The Financial Times and Canada.com are at it again and has published a compelling�article�titled “Working out what your firm is worth”��for small business owners and their need to conduct recurring business appraisals.� While some businesses do not need annual appraisals, most privately owned companies do need one at some point in its existence.  It is very common for an owner to grossly over value their business based on the blood, sweat & tears they’ve invested over the years to get to where they are today.� While sweat equity is valuable, there are specific indicators a valuator will examine in order to determine “fair market value” of a small business.  A key factor for�the business valuation is what is expected to happen in the future when the existing owner is removed from the equation?� If a small business is heavily dependent on that owner’s reputation, expertise & services it could have a negative influence on future financial successes; thus�devaluing such a business.