Do You Know Your Customers?

Courtesy of Business Brokerage Press

It’s always nice, when eating at a nice restaurant, for the owner to come up and ask how everything was. That personal contact goes a long way in keeping customers happy – and returning. It seems that customer service is now handled by making a potential customer or client wait on a telephone for what seems forever, listening to a recording saying that the call will be handled in 10 minutes. Small businesses are usually built around personal customer service. When is the last time you “worked the floor” or handled the phone, or had lunch with a good customer? Customers and clients like to do business with the owner. Even a friendly “hello” or “nice to see you again” goes a long way in customer relations and service.

The importance of knowing your customers and/or clients could actually be extended to suppliers, vendors, and others connected with your business. When is the last time you visited with your banker, accountant, or legal advisor? A friendly call to your biggest supplier(s) can go a long way in building relationships. A call to one of these people thanking them for prompt delivery can pay big dividends if and when a problem really develops.

Owning and operating your own business is not a “backroom” or “hide behind the business plan” business. It is a “front-room” business. Go out and meet the customers – and anyone else who has an interest in your business.

This subject and others are important considerations in owning a business and can affect the sale of a business in a positive or negative manner. If you are thinking of selling your business, or just want to discuss possible exit scenarios down the road, please call to speak to one of our brokers here at Sunbelt Indiana... 317-573-2100. The consultation is free with no obligation!

Recap of the Year at Sunbelt Indiana

Well everyone, 2011 is coming to a close and we are proud to announce that we have successfully closed over 25 sale transactions this year... the following tombstone sheets show just a sampling of our recent transactions... click on the subject line to review just a few.

• Recent Completed M&A Transactions


• Recent Completed Mainstreet Transactions

To take your business from "for sale" to "sold" contact us at indyinfo@sunbeltindiana.com or 317-573-2100 to speak to a broker about your exit planning strategy.

Check out this great article on financing a business from BusinessNewsDaily...

Today there was a great article on BusinessNewsDaily.com, "7 Ways to Finance a Small Business" By David Mielach, Staff Writer.

What makes this article great is not only its inciteful synopsis of the 7 ways to finance, but also the breakdown of each one including advantages and disadvantages. According to Mr. Mielach, the 7 ways to finance are...

• Small Business Administration Loan


• Friends and Family


• Home Equity Loan


• Credit Cards


• Angel Investors


• Venture Capitalists


• Strategic Investors

The only one he may have missed, is of course financing the purchase of an existing business through use of retirement funds. Other than that, this is a great read for both buyers and sellers alike to educate themselves. It is definitely worth a read.

Click here to read the full article.

Staffing Decisions - 2 Options if you are going to sell

One area that has the potential to affect the value of your business is the staffing of your business. If you are thinking about selling, you may want to consider two different options.

1. Outsourcing

Many services, especially in today's environmen of the self-employed, can be outsourced. Replacing workers is not pleasant and should only be done if substantial savings can be realized, but outsourcing is worth investigating.

When evaluating the potential savings, you will want to compare the total costs related to the employee (salary, benefits, bonuses, etc.) to the total costs related to outsourcing. You will also want to consider how the change could affect customer service and the morale and productivity of the other employees.

2. Removing Negativity

Now may be the time to get rid of any disgruntled employees. Negative employees hurt a business in several ways. Their attitudes can create a sour environment for their co-workers; their criticisms and complaints can rub off on their coworkers; and their demeanor can leave a negative impression on the customers of the business.

Happy and contented employees make for a profitable business - and it is evident to anyone looking at the business.

Check out our own Larry Metzing in the Biz Voice by the Indiana Chamber

Check out the September / October 2011 issue of BizVoice magazine, put out by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Our own Larry Metzing, Senior Partner at Sunbelt Indiana Business Resource is highlighted as an Indiana "dealmaker", along with several other dealmaking Indiana professionals, in The Deal Behind the Deals, Pros offer Stories, Facts and Analysis.

Larry talks about fascinating deals, estimated market valuation, and the importance of taking the busines to market, as opposed to selling to the first buyer that comes along.

Click here to read the article.

Article 9: Take a Look at Your Lease

This article is helpful for any of you who are thinking or either starting your own business or purchasing an existing one, or if you currently own a business that operates out of leased premises. Very helpful.

If your business is not location-sensitive, that is, if your business location is immaterial to its success, then the following may not be important. However, lease information is usually helpful no matter what the situation. The business owner whose business is very dependent on its current location should certaily read on.

If your business is location-sensitive, which is almost always true for a restaurant, a retail operation, or, in fact, any business that depends on customers finding you (or coming upon you, as is often the case with a well-located gift shop) - the lease is critical. It may be too late if you already have executed it, but the following might be helpful for your next lease negotiation.

Click here to read the full article.

Recent Businesses Sold in central Indiana...

The following are businesses recently sold by Sunbelt Indiana brokers ... congrats brokers - great job!

• Free Spirit Lounge (Broker Gary Stehle)


• Kem-Co Chemical (Broker Tim Koger)


• Midas Location (Brokers Brian Knoderer & Dave Gorman)


• Mears Automotive (Broker Dave Gorman)


• Jack's Pizza - Danville (Broker Tim Koger)

If you are interested in learning more about selling your business, buying a business or planning for an exit strategy down the road, please contact us immediately. Sunbelt Indiana has been selling businesses in the Indiana marketplace for over 30 years! We have sold over 1,300 and can help you sell yours.

Ph. 317-573-2100
marketing@sunbeltindiana.com