Buying a business is perhaps the most surefire way to become your own boss. Why? Because as the owner you are the key decision-maker, instantly becoming the head of a company. It’s less about climbing the corporate ladder and more about finding your own ladder. Do you want to be your own boss? Let’s talk about it.

When you’re a business owner, the end of the year tends to look a little different for you than for the rest of the world. While others focus on the changing weather, upcoming holidays, visiting with loved ones, and eating comforting meals, you’re more likely to be crunching numbers, meeting with your accountant, and balancing an annual budget.

When you’re selling a business, it can be all too easy to get tied up in the process. After all, selling a business requires preparation, gathering info for the valuation, listing and working with the buyer through due diligence . Instead of getting bogged down by the to-dos, remember one thing: you cannot sell a business without a buyer. In order to attract the right buyer for your business, it’s important to focus on the key things buyers are looking for. Read on for what to expect when selling a business.

If you're on the path of entrepreneurship and looking to buy an existing business - buyer beware. What I'm trying to say is, there is a lot at stake and lot of effort required to becoming a business owner. That isn't intended to dismay you or alter your plans for buying a business, rather to caution you against unnecessary risks and prepare you for a lengthy process. And, with any process in the business world, there are always unforeseen circumstances that that catch you by surprise. Here's what you need to know about buying a business - as illustrated by this infographic.

While business ownership, and more specifically small business ownership, hasn’t been a primary talking point throughout this election cycle, we cannot ignore the potential for impact. Business owners always seem to have a lot at stake during election years – and this year is no different.

Beyond uncovering a business listing that fits what you’re looking for, how do you know you’re working with the right business brokerage company? Don’t get me wrong, the business in question should always remain top priority, but while you’re researching, negotiating, dotting your I’s, and performing due diligence, who do you want at the table next to you?

As a business owner, when do you know the time is right to sell a business? If you're like many business owners, an ideal scenario might be selling your business at the same time as when you plan to retire. Right after your business is sold at maximum value, you can start your retirement journey, which may include sailing into the sunset with your new boat and all of your dreams coming true. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Scott Hislop, President and Owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Minnesota, addresses the question about ensuring employees are taken care of when selling a business.

Transworld Business Advisors was founded in 1979 and quickly grew into the largest business brokerage in the United States. Because the need for trusted business consultants and advisors was so great, the business moved into franchising.