Ken Speer

Why do Owners Hire Busines Brokers Instead of Trying to Sell By-Owner?

There are many reasons that small and midsize business owners hire business brokers to sell their business. These brokers and advisors specialize in dealmaking on behalf of the owners. This relieves owner of time away from the business, headaches and distrubances from potential buyers while providing marketing through the business brokers' contacts within the greater business community.

Most of the reasons can be classed in seven specific areas including the following:

1. Marketplace Realities
2. Pricing Businesses for Sale
3. Diagnostic Examination of the Seller and the Business
4. Preparing the Seller and the Business for Sale
5. Merchandising the Business for Sale
6. Analysis of Purchase Offers
7. Dealmaking

I will provide a breakdown of these categories in future blogs. Let me know if you'd like a complete list of answers and data breakdowns from a recent poll in the US, Canada and a few international contributors. This data will help you to understand "Why do Owners Hire Busines Brokers Instead of Trying to Sell By-Owner?"

Is our Attachment to Always Being Reachable or Connected Really Worth It?

That is a question which I have been asking myself since about 06:15 last Friday morning. As some of you have read I have recently gone through a 10 day long flu illness. Thankfully, I am mostly recovered from it at this time. The irony is that for the last three weeks, my wife and son and I have been preparing for his LAW SCHOOL graduation party this past Saturday! Good news, with help of friends and some others, it came off as a huge success. And the tent in this photo was the best idea we came up with in a long, long time. Thanks to Party People for the tables, chairs and tent.

Now, let me get back to Friday morning. Up early, feeling good, lots to do today for the party. Backwashed the pool and had just finished and was walking along the cool deck. Some of you may have already guessed where this is going. Why I had my wallet, car keys and phone on my person at 6:00 a.m. can only be stated as habit. No other earthly reason would apply, right? OK, now the rest of you see where this is going....

Somehow, I tripped or stumbled and I suddenly found myself headed for a refreshing plunge into the pool, clothes, wallet, keys and the ever most vital important preserve at ALL costs cell phone/pda device. My electronic leash could still be preserved.....I thought.....if I could just aim for the cool deck to my left, yes, that's the ticket, I'll aim for the edge of the pool!

I think I could have made America's Funniest Home Videos if anyone had been watching. My head, shoulders and chest, both arms and part of my left leg made the deck. Unfortunately, the way I landed on the left arm was not so good. Have you ever tried to bend your wrist backward to touch you elbow? That's the best description I can suggest as to what happened. As I tried to support myself, the left arm crumpled and I fell backward into the pool, then followed the edge to the steps where I climbed out and began utter a few words of discomfort and distress. It was quiet, but not so quiet to prevent my son from hearing words I normally don't say. His comment was, Dad, are you all right? Normally, I'd answer yes, but honestly, I had to say NO this time. He was concerned obviously, but when he heard my story, he couldn't help but laugh. I also wanted to, but was very distressed about my phone, etc.

The rest of the day was full of appointments, party preperation, the actual graduation ceremony and a family and friends dinner following the event at Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe. If you ever want a great meal in the Phoenix area, go to Monti's. During dinner I explained my story and I'm sticking to it. Besides my wife, we had in attendance two registered nurses and two nurse practioners, all of who encouraged me to get it checked out and suggested that I not wait any longer. So, as my wife was driving, I asked her to take me to the Mayo ER as they have seen me way too many times in the last six months. I did, and the results are above. Possible broken wrist. More x-rays on Friday at my family doctor's office. More fun.

Oh, and by the wiay, I had insurance on the phone. So next time I will not worry about the &$#)*@#) phone and I will no longer ask Is our Attachment to Always Being Reachable or Connected Really Worth It?

Cinco de Mayo A Southwestern US Heritage Day - 31 Day Challenge Day 4

Here in the desert southwest a lot of our heritage is heavily influnced by the Spanish and Mexican cultures. Arizona history is laced with famous people from Coronado the explorer to Father Kino who established many missions throughout the southwest. In the 1700's Spain founded cities in Tucson and Tubac. Mexico was occupied by the French during the period of the US Civil WAR. On May 5, 1862, an ill equipped Mexican army of 4,000 defeated an elite French army numbering about 8.000 at the Battle of Puebla. While this is not the official Mexican Independence Day (September 16th), it has long been celebrated in the southwest from Texas to California in celebration on this heritage.

Arizona and it's citizens embrace this rich and colorful heritage by having fun, eating delicious food, music and partying the whole day through. Some restaurants run specials on this day. Check this link for exciting restaurants. If you haven't been to a Cinco de Mayo party in Phoenix, you haven't experienced this wonderful heritage.

And lastly, Cinco de Mayo would be nothing without cervesas and margaritas. Oh, and are the margaritas wonderful! So, if you are ever in Phoenix or the Southwestern US on Cinco de Mayo, put on your sombreros, join in the music and celebrate the wonderful contributions to our society of the Spanish and Mexican cultures that such an event to our story. Have fun as you and your family celebrate CINCO DE MAYO!

My Favorite Place - 31 Day Challenge Day 3

I am very fortunate to be approximately 4 hours from MY FAVORITE PLACE in the world (so far). I have been able to travel a bit in my time on this planet, and though I have seen some amazing things, people and places, my favorite remains here in my backyard! Yes, the following photo says so very much about the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. And this is only of the South Rim.

Regardless of what time of year, season, time of day or any other variable you might think of, the CANYON provices amazing, breath-taking and incredible views of nature's power of water. It honestly has something for everyone from the one-day visitor to the rim-to-rim hiker, the overnight campers to wet and wild river running. There are facilites for the North Rim, the Inner Canyon, the River, and lastly Toroweap.

One of the greatest things about the CANYON is that with time of day and angle of the sun, the colors and shadows and depths seem to change. Around every corner or overlook is something new and beautiful. The entire area around the CANYON, also known as Grand Canyon National Park, is full of wildlife, hiking opportunities, camping and modern as well as historic hotels. Check this link for additional park information.

If you have never been to Arizona (The Grand Canyon State) or the Grand Canyon National Park, I would highly and enthusiactially encourage and invite you to come see it and experience it. Truly it is like no place else on earth.

The best time to visit is when it is right for you. I enjoy it no what time or season because it is MY FAVORITE PLACE!

Join the Phoenix Chapter of Womens Council of REALTORS(r) for 5 O'clock Somewhere!

On behalf of the WCR-Phoenix Chapter, I'd like to extend an invitation to our local REALTORS and real estate affiliates here in the metro Phoenix area. This is the first of these events for our chapter year 2011. It's going to be a lot of fun and an opportunity to meet other professionals away from the busy day to day of Phoenix real estate. Please see the information below as we will not be meeting at our usual venue, Moon Valley Country Club.

Bring a dessert you'd like to share and your wallet as there will be some amazing desserts for sale!

YOU ARE INVITED TO:

"It's five o'clock somewhere"

WHEN?

Tuesday...February 22nd

"five o'clock"

WHERE?

Cari Derksen's Home

5801 E Hartford Ave

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

WHO?

WCR Members and Guest

WHY?

Growing our Chapter & lots of FUN!!!

WHAT?

Bring your Drink of choice

(There will be ice tea, water, soda, & snacks provided)

&

your best Dessert for a Dessert Raffle!!

So remember, if you are not otherwise committed to a fun event on Tuesday, February 22nd in Phoenix come and

Join the Phoenix Chapter of Womens Council of REALTORS(r) for 5 O'clock Somewhere!