Bockus Consulting - Business Brokerage & Appraisals

Selling your business is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube.?Blindfolded.?Riding a unicycle.?In an Oklahoma thunderstorm. It can be done.?But should you??You might be thinking, "Can I do this on my own?"?Sure, you can. Here's what most folks don't realize: 1. Pricing is an art and a science. Too high, and you'll scare buyers away. Too low, and you're leaving money on the table. 2. Confidentiality is crucial. One leak can sink your ship faster than you can say "going out of business." 3. Negotiations are a minefield. One wrong step, and boom - deal's off. 4. Paperwork? It's a jungle. Miss one form, and you could be in hot water with Uncle Sam. 5. Time is money. The longer your business is on the market, the less valuable it becomes. I have had a root canal.?I remember what went on – but I would never attempt to do a root canal on my own. Drop a comment —I’d love to hear your take on this. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help because we do it better than you can do it by yourself. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?Don’t take my word for it, look at our results.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I provide data driven insights and expert guidance on buying, selling, appraisals, and marketing—so you can make the best decision.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website. https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

If you’re even thinking about selling in the next few years, here’s what you need to know: 1. Buyers don’t pay for potential—they pay for profits. If your business isn’t making money today, no buyer will pay for what it could do tomorrow. 2. Selling takes time—usually much longer than owners expect. If you wait until you’re exhausted or desperate, you’ll have fewer options and less negotiating power. 3. The first offer is rarely the amount paid. Many deals fall apart after due diligence, and most buyers will try to lower the price once they see the financials up close. 4. Confidentiality is critical. The last thing you want is employees, customers, or competitors finding out before you’re ready. 5. A bad deal is worse than no deal. Rushing into the wrong sale can cost you more in the long run—whether through seller financing risks, broken earnouts, or buyers who can’t actually close. Most businesses never sell. Those that do? The owners planned ahead. If you're a business owner, CPA, or advisor, take this as your sign to start preparing now. Even if you’re years away from selling, getting the right guidance today can make all the difference when the time comes. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty.?You are not alone.?We can help because we do it better than you can on your own. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate uncertainty by providing data driven insights and expert guidance on buying, selling, appraisals, and marketing—ensuring you're never alone in the process.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

Selling Your Business? Innocent mistakes turn into expensive lawsuits Selling a business is exciting, but here’s the thing: overlooking small details can lead to big problems later. ? If you ever plan to buy a business – print, save and clip this post for when the time comes. I’ve seen sellers end up in legal hot water—not because they were dishonest, but because they didn’t know what they needed to disclose. Most of these are innocent mistakes, but they can cost you if they’re not handled upfront. My Checklist to Avoid Future Litigation ?? Employee background checks: Have any employees been flagged for issues you’re not aware of? Make sure you’ve reviewed and disclosed relevant history to the buyer. ?? UCC filings: Outstanding liens or financing agreements? Check Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings to ensure there are no surprises for the buyer—or for you. ?? Customer and vendor contracts: Are contracts transferable? Do they have terms that could create problems for the buyer? Review everything carefully. ?? Marketing management: Who owns your marketing assets—your website, social media accounts, or ads? Clarify ownership and avoid disputes post-sale. ?? Insurance coverage: Are your policies current and adequate? Buyers will want to know if there are any risks left uncovered. ?? Environmental issues: If your business involves property or manufacturing, have an environmental assessment done to avoid liability for contamination or hazards. ?? Supplier rebates: Have you disclosed all special agreements with suppliers, like volume rebates or discounts? These can impact the buyer’s expectations and financial planning. Why This Matters These aren’t just legal boxes to check—they’re about transparency and trust. Buyers want to feel confident that they’re not inheriting hidden risks. As the seller, it’s your job to make sure they have all the facts upfront. Before listing your business, work with a trusted advisor (like a broker or attorney) to review potential disclosure issues. The goal isn’t just to sell—it’s to sell cleanly without future headaches. Have questions about selling your business? Let’s talk! Or share your own experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated these challenges. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help because we do it better than you can do by yourself. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate mistakes by providing data driven insights and expert guidance—ensuring the best outcome possible.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

Thinking About Buying a Restaurant? Read This First Owning a restaurant could be your dream—until you realize how much you don’t know about what’s happening behind the scenes. If you’re a first-time buyer, let me save you some headaches. Go buy this book: ?“The Art of Restaurant Theft: 70 Sneaky Tricks Your Employees May Be Doing.” Yes, the title is a little shocking, but this book will open your eyes to the reality of restaurant ownership. Why You Need This Book 1?? You’ll learn what really goes on. Employees in the restaurant industry can get creative in ways that might cost you money—and most first-time buyers don’t see it coming. 2?? It teaches you what to watch for. From over-pouring drinks to pocketing cash, this book breaks down all the little ways profits can disappear if you’re not paying attention. 3?? It prepares you for the reality of ownership. Buying a restaurant isn’t just about cooking great food—it’s about managing people, systems, and risks you’ve never even thought of. Why I Don’t Broker Restaurants After years in this business, I’ve learned that restaurants come with unique challenges: ?? High failure rates. ?? Intense labor management. ?? Complex financials that are hard to verify. For me, it’s a choice. I love to eat out with my wife and family, so I will support the industry, but I’d rather focus on industries where I can confidently help buyers and sellers succeed. But if you’re set on owning a restaurant, you need to do your homework first. If you’re serious about buying a restaurant, start by educating yourself. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help because we do it better than you can on your own. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate mistakes by providing data driven insights and expert guidance—ensuring the best outcome possible.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

Selling a business may never become easy, but with experience, the complexities fade, and the process becomes simpler. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?We can help because we do it better than you do by yourself. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion.?Don’t take my word for it, look at our results.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate uncertainty by providing data driven insights and expert guidance on buying, selling, appraisals, and marketing—ensuring you're never alone in the process.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

December 2, 2024, I did something different. I shared with my network I was giving away a free business appraisal to one business owner. The goal being to give someone a leg up—an honest, professional look at their business's value without any strings attached. To be eligible to enter, we executed an NDA and drew from the completed NDAs.?We had over 65 business owners enter. On January 20th, we drew the winner. The pic is of the WINNING GOLDEN TICKET!?Congratulations.?I think they said, “No way, I never win anything.” Here’s what I learned from this experience—and what every business owner should know: Most business owners don’t know what their business is worth. They have a number in their head, but it’s often based on emotion, not facts. Professional appraisal can make all the difference. Selling a business isn’t simple. It’s not just about finding a buyer, it’s about finding the right buyer who sees the value you’ve built. That’s where expertise matters. Timing is everything. Many owners wait too long to think about selling. Even if you’re not ready now, knowing your business’s value puts you in control when the time comes. Clarity reduces stress. Owners who entered the giveaway shared the same frustration: uncertainty. They didn’t know if they were ready to sell or if they could get the price they wanted. Understanding the numbers can take away so much of the guesswork. We’ll do another giveaway next year—I’d love to help more business owners take this critical first step. For now, I’m too busy helping my clients navigate the complexities of selling their businesses. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help because we do it better than you can do by yourself. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?Don’t take my word for it, look at our results.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I provide data driven insights and expert guidance on buying, selling, appraisals, and marketing—so you can make the best decision.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

Why a Rich Buyer with a LOT of CASH Needs My Help (and What You Can Learn From It)! A guy with way more money than me once came to me and said, “I want to buy a business, but I just can’t make it happen. Can you help?” Sounds funny, right? With all that cash, he should be buying more businesses in a year than I sell. But here’s the kicker: it’s NOT just about the money. He admitted he struggled with every step of the process: ? Finding good businesses to buy. ? Getting owners to trust him enough to share financials. ?? Convincing owners to be realistic about their asking price. The thing is, I do this every day. And what seems impossible to him is just another Wednesday for me. Here’s why having money isn’t enough. 1. Finding businesses is an art, not a science. Great businesses aren’t always listed for sale. It takes time, connections, and persistence to uncover opportunities. 2. Building trust takes skill. Business owners won’t just hand over their financials to anyone with a checkbook. They need to trust you’ll respect their hard work and legacy. 3. Sellers aren’t always realistic. Many owners overestimate their business’s value. It takes experience and tact to guide them to a fair, market-based price. 4. Negotiating is a relationship, not a transaction. Deals happen when both sides feel understood and respected. That’s where most amateurs fall short. Buying or selling a business is about so much more than money. It’s about relationships, trust, and experience. It’s about knowing how to navigate obstacles that money alone can’t solve. Whether you’re buying or selling, surround yourself with people who do this every day. It’s not about having the most money—it’s about having the right expertise. What do you think is the hardest part of buying or selling a business? What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate mistakes by providing data driven insights and expert guidance—ensuring the best outcome possible.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

3 different types of appraisals and when to use.?Understanding the difference between real estate appraisals, business appraisals, and machinery & equipment appraisals could save you time, money, and headaches. Here’s the breakdown: ?? Real Estate Appraisal This is all about location, location, location! A real estate appraisal determines the value of property, like the building your business operates from. Square footage, land use, and comparable property sales. ?? Business Appraisal This is the big picture—the value of the business itself, not just the building. It considers financial performance, goodwill, market trends, and intangible assets. ?? Machinery & Equipment Appraisal These focus on tangible, fixed assets like trucks, CNC machines, or kitchen equipment. The goal? To find the fair market value of the tools that keep your business running. At Bockus Consulting – we perform 2 out of 3 forms of appraisal – business and machinery/equipment. Key Takeaways: ?? Each type of appraisal serves a different purpose. ?? Choosing the right one depends on what you're trying to achieve. . Whether you’re selling, expanding, or planning for the future, understanding these differences ensures you make the smartest decisions for your business. If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk. I’ll help you figure out which appraisal fits your goals—and make the process easier. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help whether that is today or 10 years out. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?Don’t take my word for it, look at our results.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate uncertainty by providing data driven insights and expert guidance on buying, selling, appraisals, and marketing—ensuring you're never alone in the process.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

Thinking About Leaving Your W2 Job to Own a Business? Read This First Quitting a steady paycheck to buy a business sounds exciting, right? Every week, I meet people eager to jump into entrepreneurship through acquisitions. Many succeed, but some learn the hard way that buying a business isn’t as simple as signing a check. If you’re thinking about making the leap, here are a few things you MUST avoid setting yourself up for success. 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Business Falling in love with the business too quickly. A business can look perfect but dig into the numbers and it’s a different story. Always focus on facts, not feelings. Underestimating how much you’ll work. Owning a business is not a “set it and forget it” gig. In the beginning, you’ll work harder than ever—be prepared for long hours and new challenges. Ignoring red flags during due diligence. That seller who’s vague about their financials? Or the business with declining sales? These aren’t small issues—they’re giant warning signs. Don’t rush the process. Not having enough working capital. Buying the business is just the start. You need extra funds to cover slow months, invest in growth, or handle unexpected surprises. My advice? Slow down, ask tough questions, and surround yourself with experts who’ve been there before. Have questions about buying your first business? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help. And if you’ve made this leap, share your story! Your experience might inspire someone else to take the plunge. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate mistakes by providing data driven insights and expert guidance—ensuring the best outcome possible.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

Thinking About Buying a Business? Don’t Let Hidden Balance Sheet Items That Will Sink Your Deal Think you can spot a bad business deal just by looking at the numbers? Some of the biggest red flags don’t show up on the balance sheet, in plain sight. I’ve seen amateurs rush into deals without digging deeper. The result? They end up paying for debts and obligations they didn’t even know existed. Here’s the truth: if you don’t know what to look for, these hidden liabilities can cost you big time. What’s Often Missing from the Balance Sheet? ?? Deferred revenue collections: Revenue that’s already been collected but not yet earned. If the new owner has to fulfill those obligations, it’s essentially money already spent. ?? Unpaid purchases: These are bills for goods or services already delivered but not yet paid for. You could be stuck paying for things that don’t benefit you. ?? Unaccrued liabilities: Think about taxes or other costs that haven’t been accounted for yet but are coming due. Surprise! ?? Unpaid employee vacations: Employees expect their earned time off, and guess who gets to pay for it if it wasn’t handled before the sale? ?? Future lease assignments: If the seller has signed a lease, the responsibility for those payments often lands on the buyer. Make sure you know the terms. ?? Supplier “floor inventory”: If suppliers have loaned inventory on consignment, the seller might owe them—so double-check what’s actually owned free and clear. How to Protect Yourself: Don’t assume the balance sheet tells the whole story. Dig deeper into contracts, agreements, and records. A seasoned business broker or appraiser knows how to find hidden risks and help you avoid costly mistakes. Don’t rely on promises or assumptions. Confirm every number and every obligation. Here’s my advice: If you’re serious about buying a business, don’t just look at what’s on paper. Look beneath the surface. Hidden liabilities can turn a good deal into a disaster faster than you think. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty in business brokering.?You are not alone.?We can help. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion, that is why we track everything.?For business owners, sellers, and buyers in Oklahoma, I eliminate mistakes by providing data driven insights and expert guidance—ensuring the best outcome possible.?For more information or to schedule a time to talk, visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66