Bockus Consulting - OKC Business Brokerage

Lessons Learned from Business Owners Who Have Sold One of the most valuable parts of our process comes after the sale is complete. After 1-2 months post-sale, we reach out to our selling clients with an exit interview email, asking them to share reflections on their experience. Across these responses, a recurring theme emerges: “I should have done it sooner.” Why the hesitation? ?? Owners grapple with timing ?? Emotional attachment to the business ?? Not confident the business could be sold ?? The complexities of transition planning However, once the sale is done, they often realize that letting go opened new possibilities—whether it's focusing on family, exploring new ventures, or simply regaining personal freedom. This insight is a reminder for those contemplating a sale: Don’t wait until circumstances force your hand. Proactive planning and a well-timed exit can maximize value, smooth the transition, and give you control over your legacy. For business owners weighing their options, there may never be a “perfect” time. But the right time, it turns out, might be sooner than you think.?Now is the time to start planning for an exit in 2025.???Exiting your business is not something you can do overnight. 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.?See 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

For business owners, business sellers, and business buyers with family dynamics and legacy. Selling a family business can be an emotional process, especially when your children are involved in the business but aren’t interested in taking over. The decision to sell comes with balancing the deep history tied to the business, managing financial expectations, and navigating family dynamics. Here’s how to approach it: ~First, acknowledge the emotional weight. The idea of passing the business to the next generation may have been part of your original plan. When that doesn’t happen, it’s important to recognize the feelings involved. You and your children might feel a sense of loss or guilt, but it’s crucial to understand that your children’s decision not to take over is an opportunity to redefine the legacy. ~Then there’s the financial aspect. You’ve spent years building this business, and now it’s time to ensure you receive its full value. With your children’s involvement in the business, they might be concerned about the sale, so transparency is key. Be open about your financial goals, and theirs, after the sale. ~Finally, there’s family dynamics. Selling the business when your children are involved can create tension if not handled carefully. It’s important that your children understand the reasons behind your decision and how the sale will affect them. Bringing in a trusted advisor can help facilitate these discussions and ensure all decisions are made with objectivity. Ultimately, selling a family business is about transitioning to a new chapter that supports both the business’s future and your family’s needs. Are you considering selling your family business? Let’s talk about how to make the transition smooth for everyone involved. 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

We limit our business listings to Oklahoma sellers only, and here's why: We are more than just a digital entity or MLS. We ensure that we can be physically present, ready to meet with sellers at the drop of a hat. How can I represent a business, if I have never seen it with my own eyes, if I’ve never walked through its doors, observed its operations, or experienced its atmosphere firsthand? Each business has its own story, and that story is best told through my personal experience, not stock photos on a screen. Remote communication is the norm, we stand firm in our commitment to personal connections. Sure, technology is fantastic for expanding our reach, but nothing beats the genuine interaction that occurs when two individuals meet, shake hands, and share ideas in person.?These face-to-face meetings also allow us to ask the right questions and gain insights that wouldn’t come up in a virtual conversation. If you know me well, you know I hate technology, but I embrace technology for its convenience. Now is the time to start planning for an exit in 2025.???Exiting your business is not something you can do overnight. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty.?You don't have to suffer alone.?We can help.?To talk to me about buying, selling, business valuations, and marketing services in Oklahoma – visit our website for a quick chat. https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66

If you are a business buyer and looking for off-market opportunities (business not for sale), how do you find them? Do you drive around canvasing commercial property, Google, make phone calls, email, or talk to center of influences? My company performs searches for sellers the same way we find buyers for our businesses. Here is where I start: 1.??????Industry description, SIC code, NAICS code, or type of business. 2.??????Target location using geography, state, city, or zip code. 3.??????Revenue size. Sometimes when I am cold calling a business to ask if they would be interested in selling – the business owner asks, “How did you find me?”?My answer is always, the same way I find buyers for businesses like yours. 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.?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

When business owners tell me, 'I am never going to sell my business,' it's a noble thought but, in reality, a total myth that I do not believe.?Why? This not true because: ?? Life changes: Health, family priorities, or unexpected events often force us to rethink long-term plans. ?? Market opportunities: Sometimes, an ideal buyer or offer comes along that’s simply too good to ignore. ?? Legacy considerations: Ensuring continuity and growth can mean passing the business on to someone who can take it further. The truth is every business owner exits their business one way or another. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty.?You are not alone.?We can help. 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

Trying to sell your business by using Mergers and Acquisitions for Dummies? There’s something both humorous and humbling in that thought. I can’t help but appreciate the effort to learn. After all, I read “Mechanics for Dummies” when trying to unsuccessfully diagnose the "claaank click click tic tic" noise in my wife's car. But when it comes to selling your business—likely the single most important financial decision you’ll ever make—it's an entirely different ball game. We spend years, even decades, building a business. When it comes time to selling, we realize it's an entirely different skill set. Yet, many business owners feel like they can take it on solo with the help of a book and some online articles. The reality is, for something this significant—something that could be your largest source of wealth—you need more than a guidebook. You’ll only sell your business once, so you don’t get a second chance if things don’t go as planned. There’s no harm in picking up that book and learning about the process—it's wise to understand the basics. But leaning on professionals who have been through this process hundreds of times is invaluable. They can help you navigate the nuances, avoid pitfalls, and secure the best possible deal. Selling a business isn’t just a transaction—it’s a complex journey. And it’s okay to admit that you don’t have all the answers. Trust the process, trust the experts, and save that book for when you’re learning something less life-altering. Without data, I am just an idiot with an opinion.?Don’t take my word for it, see 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

Proud to announce that we recently closed the sale of a remarkable business-over 100 year old company- a transaction that elevated our team’s standards for preparation and collaboration. The buyer, a substantial player with over 200 locations across two countries, brought a level of thoroughness that required us to be at the top of our game. Working alongside them was an exceptional experience that underscored the importance of getting things right from the start. Key Takeaway? Preparation is everything. We had one shot to make an impression, and that impression needed to be seamless. Once we ensured they were a ready, willing, and able buyer, our team made sure every document, record, and piece of data was accessible, organized, and transparent. Their closing process had some unique steps, and while it wasn’t an exact match to our approach, adaptability and flexibility kept us focused on the main goal: our client's best interests. It was a lesson in balancing rigor with responsiveness, a standard we strive for with every client, regardless of the buyer. Grateful for a successful partnership, and proud to deliver another smooth closing for our client. We’re not just here to complete transactions—we’re here to help our clients reach the finish line with confidence and success . . . but that’s what everyone says. 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.?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 #OklahomaBusinessBroker #soldbusiness #closingdeals

"I will get to it after the New Year", said Business Owner. When you are with your family over the upcoming months, enjoying the holidays - it is easy to dream what life could be like if you sold your business, got a windfall of cash, relieved stress and burnout, and find time for other interests. I know, I did many years ago. Everyone gets busy and before you know it, we will be in the second quarter of 2025 and it will be too late. Now is the time to start planning for those looking to exit in 2025. 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.?Don't take my word for it, research us for yourself. 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

I do not provide any of the following for free:?free business valuations, free meetings (my time is valuable and so is yours), free listings, free industry multiples, free comps . . . If you are not a serious seller and looking for free, we will not be able to work together. You get what you pay for . . . When you list your business with my company – you are paying for expertise, experience, track record, and my network to achieve your optimal results. So, if you're serious about selling your business and are looking for expert assistance, we're here to help.?Our goal is simple: to help sell your business in the shortest amount of time, while maximizing its value. We understand that selling a business is not just a financial transaction – it's a significant milestone in your entrepreneurial journey. 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.?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

BUYERS BEWARE - In the field of business transactions, it's possible to encounter situations where SELLERS attempt to alter the agreed-upon terms of sale, specifically by trying to raise the selling price after negotiations have concluded. With an expert guide – this can all be avoided. Here are 10 common ways sellers might attempt to double dip in an asset sale: ?? Revisiting the Agreed Price: After a purchase price is negotiated and agreed upon, sellers may claim additional value or improvement in the business. ?? Retaining Personal Assets: Sellers may attempt to retain certain personal assets (like vehicles or equipment) after initially including them in the sale. ?? Charging Extra for Inventory: Sellers might attempt to increase the price for inventory over and above the agreed-upon fair market value, arguing that it has increased in value or quantity since the deal was negotiated. ?? Requesting Payment for Prepaid Expenses: Prepaid expenses, such as insurance or service contracts, are often part of an asset sale. Sellers may attempt to recover additional amounts for these, despite the buyer assuming their benefit post-sale. ?? Including Personal Goodwill: Some sellers may try to factor in personal goodwill (their own reputation or client relationships) as an additional asset to boost the sale price, even though this is typically not included in an asset sale. ?? Not Disclosing Liabilities: In asset sales, the buyer typically only acquires the assets and not the liabilities. However, if undisclosed liabilities later surface, the seller may push the buyer to absorb them or use the situation to renegotiate the price. ?? Adjusting for WIP (Work-in-Progress): Sellers might attempt to adjust the price for work-in-progress, trying to charge for incomplete work at full value rather than pro rata, overstating the value of unfinished projects. ?? Inflating Future Revenue Projections: Sellers may push for a higher sale price based on optimistic or inflated revenue projections, expecting the buyer to pay for anticipated future growth that hasn't yet been realized. ?? Requesting Additional Compensation for Transition Assistance: After agreeing to provide post-sale transition assistance, sellers might seek extra compensation for services or consulting fees beyond what was originally negotiated. ?? Excluding Liabilities for Contracts or Warranties: Sellers may initially agree to transfer contracts or warranties to the buyer but later claim those liabilities must be retained or compensated separately, effectively reducing the overall value of the deal. What you don't know can be costly – we help eradicate uncertainty.?You are not alone.?We can help. 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. Visit my website: https://lnkd.in/g9fPAu66