrow and you wish to keep it "alive."

(35) Biz Forms-35.doc - Escrow Wrap Up (file) -  As the title Implies, this is a check off list of things which must be taken care of before and after closing, either by the Purchaser, Seller or together.

(36) Biz Forms-36.doc - Evaluation, Reliable lock (file) – This is an evaluation of a small, retail locksmith business that I made about 10 years ago.

(37) Biz Forms-37.mht. – Free Excel Spreadsheets - A fellow business broker from Portland, OR turned me onto this Website.  I don’t know how this site earns its money but nonetheless should you need almost any type of spread-sheet; you should find a free one here.

(38) Biz Forms-38.doc - Exhibits –Business (file) - These are the Exhibits that are listed in the Business PSA Folder, Exhibits Biz.doc file.  Refer to the page in the PSA – Biz.doc file that has an itemization from which to choose.

(39) Biz Forms.39.doc - Hazardous or Toxic Waste – (file) - Two great clauses - one requiring an inspection as a condition precedent to the Closing of Escrow, whereas the other is a statement (Warranty) by the Seller that he has no knowledge of any hazardous or toxic waste.   Not only does this verbiage protect the Purchaser before and after closing, but also it protects the Seller, too, for sooner or later if this type of waste indeed surfaces, it will certainly cost the Seller ($$$$$$) dearly at a later date.  It’s good to have a site inspected anyway, and then the liability, if any, is shifted to the Inspection Company.

(40) Biz Forms-40.xls – Excel Balance Sheet (file) – Excel form!  Are you reviewing the balance sheet of a company that you intend to buy?  If so, just rename the titles and “plug in” the numbers that will reflect your business operation in the right column after you have taken possession.

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Note:  If you are creating a spreadsheet and want to ***ADD*** more “rows” or more “columns”………….

Then go to Menu Bar – Click “Insert,” then Click “Rows” (or columns).  This will enable you to add more income and/or expense categories.  Then to remove these………go to Menu Bar –  Click “Curved Arrow” on high lighted or featured Row or Column. 

Note:  If you are creating a spreadsheet and want to ***DELETE*** more “rows” or more “columns”………….

Then go to Menu Bar – Click “Form,” then Click Rows (or columns).  Follow arrow to “Hide.”  Then click this feature to eliminate excess row or column space that you do not need.

(You might print this paragraph off for easy future reference)

            These Excel files are exceptionally helpful for “recasting” operating statements.    

(41) Biz Forms-41.xls - Income & Expense – Income Statement (file) – Now Excel format!  Do you want to determine your “true discretionary cash flow” before debt service and payments?  Well, you need to “recast” or “restate” the Operating Statement (Or Profit & Loss) to determine this.  The Income should remain fairly well constant, but the expenses will increase or decrease.  This form will help you a great deal……….and being in Excel form now – well, it’s just awesome in comparison.

(42) Biz Forms-42.xls - Income & Expense Recasting (1).doc – Now Excel format! I've used this form for normalizing expenses from a P & L statement whenever I had to do this out of my office.  It's been very effective valuation tool which has enabled me do turn down many a business listing for a variety of reasons..

(43) Biz Forms-43.xls - Income & Expense Recasting (2).doc (file) – Now Excel format!   This is the same as the preceding form except it addresses equities of both the business and real estate.

(44) Biz Forms-44.doc -   Income & Expense Recasting (3) - (file) - I used Word form in this example, just "normalized" the expenses to a P & L and typed up a "recasting" statement.

(45) Biz Forms-45.doc - Income & Expense Recasting (4) - (file) - This is the same as Income Recasting (3).doc in Word Form except that it has no preset underscoring lines.………I use this form when using the office computer vs. out of office with a pen and tablet where underlining is very helpful.

(46) Biz Forms-46.doc - Income & Expense Recasting (5) - (file) – This is a more simple approach – just take the Net Income or [Loss} and add back expenses that the new purchaser will not have, or deduct new expenses that the Purchaser will have and are not reflected on the operating statement.

(47) Biz Forms-47.doc - Independent Contractor Agreement – (file) – Although this Agreement is used by Real Estate Brokers, you may possibly be able to adapt it for your intended needs.

(48)  Biz Forms-48.doc - Inventory format - (file) - Do you have to "take" inventory.  If so, photocopy this inventory form, which should help you organize your efforts.

(49) Biz Forms-49.doc - J-V - Joint Venture - (file) - An association of two or more individuals engaged in a solitary business enterprise for profit without an actual partnership or incorporation.  This file helps explain what a J/V is all about along with providing you with a form that I have used.

(50) Biz Forms-50.doc - Lease, ATM Equipment - (file) - Yes - this is a lease for ATM equipment - but it could modified and be used for any and all business equipment.  This is a "state of the art" lease with a “Buyout;” written (created) by a major USA leasing firm.  (See Business Purchase & Sales Agreement Folder – “Exhibits” - for a couple of additional Equipment Lease forms).

(51) Biz Forms-51.doc - Lease, Business Bldg (file) - Here is a building Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase which will enable you to maintain your cash for operating capital……..yet "nail down" your Landlord (perhaps the business owner) with an Option to Purchase.  Read my lips, you will never have a better opportunity than when you first commence your buying negotiations of price & terms, to buy the building from which your new business will operate because once you pay rent in a timely fashion the Landlord will lose any incentive to sell, especially with decent price and terms. Your reward for being a good tenant, i.e., paying on time, cleaning up or maintaining your structure and/or making your business successful will be an increase in your base rent at the first opportunity. Or worst yet, you may end up negotiating with the building heirs, or a new, greedy building owner aka Landlord who bought the building out from under you.  Even worst, your Landlord will not renew nor extend your space/building lease then the value of your business assets drops down to about what they would bring out on the sidewalk because you will have no business to sell without a good lease.  Even if you could relocate your business…….it would take a couple of years of P&L’s for the move (good or bad) to be reflected in the financial statements.

(52) Biz Forms-52.doc - Lease, Business Equipment - (file) – If you need a basic lease form this could work.  If you need a very sophisticated equipment lease form then modify & use the Lease, ATM Equipment above that would cost you thousands to have an attorney draft up for you.

(53) Biz Forms-53.doc - Lease, Business entity - (file) - The owner could not sell his business until his IRS conversion waiting period from an C Corp to an S Corp had been fulfilled, otherwise he would have had to pay significant tax penalties.  Hence, this lease was completed by the Seller’s attorneys at a cost of $1,800.00 in 1997 (same format in 2009) attorney fees.  Also, there is NO capital gain tax until the business is actually sold.    Also, see “Save Taxes” in the Business Information Folder.

(54)Biz Forms-54.doc - Letter of Intent, Harry’s Place - (file) – This is a Letter of Intent in which the Purchaser requesting to buy the shareholder’s Capital Stock of an existing LLC……..just because the Beer & Wine license remains in the name of the existing LLC……and just the new LLC officers have to be approved versus having the “post” the facility with signage announcing a change of ownership as in an asset sale.   This is a lot faster and cleaner acquisition, yet the Purchaser can still create a new depreciation schedule.

(55)  Biz Forms-55.doc - Letter of Intent (file) - Why use a Letter of Intent aka LOI?  If you can't agree upon some basic up front concerns, such as price, terms, deal structuring, etc., then why spend a couple of hours preparing a detailed Purchase and Sale Agreement?  Furthermore, a Businessman's review should begin as early as possible, preferably upon signing the Letter of Intent or when the PSA is in its early draft stage so that any changes from the review can be incorporated at an early stage.  Here are a couple of LOI for you to review when you create your own Letter of Intent.

(56)  Biz Forms-56.doc -  For Business Acquisitions (with or without buildings) – File - Here is a recap of why one should consider using a Letter of Intent at the start rather than a lengthy Purchase & Sale Agreement – plus I have included a blank format for you to fill in the space.

(57) Biz Forms-57.doc - Letter of Intent to Purchase Assets of a Business - (file) - This file contains two (2) completed Letters of Intent (LOI), one for purchasing the Assets of a Business while the other LOI is written to purchase the Stock of a corporation.

(58) Biz Forms-58.rft - LLC Operating Agreement - (file) – Here is an LLC Operating Agreement that may work for you.   LLC & Sub-S Corporations are creations of state law.  Their tax treatments are functions of federal law and also of state law.  Each state has its own body of statutory and case law that governs LLC’s or corporations.  An LLC or corporation created in another state would be deemed a “foreign corporation” in Washington State and would need to register here as such.   

(59) Biz Forms-59.xls -   LLC sale of Interest Agreement - (file) - This is the same verbiage that I have incorporated in the Purchase & Sale Agreement form.

(60)  Biz Forms-60.doc  - Limited Liability Operating Agreement - (File) – The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the new business entity that every entrepreneur should understand because it combines the best aspects of incorporation with the tax advantages of a partnership and without the red tape of either.  This outstanding combination never existed before.

(61) Biz Forms-61.xls -   Loan Calculator with Extra Payments - (file) – Here is a handy Excel tool for you to figure out loan amortizations for your business and/or real estate acquisitions.

(62)  Biz Forms-62.doc - Narrative, sample (blank) form - (file) - This is a blank Narrative form that is the same  as the sample Narratives contained in the Business Information Folder where I provided you with a couple of completed examples of how to write your own.

(63) Biz Form-63.doc - Non-Compete & C. A. (1) - (file) - This Non-Compete & Confidentiality Agreement form is one that I created a couple of years ago when I had a franchise opportunity that I wanted to share with a local businessman who owned 30 retail outlets.  Because I desired to have his association as a Franchisee and not as competitors after he learned about my moneymaking ideas, I asked him to sign this Agreement - which he did.

(64)  Biz Forms-64.doc - Non-Compete & C.A (2) - (file) - I created this form when an investor and I wanted another investor to join us in the creation of a casino, i.e., by purchasing a motel that would have been outstanding for such a use due to its large entertainment room.  Hence, we had this investor sign our Non-Compete & Confidentiality form because we did not him to undercut our efforts.   This agreement contains some good teeth.  I also had his broker sign a Co-Broker form so that if he sold the motel to someone else at a later date, assuming this transaction failed, then I could sue him for my part of the commission; that is, if he "forgot " to pay me. (Later - as it has turned out… Nov. 2000, we have 2 legal suits pending……….because both parties "forgot" who bought these opportunities to them.)

(65) Biz Forms-65.doc - Non-Compete-1 - (file) - This is the Non-Compete that I generally use in my Purchase & Sale Agreements, modifying it to suit specific needs.

(66) Biz Forms-66 - Non-Compete – Reciprocal - (file) – A business Buyer & Seller paid their Escrow attorney $225.00 to draft this Reciprocal Non-Compete Agreement because the Buyer was worried about the Seller of the business that he just purchased might compete with him after closing in the county that the his new business acquisition was located.  Ok, this is normal.  But what is different is that the Seller was equally worried about the Buyer of his business competing against him in an adjacent county where he intended to open another almost identical business that he intended to purchase.

(67) Biz Forms-67.doc - Non-disclosure and Non-Compete Agreement - (file) – This is another example of an Agreement designed to protect your interests which exposing an invention or an idea to another person.

(68) Biz Forms-68.doc - Non-disclosure-Inventions - (file) – Here are samples of 2 types of Confidential Disclosure Agreements.  If you have a good idea…  ……..just remember…… if that “good ol’ boy” who is cozying up to you won’t sign this Agreement before you tell him about your idea or invention then you should realize that he could very well be a good candidate to “rip you off!”

(69)  Biz Forms-69.doc - Notary Acknowledgement - ( file) – Sometimes a business person or real estate investor will need his/her signature acknowledged.  I created this verbiage when I needed to register an invention idea as well as mailing a sealed Registered Letter to myself that I cannot open until the need arises, i.e., say in a courtroom.  If I were to open the envelope beforehand then this would indeed breach the integrity of the process.  

(70) Biz Forms-70.doc - Note secured by Deed of Trust form - (file) - This Note that was secured by a 1st Deed of Trust was prepared by an attorney at a cost of $900.00 to my buyer/borrower because this was not a “normal” type Note, rather one that incorporated a draw payout for building improvements.  Although the sum is very small, the form is the same for larger projects.

(71)  Biz Forms-71.doc - Note, Earnest Money – (file) -  This note is specifically designed for real estate or business acquisitions and has Business Broker notes explaining how and when to use it.

(72) Biz Forms-72.doc - Note, Promissory (2) - (file) – Here are 2 different forms that may suit your needs.  If you want to secure this Note with a Deed of Trust, then refer to Notes, Promissory in the Real Estate Forms Folder.

(73)   Biz Forms-73.doc - Note, Promissory(3) - (file) – This is a Promissory Note that was used by a Hard Money lender in Seattle to secure its loan (business and real estate assets) on a coastal business here in Washington.                                      

(74) Biz Forms-74.doc - Partnership Agreement - (file) - Here is a basic Partnership Agreement for you to complete - please refer to Business Structures.doc & Business Structures (2).doc in the Business Information Folder.   

(75)  Biz Forms-75.doc - Patent Non Disclosure & Non-Compete Agreement - (file) - feel that you have a good idea that you wish to have patented by the USPTO (United States Patent & Patent Office) – then you need to protect yourself from the Sharks.

(76) Biz Forms.76.doc - Personal Guarantee (1) - (file) - This helps you keep your Purchaser serious about paying off your contract as agreed. And if he screws up by ruining your business during the interim, he, too, will hopefully bleed as well.  And this clause elevates him above the status of a renter, i.e., it’s called commitment.  And if a person will not personally commit for a limited time frame he is not serious about buying. 

(77) Biz Forms-77.doc - Personal Guaranty (2) - (file) - Here is my latest Personal Guaranty that was recently written by   a “Hard Money Lender” to secure payment for a loan that it had made on a coastal business, one that is fairly tight.

(78) Biz Forms-88.doc -  Personal Guarantee format, request for a release (file) – Here is a format for you to modify, if need be, when you or your attorney writes to your lender asking for Release of a Personal Guarantee.

(79) Biz Forms-78.doc - Proceeds from building sale form, Seller - (file) - The Seller should work this up before he signs off on the Purchase and Sale Agreement just to make certain that the sale will financially “pencil.”

(80) Biz Forms-79.doc - Save taxes-Lease of Business - (file) - This building and business were held in a C Corporation, i.e., 2 financial entities held in one corporation (bad mistake) that was converted to an S Corp. 9 years ago.  The Seller’s accountant said that the business could not be sold for one additional year because of hefty tax penalties.  Hence, we structured a lease with a Purchase Option to purchase the business assets for one year and a lease of the real estate for three years with an Option to buy the building (See above file #29 - Lease of Business Bldg.doc).  Both of these leases cost my Seller $1,800.00 to prepare by his attorney. The Lessee of the business placed a $200,000.00 up front non-refundable deposit, less closing costs, which meant that the Lessee would have a financial commitment to make his business a success rather than operating it like a renter, perhaps  "walking from it" when and if times became tough.  Or he could have put less cash down by offering outside collateral of equivalent (+/-) value.  If the building Lessor is being stubborn by preventing a sale from taking place because such a sale or transference of ??% of Capital Stock of the business would place the space lease in default, you could possibly circumvent this perceived "default" by instead leasing the business along with a deferred buyout (agreed to price/terms) at the termination of this lease.  As a Broker many years ago of the largest Restaurant/Lounge in Portland, Oregon, I became well aware of these Lessor games…………just to increase the rental income or to find a more attractive tenant to accomplished this purpose.  Even though the Lessor thought that had held a "full house," suffice to say my Seller and I prevailed because the Purchaser bought the Capital Stock rather than the corporate assets.   At that time, most leases (and even so now) did not have restrictions pertaining to stock transfers.  A well-structured business lease, i.e, one that accommodates the needs of both the Lessor and Lessee, could certainly be a valuable tool to consider.   In the business lease that I have used as an example, we leased the business for tax savings purposes rather than for fighting off a greedy Landlord.

(81) Biz Forms-80.doc - Save taxes-Lease-ATM-Equipment (file) - Recaptured Depreciation:  This costs the Seller big IRS tax $$$$$$$$$.  Now you can legally circumvent Recaptured Depreciation by leasing your Equipment rather than selling it.  This lease even contains a $1.00 buyout provision.  Yes, this is an ATM lease, but nonetheless a state of the art form that could be easily adapted to leasing business equipment rather than selling it thereby eliminating the expense of recaptured depreciation which must be declared as ordinary income during the fiscal year of sale.

(82) Biz Forms-81.doc - Save taxes-Leased Equipment form - (file) - This an actual Equipment Lease which has a Purchase Option.   Perhaps this form may best suit your specific needs because it will allow you to conserve your cash instead of giving it up for a down payment, yet allow you the opportunity to buy the equipment at a later date at a previously agreed upon price & terms.

(83) Biz Forms-82.doc - Statement, Personal financial - (file) - Your Buyer wants to learn everything about your business, why don't you check him out too?  Or if you want a form that is more sophisticated; then pick one up from your banker.

(84)  Biz Forms-83.doc - Stock Purchase Agreement (basic) - (file) - Stock Purchase Agreement for corporations or LLC’s is much more basic and understandable than the following one and could be used in most stock acquisitions. 

(85) Biz Forms-84.doc - Stock Purchase Agreement - (file) - This superb file was prepared by a Texas attorney for a F/G buyer who was desirous of purchasing a business located in Austin, Texas - @ a cost of $375.00 per hour.  The total legal fees for this document and the Due Diligence Questionnaire (in this folder) amounted to $5,000 (+/-), including consultation.  I feel that this Stock Purchase Agreement has too much legal mumble jumble that just makes it confusing; a fact that should please most attorneys.

(86) Biz Forms-85.doc - Subordination Exhibit to PSA - (file) – Purchaser wants to buy a business that has a free and clear building worth $575,000.00 – of which Purchaser will have $75,000.00 cash which is not enough to satisfy the Seller’s needs.  Hence, the Purchaser can raise another $200,000 from a commercial loan but the Seller will have to subordinate to that Bank; that is, the bank must be in first, i.e., Senior, position for $200,000.00 and the Seller would be carrying back $300,000 on a 2^nd – (Junior position) because Purchaser has already paid $75,000 cash d/p This is want one calls “leverage.” . Or, perhaps your business needs a new building?  Then request the Seller to subordinate his senior position to a Construction loan – and re-subordinate at a later date to a “take out” loan after you have completed construction.

(87) Biz Forms-86.doc - Title Review, unacceptable - (file) – Most every Purchase & Sale Agreement is predicated upon evidence of a satisfactory title report (to the Purchaser).  This forms just takes all the guesswork out of it……….that should be sent to the Escrow Company that is holding the Buyer’s deposit.

(88) Biz Forms-87.doc - Valuation form, business - (file) – This file is designed to help a Seller work up a valuation of a business.  Although this example reflects a small business it nonetheless illustrates the forms that are typical.  You just have to adapt this “boilerplate” by changing the values to suit your specific needs.  The file covers Purpose and Function of a valuation, as well as the definition of value estimated as well as approaches to estimating values of inventory, supply, furniture, vehicles and equipment plus a summary and conclusion of findings.

(F)   Business Information folder – (660+ files)

(1)   Biz Infor-1.doc - $5,000 1^st year tax savings - (file) - Up to $5,000 of start-up expenditures can be deducted in the year a business begins; the remainder is deductible pro-ratably over 180 months.

(2)    Biz Infor-2.doc - 5 top sales mistakes & how to avoid them - (file) – Falling into these traps can cost your firm, both in terms of loss sales dollars and career momentum. But knowledge is power, and the University of San Francisco arms you with the insight and strategies your firm will need to gain and hold a competitive advantage.

(3)    Biz Infor-3.mht - 10 Great Internet Business Ideas - (file) – Social Networks, Wiki, Blog, Mlog, Miog, Internet TV, Internet TV, E-Commerce, Content Management, Become Aware, Your Own Internet Business Idea! 

(4)   Biz Infor-4.mht – 10 Secrets to buying a business – (file) – Focus on Cash Flow rather than profits for you must look at the numbers intelligently. This file will tell you how to.

(5)    Biz Infor-5.doc - 10 Economic Downturn Considerations - (file) – These guidelines are to help your firm plans its economic survival during these stressful financial times (2009).

(6)    Biz Infor-6.doc - 10 practical steps for starting a business - (file) - A resource for starting business from www.StartupNation.com

(7)    Biz Infor-7.doc - 10 Question Job Interview - (file) - Here are ten questions to help the prospective employer find out as much as possible about the job applicant in a limited period of time.

(8)    Biz Infor-8.doc –10 Secrets to discreetly selling your profitable business - (file) -  Here is important information that can help you sell your business immediately and for TOP dollar; that is, ten secrets to selling your business that most business owners don’t know:

(9)    Biz Infor-9.doc - 10 Steps to grow your business - (file) – Strategize with other entrepreneurs – see Start up Nation.

(10) Biz Infor-10.doc 10 Ways to cut income taxes (file) – These areas may have the best potential for minimizing your tax burden.

(11) Biz Infor-11.mht - 12 laws of Buying and Selling businesses – Part 1 - (file) – It’s never easy getting a deal accomplished!  The best way for an entrepreneur to successfully get into business, or expand what they already have, is to buy an existing profitable company.  But there are many obstacles and pitfalls along the way that must be overcome.  This article was contributed by Bizquest.com which is a must Website for anyone who is seriously considering the sale, purchase or brokering of a business.

(12) Biz Infor-12.mht - 12 Laws of Buying and Selling businesses – Part 11 - (file) - You should make it your business to verify all of the facts possible about the business, including determining the reason for sale. This article was contributed by Bizquest.com which is a must Website for anyone who is seriously considering the sale, purchase or brokering of a business.

(13) Biz Infor-13.doc - 12 Ways to Borrow Money - (file) - This will help you to understand a Banker’s thinking when you approach him for a loan.

(14) Biz Infor-14.doc - 101 Tips to Avoid Business Start-Up Pitfalls - (file) – Each week thousands of Americans make the decisions to start their own business.  Consider these 101 questions and answers to help avoid some of the pitfalls associated with new business startups.

(15) Biz Infor-15.doc - A free diagnostic business success test - (file) – designed to help you determine if you have what you need to make it.  It only takes about six minutes to complete.

(16) Biz Infor-16.doc -  Accept “Checks” Online with ACH Payment Processing - (file) Customers without credit cards can now purchase from your eCommerce site.  Discover how…………….

(17) Biz Infor-17.doc -  Access the Inbox - (file) – Although a targeted E-mail list is important, the substance of your E-mail is equally essential.  You must decide what you want to accomplish for your business and frame the E-mail’s content around that goal.

(18) Biz Infor-18.doc - Accountants-Bookkeepers, deal Killers (file) - Discover why so many Accountants & (especially) Bookkeepers of long standing attempt to kill "deals," at least from this Business Broker's perspective, for when it comes to selling a business no Buyer nor an Purchase Offer will ever be good enough. Read this file to discover why this often occurs and how you can prevent it from happening by preparing yourself.  If you are a Purchaser and do not pay attention to this problem, you may indeed end up "sitting on the curb" shaking your head in bewilderment wondering whatever happened to your great offer.   Also, if you are a Seller, contained in this file is a brief article about how your trusted bookkeeper can scam your business for years without your being aware of it.

      Sorry if I stepped on the toes of the accounting/bookkeeping professions but the purpose of the        Fortt Business Guide is to help small businesspeople consummate transactions by making them aware of potential problem areas like these.  Although I wish not to offend these professionals I will not cozy up to them either.

(19) Biz Infor-19.doc - Accounting Software for Small Businesses - (file) – Here are the Website addresses for ten (10) tops accounting software programs on today’s market.  Sorry that I cannot recommend my favorite or how to evaluate them.  Perhaps if you know a user of one of more of these programs who could be your best source of advice.

(20) Biz Infor-20.doc - Accounting Terminology - (file) – Here are 22 pages of Accounting & Business terminology that will help you better understand accounting, financing, business in general.

(21) Biz Infor-21.doc - Acquiring businesses without cash - (file) – As I was including this file in my Real Estate Folder I thought to myself that some of these ideas could apply to acquiring a business as well.  And, all you need is one good idea which could make the difference between success and failure.

(22)Biz Infor-22.doc - Adding value to your business - (file) – It is vital to consider positive and negative factors from a buyer’s perspective since a prudent buyer will add and subtract them to arrive at an asking price.

(23) Biz Infor-23.doc - Advertise your products for free! - (file) – Industrial Search – Search Thomas Net, the most comprehensive resource for industrial information – straight to the source of product, company information, CAD drawings and more….

(24) Biz Infor-24.doc - Agency Agreements - (file) - Are you confused about whom the agent/broker is representing and as to what his responsibilities are to his fiduciary?   This will help clarify what you should expect or not to expect from an agency relationship.  Who is “your” agent loyal to anyway?

(25) Biz Infor-25.mht - Allocation of Purchase Price - (file) – Correctly allocating the purchase price (total sale price) of a business amongst the various asset components (asset “classes”) of a business entity is usually necessary when a business is sold, whether it is via a stock sale or a non-stock (asset) sale.

(26) Biz Infor-26.doc - Allocation Values of a Purchase Price - (file) – Allocating the Purchase Price to specific assets (asset “classes”) in a business acquisition is part science and part art regarding it is via stock sale of a non-stock sale.

(27)Biz Infor-27.mht - Amazon Executive explains selling on Amazon - (file) - Online retailers are frequently interested in new channels to sell their products.  Merchants can consider auction sites and comparison-shopping site, for example because merchants can also list their products there.

(28) Biz Infor-28.doc -  An Action Plan for Small Business owners - (file) - After writing more than 60 books that have sold more than 80 million copies, Jack Canfield knows a thing or two about success, and he’s now willing to share some of his secrets.

(29) Biz Infor-29.doc - Appraisal, business – 3^rd party - (file) – Why the necessity of a Third Party Appraisal; that is, one made by a 3^rd Party “disinterested” person.

(30) Biz Infor-30.doc - Are you ready to start a business? - (file) - These are some pointed questions that you should ponder to see if you really are an entrepreneur.  Perhaps you should remain a valued employee instead for some other employer??

(31) Biz Infor-31.doc - Assets versus Stock Sale - (file) – Are you confused about buying or selling the assets of a stock of an existing Corporation or LLC? 

(32)  Biz Infor-32.doc - Assets, intangible – 4 categories of - (file) – There are four (4) basic categories of intangible assets…….you should recognize for taxation and valuation purposes.

(33) Biz Infor-33.doc -  Attorneys, Reinvent the wheel - (file) - Sorry if I stepped upon the toes of the legal profession with this file but the purpose of the Fortt Business Guide is to help small business people like yourself consummate transactions by making you aware of potential problem areas such as this one and not to snuggle up with overpaid lawyers.  Plus stated herein are 19 ways to cut down your legal expenses.  (Question:  Do you know why sharks will not attack a drowning attorney?  Answer:  Professional Courtesy.)  

(34) Biz Infor-34.doc - Attorneys, how to protect your wealth from them - (file) – Although this information pertains to divorce attorneys, it nonetheless remains applicable for business/contract/trial attorneys as well.

(35) Biz Infor-35.doc - Auto Mileage Rates Increase in 2007 - (file) – This change should be of concern to you if your business has any “rolling stock.”

(36) Biz Infor-36.doc - Auto mileage, IRS 2008 Rates - (file) – The IRS has just announced that the optional mileage allowance for owned or leased autos will be increased.  Although some information is dated, other information could still be helpful.

(37) Biz Infor-37.mht -  Auto mileage, IRS announces 2009 standard mileage Rates - (file) – Here is the latest mileage information “hot off” the IRS Website.

(38) Biz Infor-38.doc - Background checks or else - (file) – Trust (your employees) but verify, as President Reagan once stated.  A complete background investigation could put your mind at ease, protect your assets, and possibly prevent you from unwittingly becoming a criminal’s close associate.

(39) Biz Infor-39.mht - Balance sheet from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - (file) – In financial accounting, a balance sheet or statement of financial position is a summary of a person’s or organization’s balances.  Assets, liabilities and ownership equity are listed as of a specific date, such as the end of its financial (aka fiscal) year.  A balance sheet is often described as a snapshot of a company’s financial condition.  Of the four basic financial statements, the balance sheet is the only statement which applies to a single point in time.  Also, a balance sheet has three parts:  assets, liabilities and ownership equity. Read much, much more in this file.

(40) Biz Infor-40.mht -  Balance Sheet, reading one - (filed) – Assets are what a company uses to operate its business, while its liabilities and equity are two sources that support these assets.  Owners’ equity, referred to as shareholders equity in a publicly traded company, is the amount of money initially invested into the company plus any retained earnings, and it represents a source of funding for the business.

(41) Biz Infor-41.doc -  Banker, working for you or against you - (file) – How often have you heard “my bank just doesn’t understand my business or they get bogged down in numbers?”  Success is about more than just numbers.

(42) Biz Infor-42.doc - Banking on-line, take appropriate precautions - (file) – Here are some precautions you must take to protect yourself from the common thief who happens to have some HTML skills and/or a smooth voice.

(43) Biz Infor-43.doc - Bankrupt firms, advantages of buying one - (file) - There is nothing wrong with buying a business that has financial problems for one man’s nightmare is another AND possess the talent and cash to "turn around" such a business "opportunity."  One man's nightmare could be another man's dream, especially if the business is a real bargain.  This file shows you where to locate Bankrupt businesses.

(44) Biz Info-44.doc - Bankruptcy 2005 & small business - (file) – These Bankruptcy changes could stall business startups!

(45) Biz Infor-45.doc - Bankruptcy 2005 highlights of - (file) – Highlights of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Act f 2005.

(46) Biz Infor-46.doc – Bankruptcy 2005 – new business rules, a few of which even apply in 2009 – (file) -  Trade creditors & landlords may will benefit from these changes.

(47) Biz Infor-47.doc -  Bankruptcy – 2009 – Changes in B-K law - (file) –The new bankruptcy law not only makes it harder for individuals to avoid repaying their debts, it also imposes tougher rules on small business that want to keep creditors at bay.

(48) Biz Infor-48.doc -    (File is empty at this time).

(49) Biz Infor-49.doc – Bankruptcy & Insolvency Taxation - (file) – Is your company considering filing for bankruptcy protection?  Do you need a better understanding of the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code?  This far-reaching guide to the latest tax rules involving corporate bankruptcy laws provides you with the in-depth information you need on the tax aspects of the “bankrupt strategy.”

(50) Biz Infor-50.doc - Bankruptcy & Unsecured Creditors - (file) - When bankruptcy strikes, unsecured creditors suffer.  Even though the Bankruptcy laws will soon be changed, here are some ideas that nonetheless could help you prepare your firm from being ripped off by an insolvent creditor.

(51) Biz Infor-51.mht - Bankruptcy Basic – Chapter 12 - (file) - is designed for “family farmers” or “family fishermen” with “regular annual Income.”  It enables financially distressed family farmers and fishermen to propose and carry out a plan to repay all of part of their debts.

(52) Biz Infor-52.doc - Banks Awash.- (file) - This list will give you the name and addresses of several hundred nationwide banks that have an excellent track record of lending money to small business people.  Also, see Financing Directory in this Business Information folder.

(53) Biz Infor-53.doc -  Banks, when they turn you down - (file) - There are many alternatives to bank lending to start or fund businesses.  Here are some of the most common sources or methods.

(54) Biz Infor-54.doc -  Barter’s $600 Billion-A-Year Biz - (file) – Check out the world’s most comprehensive & information barter Web site.

(55) Biz Infor-55.doc - BizOpp Zone.doc – (file) – Here is a Website from Entrepreneur Magazine that will explain everything you want to know about small businesses.

(56) Biz Infor-56.doc - Board of Directors – (File) -   How to get the most out of your Board of Directors, an article written by 2 distinguish scholars.

(57) Biz Infor-57.doc - Board of Directors – (File) -   Why a board?  Rules and Responsibilities…..Board Selection….Board Operation…….Making your directors a strategic asset – not just cops!

(58)  Biz Infor-58.doc - Board of Directors – (File) – Working together as a Board with current emphasis on board structure, don’t forget group dynamics.

(59) Biz Infor-59.doc -  Borrowing from Corporation, beware of taxman - (file) - If you're gong to borrow money from your corporation, you will want to make certain the transaction qualifies as a loan and not as a "Constructive Dividend."  You may ruefully discover this at some later date, i.e., an IRS audit, with the resulting income taxes, interest and stiff $$$$ penalties to pay.

(60) Biz Infor-60.doc - Break-even Analysis - (file) - This is a "thumbnail" sketch of how you should determine a "Break-even Point" (BEP) for a business that you may be considering the purchase of.

(61) Biz Infor-61.doc -  Bring ‘em on - (file) – I’m about to hire my first batch of new employees.  What are the most important things to remember as I go through the hiring process?

(62) Biz Infor-62.doc - Build Bridges to get Ahead - (file) -  Whether you choose to co-market a mailing campaign, co-brand promotional items or joint-venture a split of the profits bought about from the joint venture, building bridges that connect people to you and your partners’ products and services is not only the trend of the present it is built on centuries of success.

(63) Biz Infor-63.mht - Building a business to LAST - (file) – Family business thrives through four generations fueled by innovation and sound values.

(64) Biz Infor-64.mht - Building Business Credit Scores - (file) – More than ever before, lenders are placing emphasis on business credit reports & scores from Experian, Dun & Bradstreet and Equifax.  We’ll help you build strong business credit scores the fastest possible way with all three agencies and make thousands of dollars in credit (at lower interest rates) available to your business.

(65) Biz Infor-65.doc - Building Buzz - (file) – Four easy ways to spread the word about your business – the best advertising because it is free!

(66) Biz Infor-66.doc - Bulk Sales Act - (file) - All about the Bulk Sales Act and why it is important to the Buyer, Seller and Creditor.  It just has to do with the Seller paying his creditors with the cash that the Buyer gave to him for this purpose - at the time the business sale closes and before the Seller leaves town.

(67) Biz Infor-67.doc - Business (Free) Research Sources - (file) – The China connection means big business for Western Washington.  A Puget Sound expert calls Chinese imports a “lifeblood” for our local economic activity.  Maybe you’ll derive some good ideas from these sources……plus 31,900,000 additional URL’s.

(68) Biz Infor-68.doc - Business (Your) Checkup - (file) – Just as doctors encourage you to have an annual medical exam, your business, no matter how large or small, should also undergo a checkup each year.  How can you gauge the effectiveness of a marketing campaign or changes in your service, billing, etc., without analyzing the benefits and bottom line?

(69)Biz Infor-69.doc - Business and Personal Credit, the real difference - (file) - But don’t be too quick to rule this out of your repertoire of opportunities to grow your business.  You can learn how to get business credit whether you have good credit or not.

(70) Biz Infor-70.doc - Business Background Check - (file) – Protect yourself!  Choose vendors, service providers, and business partners without the worry of unknown troublesome histories. Now you can uncover bankruptcies, judgments, lawsuits, liens, corporate records, address, and phone information with one search.

(71) Biz Infor-71.doc - Business Background Checks - (file) – While identify theft victims are largely individuals, not businesses, the alarming statistics (roughly 10 million victims in 2008 nationwide) should alert us to the trend toward increasing numbers and sophistication of white-collar criminals of all types.

(72) Biz Infor-72.doc -  Business Books - (file) –  A few selections of helpful business books written to help you Develop Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses, Extending Credit and Collecting Cash, Buying a Business, Getting a Business Loan, Financial Basics of Small Business Success, Budgeting for a Small Business, Operating a Really Small Business to Great Customer Service for your Small Business.

(73) Biz Infor-73.doc - Business Broker, value of a good one - (file) – A good Business Broker is the same as a fine attorney or accountant, i.e., an invaluable asset!  As to the fee………it’s not what you sell it for ($$$$) that is of paramount importance, but rather how you sell it and what you end up with “in your pocket” that is.

(74) Biz Infor–74.doc - Business Brokers, find one – (file) - When you want your teeth filled you don’t seek out a chicken plucker for dental care nor should you retain someone other than a professional Business Broker to help you sell (or buy) a business.  Of course, after reading the Fortt Guide, you may know more than many Business Brokers. 

(75) Biz Infor-75.html - Business Buyer Resource Center - (file) - If you have a wealth of experience buying businesses, and are confident you already know precisely how to find the right one, arrange financing, accurately value it, negotiate the right deal terms, and uncover any problems before you buy it, then you don't need our help. But if you are anything less than an expert, and especially if you have never bought a business before, and you want to be certain you are equipped with as much knowledge as possible, then we will provide you with all the know-how and experienced advice you need to find a good business, negotiate the right terms, and to structure a deal that eliminates your risk.

(76) Biz Infor-76.mht - Business Competition, benefits of - (file – Sharpening skills and improving products are good personal and business attributes.

(77) Biz Infor-77.mht - Business competition, strategies to win - (file) – There are three man models for competing in business. 

(78) Biz Infor-78.doc - Business Credit Reports - (file) – Don’t roll the dice on poor business credit risks.  Know which business credit is worthy.  Unlimited business credit reports for 15 million businesses.

(79) Biz Infor-79.doc - Business Directory - (file) – A huge source of directory information for businesses; local, national & International - look up any phone number or create your Own Directory.

(80) Biz Infor-80.doc - Business Disaster Plan - (file) – This file contains 8 valuable tips that may help your business plan and withstand most any type of disaster along with its recovery.

(81) Biz Infor-81.doc - Business Emergency Plan - (file) – every business should have an Emergency Plan for it could save lives, company assets; perhaps your entire business.

(82) Biz Infor-82.doc - Business entities, personal liability - (file) – The belief that by forming one of these entities is sufficient in itself to provide personal liability protection is false.  (Also, see Estate Protection – Real Estate Information folder).  How to prevent attorneys from piercing the “Golden Veil” of corporate/LLC protection.

(83) Biz Infor-83.doc - Business Equipment Write-offs - (file) – The expensing (write-off) and depreciation rules work together to give small business owners a powerful tool to lower “earned income” on Schedule C or other businesses returns.

(84) Biz Infor-84.doc - Business failure, 5-ways to - (file) - Saving your business – 5 proven reasons why businesses fail.  Owners & managers of failing businesses continually make one or more of these 5 mistakes that accelerate the downward spiral.

(85) Biz Infor-85.doc - Business failure, 10 more reasons - (file) – This year 500,000 New Businesses will start and 400,000 will fail.

(86) Biz Infor-86,doc - Business failure, 10 reasons - (file) -   2 articles pertaining to the reasons why businesses fail; that is, 10 reasons for existing businesses & 10 reasons for startup businesses - failure.

(87) Biz Infor-87.doc - Business failure or success, 10.5 more reasons - (file) – Why do businesses succeed or fail?  HINT:  It’s not just sales.

(88) Biz Infor-88.doc - Business failure, 12 BIG mistakes - (file) - The 12 biggest mistakes made by new business owners; now discover how to avoid them.

(89) Biz Infor-89.mht - Business failures; avoiding pitfalls - (file) – Everybody makes mistakes and entrepreneurs are NO exception.  But for an entrepreneur, committing mistakes too often can be very costly.  Herein are 7 costly small business mistakes entrepreneurs must avoid.

(90) Biz Infor-90.doc - Business Failures; ruin a business - ten ways to - (file) – Many executives are so caught up in their work, it has become the’ whom they are.’  The result is executive burnout, lack of development of subordinates, and impeded growth.

(91) Biz Infor-91-doc - Business goals, how to develop criteria for - (file) – The main purpose of developing criteria is to expose tacit assumptions about the project goal and to help the team create a common understanding of what is important.

(92) Biz Infor-92.doc - Business Leads-1 - (file) - Sales leads and mailing lists……..11 million businesses and 113 million households – Order toll free or through its Web site.  Will help you find a business to purchase or a buyer to purchase your business.

(93) Biz Infor-93.doc - Business Leads-2 - (file) -   Another source of sales leads and mailing lists . . . . 10 million business leads, including employee size, sales volume, phone number, key executives and Credit rating), absolutely hot. . . . non stop leads . . . available every month.

(94) Biz Infor-94.doc - Business Leads-3 - (file) – My Tacoma, WA library has a wonderful source of business leads for intra-state & inter-state businesses, leads that will tell you just about anything that you may wish to know.  Although my local library offers this source, its database of information is a national one that all libraries should offer.

(95) Biz Infor-95.doc - Business "MLS" Internet sites for Sellers & Buyers - (file) - Here are numerous (50++++) Business Internet sites for you to advertise (or find) a business opportunity.  Equally important, Purchasers may search for businesses through these sources as well.

=========================

     Biz Infor-660.mht – Business “MLS” Internet sites for Buyers & Sellers – Some 30,000   

Businesses for Sale or Post an Ad and Sell a Business Online!  Welcome to Business Broker.net, a leading marketplace designed to help our users buy or sell a business.

=========================

(96) Biz Infor-96.doc - Business Opportunity Journal - (file) - Point & Click to the nation's largest journal specializing in business opportunities, franchising and investments in the United States & Canada.

(97) Biz Infor-97.doc -  Business Owners, helpful ideas - (file) -   10 Rules for growing your business, 10 Reasons why businesses fail, and what is the best Business Decision to enhance profits - to increase prices or to "cut the fat?"

(98) Biz Infor-98.doc - Business Ownership, 6 myths - (file) - Some of the many myths that discourage people from even considering going into business for themselves.  Separating the facts from the fictions can totally transform your attitude – and the difference between never getting started and finishing rich.

(99) Biz Infor-99.doc - Business Ownership, are you ready - (file) - Here are some questions to ask yourself to help decide if you are psychologically ready to have a business of your own. 

(100) Biz Infor-100.doc - Business Plan-1 - (file) - Will show you how a small business owner can write a business plan as well as how to adjust plans throughout the life of the company, offering templates for everything via a CD-ROM.   Show you how/where to order this program.

(101) Biz Infor-101.doc - Business Plan-2 - (file) - If you are considering the creation of a business plan, here are three Websites for you to refer to.

(102) Biz Infor-102.doc - Business Plan-3 - (file) - Financing for your business depends on collateral, an ability to instill confidence in your business acumen and your creditworthiness.  And there’s no better way to gain a banker’s confidence than a well-prepared business plan.

(103) Biz Infor-103.doc - Business Plan Errors, Top 10 - (file) - 10 Business Plan Errors that you should attempt to avoid.

(104) Biz Infor-104.doc - Business Plan, not 100 pages - (file) - It doesn’t take a year of planning to figure out whether someone is going to buy your product,” says William Bygrave, A Babson College entrepreneurship professor.  “All you have to do is start selling it.”

(105) Biz Infor-105.doc - Business Plan, tips for writing one - (file) -  While plans vary, the Small Business Administration advises that every plan contain details about these basics: (1) A description of the business, (2) Marketing, (3) Finances, and (4)Management

(106) Biz Infor-106.doc - Business Plan - (file) - Includes the basic (11) elements of a good Business Plan - plus a Web site address for the best-selling business plan software in North America as well a brief recap of this program and others produced by the same firm.

(107) Biz Infor-107.doc -   Business Plans for Business Brokers - (file) – Although this information was written for Business Brokers, a Buyer or Seller could benefit from this file as well should a Business Plan be needed.

(108) Biz Infor-108.doc - Business Reference Guide - (file) - Just about anyone who is involved in a privately owned business, i.e., Buyer, Seller, Broker, Attorney, Accountant, Banker, Intermediary, should find this Business Reference Guide Indispensable!  The BFG covers: (1) rules of thumb values, (2) Industry Specialists, (3) Legal Issues, (3) Business Brokerage Information with New Surveys, (4) Mergers and Acquisitions, and (6) Technology.  This file will show you how to order one.

(109) Biz Infor-109.doc - Business start-up test - (file) – “Don’t start a restaurant just because you’ve eaten in a lot of them.”  Give yourself a score that will help you ascertain your chances of restaurant (business) start-up success.

(110) Biz Infor-110.doc -  Business Structures (1) - (file) - Describes the pros and cons of a sole proprietorship, corporations, S & C, partnership and LLC’s.

(111) Biz Infor-111.doc - Business Structures (2) - file - Another recap of the pros and cons of a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and various forms of each.  Also discusses the tax consequences of each business entity as well as the Key Points of business liability, i.e., who/what will have to pay and how much?  How you organize your business will determine the answers.

(112) Biz Infor-112.doc - Business Structures (3) -  file – Another perspective of the definition of business structures offering many more interesting points and explanations that are not covered in the preceding 2 files. This file offers some great pointers about the pros and cons of creating a L.L.C., one big advantage is not having to spend $$$$$$$$$$ money on more legal fees, i.e., this is an easy “do it yourself” project.  This is a fine file that covers all the business structures and more.  Also, if you want to eliminate the attorney, you can create your own corporation for $22.50 by purchasing a Do-It-Yourself Incorporation Kit from E-Z Legal Forms at your local office supply store.  Lots of Interesting information packed in this file.

(113) Biz Infor-113.doc - Business Structures (4) - (file) – Organizing your business wisely.  Here is another perspective & some more considerations to ponder.

(114) Biz Infor-114.mht - Business Structures (5) - (aka Incorporation Master Guide) - (file) How to pick your business structure:  Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC vs. S Corporation vs. C Corporation – Explained specifically for a small business owner.

(115) Biz Infor-115.doc - Business Structures (6) - (file) -   Which structure is right for you?  This is real important for you to decide which financial/legal structure will be best for your business.  Here you can derive some insight before you spend $200.00 per hour for legal/accounting advice.

(116) Biz Infor-116.doc - Business Structures (7), choosing the correct one for your business - (file) – In discussing the different legal forms, you must consider the impact of a number of relevant characteristics such as the method of formation, tax impact and owner liability, if any, that are some of the more important characteristics.  

(117) Biz Infor-117.doc - Business to Business Search Engine - (file) – Here’s how to find a Search Engine that was created just for businesspeople who want to search for other national & international businesses to conduct business with.

(118) Biz Infor-118.doc - Business Websites that can help you - (file) – Here are 16 Websites that offer a variety of source information that may assist your needs.

(119) Biz Infor-119.doc - Business, Home Based (1)(file) – Earn up to $10,000 per month and more?????

(120) Biz Infor-120.doc - Business, Home Based (2) - the preceding Website pertaining to home based businesses.

(121) Biz Infor-121.doc - Buy & Sell Agreement - (file) – Such agreements can also deal with the situation where one of the owners becomes disabled, retires, divorces or wishes to sell their interest in the business.

(122) Biz Infor-122.doc - Buy a business only if it has real estate - (file) – Here are some reasons why you should only buy a business if it the building and land are available.

(123) Biz Infor-123.doc - Buyer Broker Agreements can enhance buying power - (file) - There are some real advantages for a buyer to formally secure the services of that agent, drawing his or her fiduciary responsibility clearly into your corner.  Read more….

(124) Biz Infor-124.mht -  Buyer Broker, more ideas about retaining one - (file) - A good Buyer Broker can be a tremendous addition to your team, and a qualified one can offer you a wealth of helpful advice.  Some of these individuals are not qualified to play this role, nor that of a Broker for the Seller either.

(125) Biz Infor-125.doc - Buyer Broker, when to use one - (file) – Heavily touted throughout the industry as the wave of the future, a buyer’s brokerage is a contractual agreement that ties a real estate or business buyer to a specific real estate agent or Business Broker.

(126)  Biz Infor-126.doc - Buyer Brokerage, Boon or Bane (file) – The wave of the future?

(127)  Biz Infor-127.doc - Buying a business,10 thoughts to ponder - (file) - Statistics indicate that only 1 in 15 prospective business buyers will actually purchase a business, a Business Broker (& Seller) needs to be able to separate the serious Buyer from the (wall kickers) others.

(128) Biz Infor-128.mht - Buying a construction company - (file) - That same road is littered with the carcasses of those who didn't make it.  But you will not be among them if you follow a few guidelines.

(129) Biz Infor-129.doc - Calling All Misfits - (file) - Are you a corporate loser, drifting from job to job, unable to follow orders?  Maybe it's time to start a business?

(130) Biz Infor-130.doc - Cap rates for biz - (file) - This is a classification of business risk with applicable capitalization rates.  Hence, once you ascertain the true cash flow of a business then you capitalize that income by the appropriate Cap Rate that will give you one method of evaluating a business as a financial investment.

(131) Biz Infor-131.doc - Capital Finance Suite - (file) – Helping you create a professional loan package.  Connecting you to the right lender.

(132) Biz Infor-132.doc - Capital financing directory - (file) - Tired of bank turndowns & runarounds - Thousands of Lenders/Investors for your deal.   This file contains a listing of financing sources that I found in USA Today……..plus a USA Today Website address that you can “link” to for other additional great information.   Also, see Banks Awash file in this Business Information folder as well.

(133) Biz Infor-133.mht - Carbon Management for leading businesses - (file) – Are high energy prices and legislation impacting your business?  This firm helps businesses like yours reduce costs, achieve legislative compliance and benefit from positive environmental marketing.

(134) Biz Infor-134.mht - Cash crunch, how to survive one - (file) – Here are some fundamentals that are key to Small Business Fiancés.

(135)  Biz Infor-135.mht - Cash Flow Analysis, understanding it - (file) – A cash flow statement is one of the most important financial statements for a project or business. The statement can be as simple as a one page analysis or may involve several schedules that feed information into a central statement.

(136) Biz Infor-136.doc - Cash flow may require serious juggling - (file) - “A lot of profitable businesses fail because of cash flow,” Nightingale says.  “Maybe you’ve made a million dollars, but if it isn’t in the bank by the right time, there could be a lot of trouble.”

(137) Biz Infor-137.mht - Cash Flow Statement, what is it - (file) – In financial accounting, a cash flow statement or statement of cash flows is a financial statement that shows how changes in balance sheet and income accounts affect cash and cash equivalents, and breaks the analysis do to operating, investing, and financing activities.

(138) Biz Infor-138.doc - Cash for merchants; minimal qualifications - (file) – Up to $250,000.00.  No application fees, no Closing Costs, No Tax Returns, No Credit Requirements, No Financial Statements, No fixed payments, No Collateral Required – approvals in 24 to 48 hours.   If your business accepts credit cards, it qualifies for a cash advance.

(139) Biz Infor-139.doc - Catalog, Business-free - (file).  How to order a free catalog which will give you a listing of books, manuals, cassette tapes and videos regarding most everything pertaining to the successful operation of a business.

(140) Biz Infor-140.doc - C-Corporation versus LLC, benefits of - (file) - There are a number of things that the C0Corporation can do that the LLC cannot.

(141) Biz Infor-141.doc - Chapter 11, when it makes economic ($$$$) sense to file - (file) - But there are four (4) case when a Chapter 11 is the only solution – and don’t let your attorney pressure you into filing.

(142) Biz Infor-142.doc - Chapter 11, why your business may not survive - (file) – Only a handful of companies survive this reorganization.  Most are liquidated through a Chapter 7 process. Now discover why!

(143) Biz Infor-143.doc - Charge-back Bureau - (file) – Is your business having too many Charge-backs?  Merchants:  We’ll fight and prevent them for you and recover lost revenue as well.

(144) Biz Infor-144.doc - Checklist for starting a business - (file) - This Checklist provides the basic steps you should think about when starting a business.  This list is not all-inclusive but covers many of the major issues.  Other steps may be necessary depending on the specific type of business you are launching.  Although this was written for the citizens of the State of Washington it nonetheless should give you a “roadmap” of ideas as to what to expect from your state.

(145) Biz Infor-145.doc - China, business product development - (file) – This Website is dedicated to provide overview information and links to China market, daily business news, business overview, import/export, project, investment laws, suppliers, market research and business opportunities.

(146) Biz Infor-146.doc - China, business resources of - (file) - You don’t have to be a large company with your own research staff – small businesses can make great use of resources such as the U.S. Commercial Services, the state’s Department of community, Trade and Economic Development and local trade organizations.

(147) Biz Infor-147.mht - Clarifying SBA loan requirements – BizQuest - (file) – I have found that there are significant misunderstandings about the SBA 7-A loan program. Buyers, sellers, accountants, attorneys and even business brokers have misconceptions. And much, much more.

(148) Biz Infor-148.doc - Classified ads, how to write one that works - (file) – Writing an effective classified ad is easy.  What follows is a step-by-step guide focusing on the time-tested principles of a successful ad.

(149) Biz Infor-149.doc -  Columbia Tower Club - (file) – Have you been looking for the number one custom-label cigar company worldwide?  If so, check out this file. Every good businessman needs a good tasting cigar once in a while to keep the doctor away.

(150) Biz Infor-150.doc - Combat Shoplifters - (file) - Here are some preventative steps storeowners can take to help discourage shoplifting.

(151) Biz Infor-151.doc - Company crisis protection - (file) – Businesses are vulnerable to a wide range of emergencies that can threaten the safety of employees and the continuity of operations, but few business owners take the necessary steps to prepare employees for a crisis when the results of being unprepared can be devastating.

(152) Biz Infor-152.doc - Comparable Business Sales - (file) – Valuation Comps are easy to find for real estate whereas they are challenging to find for businesses.  Some places for comps:  Pratt’s States, Bizcomps, Trade Journals, Franchisers, etc.  Here’s a file that will lead you to these sources.

(153) Biz Infor-153.doc - Comparing Corporations to LLC’s - (file) – Here is a listing of ideas that help you carry on a more intelligent conversation with your lawyer, tax adviser and/or accountant.

(154) Biz Infor-154.doc - Computer fail safe - (file) – Computers must have a backup plan to protect business.

(155) Biz Infor-155.doc - Computers; are your business computers spying on you? - (file) – If your employees download anything from the Internet, including E-mails, then some or all of the computers in your office have spy-ware.

(156) Biz Infor-156.doc - Conferencing, telephone - (file) – Free telephone Conference Call services, up to 96 participants.

(157) Biz Infor-157.doc - Conferencing, web, audio & video - (file) – Can you business use effective business integrated web, audio and video conferencing whereupon you can easily conduct large-scale online events, reaching thousands locally, nationally, or worldwide right from your computer?  Learn how……..

(158) Biz Infor-158.doc - Contingencies  of a Purchase & Sale Agreement - (file) – Just some thoughts about how the Seller should tighten up the contingencies of a Purchase & Sale Agreement.

(159) Biz Infor-159.doc - Contract Workers - (file) – Employers can get into deep trouble if they misclassify workers; that is, call them contractors when in fact they’re employees.  This file has some ideas that will help keep you from having the IRS slap a bunch of stiff penalties and interest upon your company.

(160)  Biz Infor-160.doc - Contracts, essential elements to create an enforceable one - file) – Have you ever wondered if that piece of paper you signed constituted a bonafied contract?

(161) Biz Infor-161.doc - Corporate Business Structures - (file) – The most dynamic and flexible business entity is the corporation.  Offering tremendous advantages that generally outweigh all other business structures, the corporation is the most commonly used structure in business today.

(162) Biz Infor-162.mht - Corporate Funding, creative ways to score - (file) – Entrepreneurs can also solicit divisions of large corporations for a strategic investment.  Unlike venture funds which are bound by fairly restrictive investment criteria, corporations have greater flexibility.  They can invest cash or provide other valuable non-cash support in the form of office of warehouse space, equipment use, technology & manufacturing access.

(163) Biz Infor-163.mht - Corporate Services; Incorporation, Dissolution, DBA, Registered Agent - (file) – This firm is a sample of many that offers legal forms over the Internet since 1996, www.USLegalforms.com is the leading Legal Forms Company.  It was founded and is operated by attorneys albeit no legal advice is given outside how to use the forms.  Order your chosen forms from this file.

(164) Biz Infor-164.doc - Corporate Stock Certificates - (file) – Order blank stock certificates or order the certificates completed for you with your corporate information.  Order your forms from this file.

(165) Biz Infor-165.doc - Corporate Veil, piercing of - (file) – Be careful how you operate your corporation because some lawyer may make it appear as though you were operating it as a Sole Proprietorship thereby placing all your personal assets on the line.

(166) Biz Infor-166.doc - Corporate Veil, protecting it from attorneys - (file) – As stated above, it is of paramount importance that you operate your Corporation or LLC as such otherwise some sharp attorney will prove that you were actually operating a Sole Proprietorship with all your personal assets on the line.

(167) Biz Infor-167.doc - Corporate $$$ obligations can snare Directors - (file) – Be careful, may corporate financial obligations may follow the Director(s) as a personal liability. 

(168) Biz Infor-168.doc - Corporation (asset) protection - (file) - Although this file was created for my Real Estate Information folder, I decided to place it in the Business Information folder as well due to the advantages of incorporating in Nevada…….from protecting assets…to not paying any state income taxes.

(169) Biz Infor-169.doc - Corporation Owner’s Survival Guide 1 - (file) – 18 Smart Ways to Protect Your Personal Assets from Business Liability.

(170) Biz Infor-170.doc - Corporation Owner’s Survival guide 2 - (file) – 16 Costly mistakes that cause courts to hold you personally liable for Your Company’s debts.

(171) Biz Infor-171.doc - Corporations-C type, a critique of - (file) - This file should help you better understand the “nuts & bolts” of a Corp. in comparison to other business/legal structures.

(172)  Biz Infor-172-doc - Corporations, 6 ways to make corporate shares worthless - (file) - With creditors in hot pursuit; you need to have a course of action to protect your investment, ideally well thought out prior to a need if and when it surfaces.

(173) Biz Infor-173.doc - Corporations, 8 ways to lose protection - (file) – If your corporation is to be an effective liability insulator, it must function as a corporation, be treated as a corporation, and be recognized by your creditors as a distinct entity.  You can lose your corporate protection when & if you relax these rules.

(174) Biz Infor-174.doc - Corporations, 9 liability traps for directors - (file) – Director Negligence still remains the most frequent cause of liability, particularly among directors of publicly owned corporations.

(175) Biz Infor-175.doc - Corporations, as shields for professionals - (file) – Professional Corporations compared to regular business (C & S) corporations insofar as benefits, liability & pensions are concerned.

(176) Biz Infor-176.doc - Corporations, C vs. S - (file) - What is the difference between a C & S Corporation and when and why do you choose one over the other?

(177) Biz Infor-177.doc -  Corporations, Convert C to S -. (file) -Yes . . . this can be done.  Read how easy it is in this file.

(178) Biz Infor-178.doc - Corporations create your own - (file) – And for just $22.50 plus filing fees – this file will take you right to E-Z Forms Website.  Also, a book reviews “How to Form Your Own Corporation.”

(179) Biz Infor-179.doc - Corporations, dissolving one - (file) – There are many ways to dissolve a corporation, depending upon state law.  This file presents the most common methods.

(180)  Biz Infor-180-doc - Corporations, how to escape Corporate guarantees - (file) – You must know how to escape liability on the few guarantees you mistakenly (or intentionally) personally sign for and must know (learn) how to avoid these subtle or latent guarantees in the first place.

(181)  Biz Infor-181.doc - Corporations, how to make yourself invisible - (file) – A good asset protection program will therefore conceal your identify as a shareholder.  How can this be accomplished?

(182)  Biz Infor-182.doc - Corporations, how to pick the right one - (file) – Here are some reasons why you should choose an S corp. over a C corp. or visa versus.

(183) Biz Infor-183.doc - Corporations, how to properly finance one - (file) – Funds loaned to your own corporation are easily lost.  But you can greatly reduce your risk if you structure your loan correctly.

(184) Biz Infor-184.doc - Corporations, how to withdraw tax free money - (file) – You should now plan your own best personal tax strategy for taking money out of your corporation while keeping it financially solvent, legally avoiding excessive taxation and insuring yourself greater asset protection.

(185) Biz Infor-185.doc - Corporations, an incorporation checklist - (file) – Necessary steps in the incorporation process.

(186)  Biz Infor-186.doc - Corporations, insurance for directors - (file) – Because corporate directors face potential liabilities from so many sources, a corporate director today must be adequately protected from any claim.

(187) Biz Infor-187.doc -  Why corporate protection is essential today. - (file) – Here are some pointers as to why you may wish to incorporate.

(188) Biz Infor-188.doc - Corporations, LLC’s & Sole Props – pros & Cons of - (file) – Some additional information about business legal & financial structures.

(189) Biz Infor-189.doc - Corporations, 6 ways to make your shares worthless to your creditors - (file) - With creditors in hot pursuit, quickly sell your stock or bonds in any publicly owned corporation.  A judgment creditor can seize the shares of stock or bonds that you do own.

(190) Biz Infor-190.doc - Corporations, shield personal assets (file) – Here’s how to protect your personal assets with an in-corporation rather than just protecting the corporate assets from a personal bankruptcy.

(191) Biz Infor-191.doc - Corporations, S-type, a critique of - (file) – Here are some additional highpoints of an S-Corporations that will help you decide the right legal/financial structure for your business.

(192) Biz Infor – 192.doc - Cost, business start up - (file) - How much will it cost to start up your new business?

(193) Biz Infor-193.doc - Counterfeit check Scams - (file)- The Federal Trade commissions has warned consumers about a new scam involving counterfeit checks.

(194) Biz Infor-194.doc - Create a Chicago business branch office - (file) – Increase your business by having a Chicago presence or create some anonymity for your business and/or self by having a Chicago mailing address.

(195) Biz Infor-195.doc - Credit – business, how to restore - (file) – A step-by-step guide for fixing your poor to bad credit report and moving on.

(196) Biz Infor-196.doc - Credit Card Factoring - (file) – Now you can borrow against your future Credit Card Sales – and the best reason to use this source of funding is that you don’t have to grovel at the feet of your banker because even merchants who may be considered high risk for conventional funding can qualify.

(197) Biz Infor-197.mht - Credit Card Fraud, how big is the problem - (file) - Any business that collects payments of customer information online runs the risk of being targeted by thieves.  Indeed, merchants who maintain and regularly update their security procedures for credit card data and processing seems to mitigate their risks.  Now discover how.

(198) Biz Infor-198.doc - Credit Card Payment processing, choose the system that fits - (file) – Businesses and Individuals have separate needs.  “The bottom line is that a small merchant has a lot of tough decisions to make in getting a business online.”

(199) Biz Infor-199.doc - Credit Card Processing; how it all works - (file) - This is by far the most complex industry I have ever been associated with for I always tell new employees to give themselves six to nine months to become comfortable with the lingo.  Track a $100.00 purchase through the entire processing system:

(200) Biz Infor-200.doc - Credit Cards Replace Small Business Loans - (file) - As commercial loans become harder to find, small business owners give in to aggressive credit card markets and get slammed with 30% interest rates.

(201) Biz Infor-201.doc - Credit Cards that you want to toss - (file) – Bank of America (and other credit card companies) abruptly and recently notified cardholders in good standing that their rates would skyrocket (28% and up)  if they didn’t opt out fast.  Is BofA greedy or needy?

(202) Biz Infor-202.doc - Credit Report, a free one - (file) – If you are intending to apply for a business loan then you might as well know right up front the condition of your credit so that you will have time to possibly resolve any contested credit issues.  Or, to give you enough time to figure out how to explain away any your credit difficulties.

(203) Biz Infor-203.doc - Credit, five C’s of business lending - (file) – The widely used “Five C’s of Credit” will also be addressed by most lenders in their credit analysis, and buyers should be prepared to discuss how they meet each “C.”

(204) Biz Infor-204.doc - Credit.net - (file) – Try Unlimited Business Credit Reports on 15.5 Million U.S. & Canadian Businesses.  See this Website for much more information.

(205)  Biz Infor-205.doc- Creditor Attachment, how to legally dispose of cash - (file) – What can you do to protect yourself from creditors & other sharks?

(206) Biz Infor-206.doc  -  Creditors, safeguard important business information - (file) – If you are in financial trouble, don’t inadvertently give creditors information that will improve their chances for collection at the expense of your business. 

(207) Biz Infor-207.doc - Crime Lawsuits - (file) - Small businesses face problems from crime lawsuits - more and more victims are blaming owners for inadequate security.

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(208) Biz Infor-208.doc – Criminal Employee Records Search - (file) - You risk the success of your business to employee crime every time you hire someone.  Now……..a quick $39.00 pre-employment report may prevent a very costly hiring error - and discover who the real people are whom you have entrusted with running your business.

(209)  Biz Infor-209.doc -Critical (12) things to Know - (file) – Investing in a franchise or business opportunity is serious business.  Therefore it makes good business sense to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into BEFORE you invest in any opportunity.  Here are 12 good questions to help peel away the layers of uncertainty.

(210) Biz Infor-210.doc - Cross – Collateralize Business and Bank and/or Real Estate Notes - (file) - If any of you Sellers are financing a portion of your real estate and/or business equity, you want to carefully review my real estate and business Purchase & Sale Agreement to protect your interests such as cross collateralizing notes (either bank or real estate notes) so that your buyer cannot pick & choose which note he or she will pay…………..and establishing a “True Escrow” for further payment protection.

(211) Biz Infor-211.doc - Customer Retention - (file) – Having the ability to make fast, accurate decisions based on usable information is essential for customer retention.

(212) Biz Infor-212.doc – 10 - Commandants of  good customer Service - (file) - Although this file does not have anything to do with buying or selling a business, taking proper care of your customer should nonetheless be one of your foremost considerations after you have purchased a business.

(213) Biz Infor-213.doc - Dead dot coms - (file) - Company buys and sells unused inventories - there's lots of money to be made in taking inventory off the hands of manufacturers.

(214) Biz Infor-214.doc - Defining a Corporation - (file) – Take a look at this Legalzoom.com Website that should answer most of your questions – but you’ll have to take this URL address to the Internet to find out.

(215) Biz Infor-215.doc – Definition of an LLC – Please check out the definition of an LLC and compare it with a corporation, partnership and/or Sole Proprietorship.

(216)  Biz Infor-216.doc – Depreciation (2005) Rule #179 – The only difference between deducting the cost and depreciating the cost is the time of the deduction.

(217) Biz Infor-218 - Dex Web Clicks - (file) – Dex Web Clocks guarantees that customers will find you online.

(218) Biz Infor-218.doc - Discretionary earnings, defined - (file) – Why be concerned about this?  Because the N.O.I. (or loss) of a business may or may not reflect your future business operation that may or may not have more or less expenses than the previous owner.  Hence, you must first “recast” or “restate” the expenses to reflect your projected business expenses in order to protect your true cash flow that will be at your disposal to pay debt service and officers salaries.

(219)  Biz Infor-219.doc -  Done deals from $1-100 million.  Done Deals is a database of corporate transaction details for private and public companies that have sold for between $1 million and $100 million.  Now you can click onto its Website or fax/write to this valuable information source.

(220) Biz Infor-220.doc - Don’t buy a business without real estate - (file) – A Korean would prefer to buy a “bad business” with real estate over a “good” business with a long-term lease.  Discover why!

(221) Biz Infor-221.doc -  Due diligence, Seller - (file) - Written for the Seller who needs to ascertain whether or not the Buyer is qualified.

(222) Biz Infor-222.mht - Due Diligence Small Business - (file) – This file takes you to a FindLaw Website – Select Contracts by Subject – then proceed to the Search Window and type in “Due Diligence.”

(223) Biz Infor-223.doc - Due diligence, when buying a business - (file) - Many people misunderstand the true meaning of due diligence.  To the misinformed, it is the time when a buyer can check out a company’s financials.  However, it goes way beyond that.  It is the stage of the business-buying process when a buyer can really dig into the guts of a business and analyze every aspect of it.

(224) Biz Infor-224.doc - Due Diligence - (file) - This superb file was prepared by a Texas attorney for a Fortt Business Guide buyer who was desirous of purchasing a business located in Austin, Texas - @ a cost of $375.00 per hour.  The total legal fees for this document and the Stock Purchase Questionnaire (below in this folder) amounted to $5,000 (+/-), including consultation.

(225) Biz Infor-225.doc - Early Possesson-1 - (file) – There are pitfalls for allowing the Purchaser an early possession, despite how perfect & cozy everything seems to be.

(226)  Biz Infor-226.doc - Early Possession 2 - (file)  - Despite the pitfalls of an early possession, my Seller client was recently adamant about allowing one to occur.  This has some Earnest Money verbiage and my thoughts about an existing sale.

(227) Biz Infor-227.doc - Earned Payout - (file) - There may be times when a sale can be saved, or held together, by the use of earn-outs.  Here are some reasons why it might be used.

(228) Biz Infor-228.doc - Earnest Money Deposits - (file) ­- This advises the Buyer about how not to lose his deposit when the sale "goes down" and why the Seller needs a strong commitment.

(229) Biz Infor-229.doc - Earnings defined - (file) - Did you ever wonder what EBIT-DA, EBDT, Discretionary Earnings, DSC, SDCF, Owner's cash flow and/or NOI meant?  These and more are defined for you plus included is an actual example (schedule) illustrating how you can determine the "True Cash Flow" of a business after you have assumed ownership.

(230) Biz Infor-230.mht - Earnout format - (file) – This file is shared with you so that you know where to purchase a form for your “Earnout.” After reviewing the $35.00 cost of this 18 page form (which surely is worth it) I realized that the Fortt Business Guide CD of 1,000 files of forms & information is truly quite a value in comparison.

(231)  Biz Infor-231.doc - Earnout Information - (file) – Earnouts are particularly useful when the Seller has a limited history or unproven, but promising prospects for revenue generation.

(232) Biz Infor-232.doc - Earnouts in Business Acquisitions - (file) – Bridging the gap between what a Seller believes a business is worth and what a Buyer is willing to pay can be a formidable challenge.   Differences of opinion between the Seller and Buyer concerning the amount, growth potential and likelihood of future earnings, create contentious negotiations regarding the true future value of a company.

(233) Biz Infor-233.doc - Earnouts, why have them - (file) Earnouts are used for various reasons as herein stated.

(234) Biz Infor-234.doc - EBITDA - (file) – EBITDA is an abbreviation for earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.  Now discover how to calculate it and when to use this factor to analyze the profitability between companies and industries.  There is an EBITDA Excel spreadsheet in the Business Forms folder.

(235) Biz Infor-235.doc - eCommerce Dictionary Analytics - (file) – An effort to define and explain specialized Internet Search Engine terms so that you may improve the visit ability of your company’s Website.

(236) Biz Infor-236.doc - eCommerce fraud, build a human firewall - (file) – Hackers find the hole in the human (business) firewall.  What’s the biggest hole?  It’s the illusion of invulnerability.

(237) Biz Infor-237.doc - Electronic Data Backups - (file) - Your business should first try out a free electronic data backup to test its usefulness.

(238) Biz Infor-238.doc - E-mail marketing, 25 exceptional business rules - (file) – To help you face these challenges of shifting customer expectations, challenging new technologies, evolving government regulations and other issues old-school direct marketers never had to fact, Lyris compiled a handy list of 25 essentials you can employ that will greatly improve your E-mail marketing initiatives.

(239) Biz Infor-239.doc - E-mail marketing, tips for success - (file) – Use these five tips to get maximum results from your E-mail marketing efforts.

(240) Biz Infor-240.doc - Embezzlement - (file) - This will help you strengthen internal controls to prevent embezzlement - what to watch for……..and what to do to prevent internal loss.

(241) Biz Infor-241.doc - Employee discharge, risks of - (file) – How to lower the litigation risks of Employee Discharge.

(242) Biz Infor-242.doc - Employee Discipline and Performance - (file) - Specific legal problems need specific solutions.  This article is a broad, general outline and is not intended to provide legal advice. 

(243) Biz Infor-243.doc - Employee management, essential elements of - (file) - Planning and Goal-Setting, organization, Direction, Training and Monitoring Progress.

(244) Biz Infor-244.doc - Employee or Independent Contractors - (file) - Be careful - paying "Independent Contractors" who are actually employees could prove to be disastrous to the financial well being of your business; that is, if the IRS catches you.  I have provided you with a 20-factor test . . . . is your "Independent Contractor" really an employee?

(245) Biz Infor-245.mht - Employee ownership – E.S.O.P - (file) – Employee ownership appears to increase production and profitability, and improve employees’ dedication and sense of ownership.  However, critics caution that democratic leadership can lead to slow decision-making, and employee stock ownership can increase employee’s financial risk if the company does poorly.

(246) Biz Infor-246.doc - Employees are your greatest assets - (file) – Perhaps it’s time to consider how to manage the risks related to your employees and how to identify these risks. 

(247) Biz Infor-247.doc - Employment Contract - (file) -  Maybe you will pay the Seller a higher price via an Employment Contract if he sticks around after the sale to help you learn his business operation, or until certain new markets have been bought on board.

(248) Biz Infor-248.doc - Energy-Saving Techniques for SMB’s - (file) – Making your small business more energy efficient will not only save money, but also can lead to greater comfort among staff and customers.

(249) Biz Infor-249.doc -  Entity (Shares or Stock) Sale vs. Asset Sale - (file) – When buying or selling a business, it is important that you make the correct choice.

(250) Biz Infor-250.doc - Equipment lists and values - (file) – Be careful when you purchase a business that you not pay too much for the equipment……….and what you see is what you get upon possession.

(251) Biz Infor-251.doc - Equipment Warranties - (file) - These warranties are contained in your business Purchase & Sale Agreement, yet I felt that you might want to look over the verbiage prior to writing up an Agreement just to make you aware & conversant of your equipment warranty choices.  It’s very important that what a Purchaser sees is what he will own after a closing with no adverse surprises, disappointments and/or unforeseen expenses.  Believe me when I say these lines were written in blood from closings that went from good to bad just over equipment because of a lack of communication and/or Sellers who just changed once the sale closed out, i.e., forgot everything they reassuringly told the Purchaser during the “courtship.”  Sellers have amazing memory lapses over assets and earnings!  And because of those problems I spent considerable time creating these tight clauses.  Also, be very careful when you sign your closing papers at escrow so that the “boilerplate” closing document verbiage does not undo what the Seller and Purchaser had previously agreed upon in their Purchase & Sales Agreements & Exhibits.  Such as, “the Purchaser accepts the equipment in “as is” condition and this agreement supersedes all other verbal and written agreements in which the Seller had provided certain guarantees for X amount of time as to the condition of the equipment..  That’s why my Purchase & Sales Agreement has a clause that will prevent this from happening – a sample of this wording is at the end of this file.

(252) Biz Infor-252.doc -  Equipment, business write offs - (file) – Business Equipment Write-offs Accelerated, at the top of this list is the “Hummer Loophole” that allows accelerated expensing of all types of business equipment, including business vehicles only is the gross weight is over 6,000 lbs.

(253) Biz Infor-253.doc - Escrow Process Explained - (file) – When a Seller and a Purchaser come together to transfer ownership of real property, most often the transaction is closed through an Escrow firm that is a neutral third party authorized to act as an Escrow agent and coordinate the closing activities.  The Escrow agent holds monies and legal documents on behalf of the Buyer & Seller and handles them according to their instructions in order to close or complete the sale.

(254)  Biz Infor-254.pdf - Escrow, business – sample - (file) – Here is a guide as to what to expect from a Business Escrow firm from the Escrow Instructions per se’ to open the Escrow to a Closing recap of your final closing papers.

(255) Biz Infor-255.doc - Escrow, closing without - (file) - Does anyone close without an escrow?  I am sharing a sad experience with you so when and if a Buyer becomes adamant about closing without an escrow because there is "no need for one and money can be saved," you can reflect upon an expensive nightmare – (for the Seller).

(256) Biz Infor-256.doc – ESOP’s; preserve your business legacy - (file) – An ESOP is an employer-funded exit strategy for the owner  & a benefit program created to hold the company’s stock on behalf of employees.

(257) Biz Infor-257.doc - ESOPS, why use one? - (file) – Here are some points that can be used in demonstrating why an ESOP just may be better than a sale, merger or public offering, as well as a superior technique of corporate finance.

(258) Biz Infor-258.doc - Establishing Corporate Credit - (file) – Financing is a critical part of a small business and almost always a very large concern for the owners.  Nothing is more important and vital to the health of a small business than having the right financing in place.

(259) Biz Infor-259.doc -  Evaluation - (file) – Business Brokers were recently asked how they arrived at a selling price of value; in other words, which methods do business brokers use?

(260) Biz Infor-260.doc - Excess Earnings - (file) - Here is an Excess Earnings Formula to help you determine the value of a company from this approach.

(261) Biz Infor-261.doc - Executive Retreats - (file) – Executive retreats are back – in a big way.  Discover how to rediscover the value of corporate retreats in off-site venues. 

(262) Biz Infor-262.doc - Expert Biz Advice - (file) - Tools:  Free Trial of my Netsales.com - Find Franchises - Get a Micro Loan.  Advice:  Home based Start-Ups - Designing your Web site - Get a Life!. Deals win $50k Seed Money - Save of DSL Service.  Finding a Host for Your Site.  Barter Online. Incorporate online.  Expert Advice.  Entrepreneur Daily.  Business Financing.  Start-Up Ideas.  Your Business Channels: Starting a home based Business, Money & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Management, Technology, E-commerce, Opportunities, Inventions, Lifestyle. Etc., etc., etc.

(263) Biz Infor-263.doc - Export Business - (file) – The U.S. Dept. of Commerce can help your firm create International Export Sales.  Some Websites to click onto………

(264) Biz Infor-264.doc - Eyes on your business - (file) – You would like to believe the image of your business is what you perceive it to be.  Actually, the image of your business is what your customers perceive it to be.

(265) Biz Infor-265.mht - Facebook, selling on - Practical eCommerce - (file) – Facebook offers eCommerce companies an opportunity to both market their products and connect with their customers.  Traffic to Facebook has increased by 149% from February 2008 to February 20009.

(266) Biz Infor-266.doc - Factoring, why it works now - (file) – Usually cash is available within 7 days or less with a minimum amount of paperwork.

(267) Biz Infor-267.doc - Family Business, selling one - (file) – How to get the right price for a family-owned biz. As the owner of a family business, the decision to sell will very likely be one of the more important of your life both financially and emotionally.

(268) Biz Infor-268.doc - Fast cash for your failing business - (file) – When creditors have grown anxious, a key objective should be to turn unencumbered assets into cash as quickly as possible.

(269) Biz Infor-269.doc - FICO Score need a new one. - (file) – Learn the secrets known only by high powered attorneys who charge up to $3,000.00 for the same service & advice.

(270) Biz Infor-270.doc - Fight global poverty, lend a buck - (file) - Would you like to have your business make a small contribution towards ending global poverty?  Now you can discover how.

(271) Biz Infor-271.doc - Finance your Business, Best Ways to - (file) - Access to capital often determines whether a fledging (or on going) enterprise succeeds or dies.

(272) Biz Infor-272.doc - Finances, fundamentals to a small business success - (file) – Use the crisis as an opportunity to refocus and make the company more financially sound.

(273) Biz Infor-273.doc - Financial lingo of 2008 - (file) – Understanding today’s economic terminology is a valuable asset.

(274) Biz Infor-274.doc - Financial Ratios - (file) – Here is an access to key financial rations from hundreds of industries, sorted by both sales and asset size.  They show the top and bottom quartiles and the median for approximately 40 different balance sheet, income statement and activity ratios. 

(275) Biz Infor-275.doc - Financial Reports with Ratios - (file) – Investors/Bankers read a financial report partially by using ratios to interpret profit performance.  This file gives you and overview of what you don’t know and knowledge where to buy a book that you should keep on your business book reference shelf that will give you a total explanation.

(276) Biz Infor-276.mht - Financial statements, 4 most important ones - (file) – As the title to this file suggests, here is a breakdown of our 4 most common financial statements that explains how to evaluate the financial condition of most any business that keeps financial records.

(277) Biz Infor-277.doc - Financial Reports, an understanding of - (file) – The 1929 stock market crash and its aftermath plainly exposed the lack of accounting standards, as well as many financial reporting abuses and frauds.  Landmark federal securities laws were passed in 1933 & 1934 that were the main impetus behind the continued development of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) that prevails today.

(278) Biz Infor-278.doc - Financing & Cash Flow (1) - (file) - A big problem that businesses have with handling their cash flow is defining what it is. 

(279) Biz Infor-279.doc - Financing & Cash Flow (2) - (file) – Here are instructions for using the Excel Cash Flow    Projections contained in the following file, i.e., Financing & Cash Flow (3).doc

(280) Biz Infor-280.xls - Financing & Cash Flow (3) - (file) - This is an Excel financial projection cash flow statement from information communicated by management.  (In case this hyperlink does not work – the file can be found either at the top of the Business Information Folder – or just below Financing & Cash Flow (2).doc)  

(281) Biz Infor-281.doc - Financing choices, business – (file) – Here is a recap of business financing choices by title that you should become aware of.  These are written out in detail in your Purchase & Sale Agreement forms.  Knowledge is power because these clauses will enable you to become creative in financial structuring thereby perhaps creating opportunities for yourself that you never thought possible, even converting a financially weak buyers to a strong ones.  I have separate financing choices for both real estate and business acquisitions.  Sellers should be aware of these as well.  Choose which one best satisfies your needs then when you visit your Real Estate PSA (Purchase & Sale Agreement) you can delete the remaining ones.

(282) Biz Infor-282.doc - Financing for your acquisition - (file) – Although different lenders specialize in making certain types of loans, in this article you discover some of the common principles, steps & formulas used in this process.

(283) Biz Infor-283.doc - Financing is all about cash flow - (file) - A big problem that businesses have with handling their cash flow is defining what it is.  All other problems branch from that definition.

(284) Biz Infor-284.mht - Financing the Deal - (file) – It’s fairly simple to get the money you need to buy an existing business.  It’s far simpler to get the money you need to buy an existing business than it is for a start up.  Most people simply don’t realize how to do it.  Don’t get the wrong idea: you’re not going to buy a business, at least a good one, with no money down.  That’ only happens in the infomercials.

(285) Biz Infor-285.mht - Find a business Lawyer database - (file) – Search FindLaw's database of 1,000,000 lawyers to find attorneys in your area.

(286) Biz Infor-286.doc - Firing people, don’t be a jerk - (file) – Executive coaches say small-business owners in particular could use a lesson or two in easing the pain of firing employees, since they often don’t have an in house human resource adviser.

(287) Biz Infor-287.doc - Fixture law, 5 rules of - (file) - When does Personal Property become Real Property?  When a dispute arises whether or not an item is included in a home (building) or business sale, the courts use five rules to decide.

(288) Biz Infor-288.doc - Flyer (1), promotional - (file) - Produce your own flyers……to locate businesses and Buyers.

(289) Biz Infor-289.doc - Flyer (2), promotional - (file) - This is a sample flyer that I just created for a Tacoma restaurant that I am attempting to market to an owner of an existing Italian restaurant/lounge in the King County (Seattle) area.

(290) Biz Infor-290.doc - Flyer (3), promotional - (file) - Here are a few sample flyers that I successfully used to sell some buildings and businesses.  Unfortunately, the OCR scanning concept still needs perfecting.

(291) Biz Infor-291.doc - Flyer (4), promotional - (file) - This is a promotional flyer that I use in my Business Broker business, kind of a "show & tell" explaining my services.  Just some formatting ideas for you.

(292) Biz Infor-292.doc - Flyer (5), promotional - (file) - This is my most recent flyer that I used in conjunction with promoting a 1/2 million dollar lounge/restaurant/gaming business in Ocean Shores, WA.  The owner of this business didn't care about Confidentiality.  This was mailed to 45 existing casino operators in the State of Washington…….with several excellent responses.

(293) Biz Infor-293.doc - Foil Check Fraud - (file) – Prevention and vigilance are a business owner’s best weapons against fraud.  Herein discussed are some powerful weapons to make replication and forgery more difficult.

(294) Biz Infor-294.doc - For Sale by Owner (Business) - (file) – Unlike a residential sale where “the more people who know the better,” a business sale must be conducted in confidence in order to protect the ongoing viability of the business asset.

(295) Biz Infor-295.mht - Forget the asking price - (file) – Whenever you look at a business purchase, keep in mind that EVERYTHING is negotiable, especially he price.    If it’s the right business for you, then solid negotiating skills can adjust any Seller’s thinking.

(296) Biz Infor-296.doc - Franchise & Business Opportunity Shows - (file) - North America’s Leading Producer of Franchise & Business Opportunity Events – find out where by clicking on their Website.

(297) Biz Infor-297.mht - The Franchise Buyers Network - (file) helps people like you find the perfect Franchise Opportunities of Business Opportunities.

(298) Biz Infor-298.doc - Franchise Connection - (file) – “No other franchise consulting organization has as much experience and as much success in helping prospective franchisees find businesses.  No one!” Now you can click directly to their Website and find out for yourself.

(299) Biz Infor-299.doc - Franchise documents, unfair provisions to watch for - (file) – The fact that thee is a notice of this offering on file with the attorney general (Michigan) does not constitute approval, recommendation, or endorsement by the Attorney General.

(300) Biz Infor-300.doc - Franchise Funding.doc - (file) - Here is a source of franchise financing that does not require outside collateral nor your 1^st born as security - just the core assets of the franchise sale.

(301) Biz Infor-301.doc - Franchise Information-1 - (file) - Shows you how to order a "Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise" from the U.S. Government for a small charge of $21.00 - call 1^st for exact price.

(302) Biz Infor-302.doc - Franchise Information-2 - (file) - Get ‘em while they’re hot!    That is, a 1998 Franchise Annual Directory – points the way for you to order one, where and how much.

(303) Biz Infor-303.doc - Franchise Information-3 - (file) - Franchises are way into business for many entrepreneurs.  Part of the appeal of franchising is you don't have to go through the trial and error that the mom and pops do or that of taking over a business from someone who has "done things his way."

(304) Biz Infor-304.doc - Franchise Information-4 - (file) - Before you buy a franchise, here are 15 Questions to Ask Your Franchiser.

(305) Biz Infor-305.doc - Franchise Information-5 - (file) - The International Franchise Association (IFA) is a good source of information.  Now you can click on to its Web site.

(306) Biz Infor-306.doc - Franchise Opportunity Journal - (file) - Point & Click to the nation's largest journal specializing in business opportunities, franchising and investments in the United States & Canada.

(307) Biz Infor-307.mht - Franchise Zone - (file) – For more information about buying a franchise – review listings of them and everything discover everything about buying and operating one then you must to see this Entrepreneur Magazine Website.

(308) Biz Infor-308.mht - Franchise, 10 reasons to buy - (file) – Are you thinking about buying a franchise but you are not sure if the idea is a good one?  Here are 10 good reasons to go ahead and pursue your dream of owning a successful business.

(309) Biz Infor-309-mht - Franchise, a U.S. Dept. of Commerce Consumer Buying Guide - (file) – Want to be your own boss?  A franchise or business opportunity may sound appealing, especially if you have limited resources or business experience.  However, you could lose a significant amount of money if you do not carefully investigate a business before you buy.  The Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule requires franchise and business opportunity sellers to give you specific information to help you make an informed decision.

(310) Biz Infor-310.doc - Franchise, how to buy an existing one - (file) – Franchises can be a good place to begin your entrepreneurial career.  If you want to greatly improve your chances of success then buy a franchise resale.  Take advantage of one that’s already established and successful, except you will pay more (owner’s Goodwill) for this opportunity than if you were buying a “start up,” i.e., new franchise offering.

(311)  Biz Infor-311.doc - Franchises, never to old for one - (file) – Retirees, older workers find new ways to survive downturn – but do research first! – This is a book “review about how to buy a Franchise – it will help you turn opportunity into reality!

(312) Biz Infor-312.doc - Franchise, selecting one - (file) - When selecting a franchise, carefully consider a number of factors as set forth in this file.

(313) Biz Infor-313.doc - Franchise, 20 Questions to Ask Existing - (file) – Thinking of buying a franchise?       Well, it might not be a bad idea to talk with some existing franchises to see if the           parent organization is just “smoke & mirrors.”  Here are 20 good questions to ask.

(314) Biz Infor-314.doc - Franchises, 2000 of them - (file) - Have you ever dreamed of owning a franchise business?  Look no further………everything you need to start your own a franchise is located at this site - just "click onto it."

(315) Biz Infor-315.mht - Franchise, advantages & disadvantages of owning one - (file) - When considering life as an entrepreneur, it is important to understand the definitions of a franchise, business opportunity and a start-up business.  /there are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to each style of business.  In this article I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of owning a franchise.

(316) Biz Infor-316.doc - Franchises, pricing of one - (file) – Here’s a listing of franchises along with pricing formulas for each one based upon industry standards, i.e., % of Gross Sales.

(317)  Biz Infor-317.mht - FranchisESource Brands International - (file) – This is a synergistic network of related franchise brands that awards franchises to entrepreneurs and those who desire to become one who prove themselves to be capable of achieving exceptional income, lifestyle, wealth, and equity by operating one of our highly successful franchise business models. In today’s job market who really knows what tomorrow will bring?  Take charge today!

(318)  Biz Infor-318.mht - Franchising, from Wikipedia -. (file) – Franchising refers to the methods of practicing and using another person’s business philosophy that the Franchisor grants to the Franchisee for a fee.  Read much more….. 

(319) Biz Infor-319.mht - Franchises, 19 frequently asked questions - (file) – A fine source of valuable information borrowed from a prominent franchise association Website.

(320) Biz Infor-320.doc - Franchising, International Association’s Website - (file) – If you are interested in Franchising opportunities here is a Website that is loaded with information pertaining to 1,200+ franchise opportunities, member resources, and general information about franchising.

(321) Biz Infor-321.doc - Franchising, worth the investment - (file) – Network marketing is the vehicle that will generate many of the nation’s new millionaires over the next ten years.

(322) Biz Infor-322.doc - Fundamentals – the Key to Small Business Finances - (file) – Find ways to control expenses to reduce the burden on your cash flow.

(323) Biz Infor-323.mht - Funding (401-K or IRA) for Business Opportunities - (file) – This funding option allows you to start your business or franchise with minimal (if any) debt, provides you with significant tax benefits, and helps pave the way to a successful business future. To qualify for this type of funding option, you should have $50,000 or more in an IRA, 401(K) or other retirement account structure. 

(324)  Biz Infor-324.doc - Get smart about running your business - (file) - Knowledge and use of these principles stated herein could likely mean the difference between success and failure of the business itself.

(325) Biz Infor-325.mht – Understanding six workplace personalities – Take a look at the different personality types stated herein this file; identify your colleagues and direct reports, and use their personality strengths to drive results in your organization.