Columns

Two (Unplanned) Weeks Off the Grid

I would like to share with you my journey of the last three weeks. Three weeks ago, I got a big surprise which has dominated my life along with my family’s lives. The success of my adventure and the good side of it all it is just becoming very clear. I need to share it. As many of you know, I have been planning to go to Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM, in July, as a leader for a group of young adults. Philmont is a wonderful place. My two trips as a youth are the highlights (literally, at over … Read more

Report Card for 2013 Predictions

Every year we make predictions for the coming year relating to issues facing the green industry with a view toward their impact on merger & acquisition activity. We begin each year with a report card on our predictions from the prior year. Here is our report card for 2013’s predictions: General Industry Conditions Prediction: Growth will begin to accelerate in the industry- in both the commercial and residential sectors, particularly as housing starts improve, but growth rates will still be modest. Price competition will remain intense, especially in commercial maintenance. Specialty sectors, such as water features, will remain slow. Report … Read more

Will Your Business Be More Valuable Next Year?

For many, January is a time of rebirth and resolutions. It’s a month to reflect on last year’s achievements and to set goals for the year ahead. Some people will set personal goals like losing weight or quitting a nasty habit, and most company owners will set business goals that focus on hitting certain revenue or profit milestones. But if your goal is to own a more valuable business in 2014, you may want to make one of the following New Year’s resolutions: Take a two-week vacation without checking in with the office. When you return, you’ll see how well … Read more

Do You Have a Billion Dollar Revenue Stream Hiding Inside of Your Business?

Asking customers to pay to join a special group of your best patrons can increase your revenue, encourage customers to buy new products and services from you, and provide a healthy boost to your cash flow. Just ask Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com and the chief architect behind Amazon Prime. In exchange for $79 a year, Amazon Prime customers get: • Free two-day shipping on millions of items • Unlimited streaming videos and TV shows • 350,000 books to borrow for free. It’s a compelling offer, which is why, according to TIME Magazine, more than 10 million people have … Read more

The Hierarchy of Recurring Revenue – How to make your company irresistible to potential buyers

One of the biggest factors in determining the value of your company is the extent to which an acquirer can see where your sales will come from in the future. If you’re in a business that starts from scratch each month, the value of your company will be lower than if you can demonstrate the source or sources of your future revenue.  A recurring revenue stream acts like a powerful pair of binoculars for you – and your potential acquirer – to see months or years into the future; creating an annuity stream is the best way to increase the … Read more