Over at the Microsoft Small Business Center, they layout 5 steps for selling your business.  If you’re considering this process, take your time to do research and ensure you have your ducks in a row.  The author boils down the proces into the following stages:  1) Determine business valuation 2) Recast Financials 3) Prepare for seller financing terms 4) Keep it confidential 5) Hire a business broker.

Unless you haven’t heard by now (wink, wink), our country is preparing for a significant shift over the next 10-15 years.  While Americans are living longer than their predecessors and thus working longer into their 60’s, the older Baby Boomers are on the verge of retirement.  Once this trend begins, it will continue for the next 13-15 years at a fairly steady rate.  This group (which currently ranges in age from 48 - 63 years old) is the fastest growing generation and controls nearly $8 trillion of spending in the US. 

The rise of YouTube has spawned a new, very effective medium for online advertisers to promote their products through the use of video.  Promotional videos go way beyond YouTube though.  If you are a small business owner seeking to increase your company’s market exposure through word of mouth, viral marketing techniques then video is a sure fire way to do it.  Is it guaranteed success?  NO.  With that said, creating videos that show of your product, reiterate your subject matter expertise, and/or express your benefits to the end user is certain to increase customer confidence in your business.  The creative side of this business is key, in order to reach and connect with your targeted customers.