Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying and Selling a Business

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even though this is for "idiots" it was still not as idiot-proof as I was hoping. It seems more geared for buying/acquiring/merging larger sized companies. I was really looking for Small Business. I purchased another book "Business Buyer's Kit" which was much easier to follow and more comprehensive.

The book is laid out in the typical "Idiot's Guide" fasion, with big fonts, lots of bullets and often simplistic writing style. I appreciate that...that's what you want when you pick up an idiot's guide.

The title would imply that this is a book for the first time buyer of a business, or the first time seller. However, A WHOLE LOT OF SPACE is dedicated to the current business owner looking to expand by buying a new business to add to their holdings. It even touches on huge corporations buying businesses. I told myself I would skip over those parts, as I do not currently own a business. I ended up skipping darn near half the book.

I'm not saying its a terrible book. It's easy to follow. But it is NOT REALLY FOR IDIOT'S. Afterall, if you're successful enough in your business to be considering buying another business, would you really want or need a book for "idiots?"

I'll be leading a class on Exiting Your Business Stage Right: Is It Time to Go for a trade show in January. Despite what I already know, I like to back up my presentation with facts and make recommendations of books, entrepreneurial magazines, etc. This book, like all the IDGs, presents materials to you fast, succinctly and with broad range. Obviously, more digging and work is needed by the reader if they're truly serious about selling their business, but this book is a good starting point.

I was researching my local market to buy a business after 20 years in the corporate rat race. This book by Ed Paulson was invaluable in guiding me throw the somewhat complicated transactions that must occur to buy a business. Highly recommend. Thanks Ed....