FIRE, READY, AIM!  The commands are correct but, we must have the right sequence if we want to hit our target.  If business ownership is your quest -- the five steps listed below summarize the sequence of steps involved in finding the Right Business for you.

Step One -- Self Analysis and Financial Review
Inventory your skills, talents and interests, lifestyle needs and resources.  Create a mental picture of your ideal business. Ideally, how would you be spending your work day?  What special skills or interests can you bring to your enterprise?  Will family members be involved?  What are their interests, skills and talents?  How would they fit into your picture of the ideal business?
Determine the minimum amount of income you will need from your business to maintain the lifestyle you have created.  How much capital are you willing to invest (risk)?  What are the sources of your capital?
Once you have developed your "profile" you are now ready to begin.  We have developed a "Buyer Profile and Business Identification Workbook" which has assisted hundreds of opportunity seekers hone in on and identify their "perfect business."

Step Two -- Prepare to search
Many good books and software programs are available on how to acquire, finance, operate  and grow a small business.  If you don't have at least one in your personal library, get one now.
Research targeted industries. Arrange for equity loans now if you intend to use such funds in acquiring your business.  Arranging for equity line of credit before you find your business gives you much more flexibility and leverage.  Imagine, for example, negotiating financing with the business owner and banker at the same time.

Step Three -- Begin the Search
Ideally you want a business in need of the skills and resources you can provide.  Interview brokers, intermediaries, accountants, bankers and others to uncover opportunities.  Conduct your own direct contact campaign to targeted industries or engage a firm to search for you.  When a target is found, overview data is gathered.

Step Four -- Letter of Intent (or Conditional Offer to Purchase)
A Non Binding offer to purchase spelling out proposed price, terms and conditions of sale is prepared.  Either side may revise or quit for any reason.  "Letters of Intent" or "Offers to Purchase" and other paperwork relating to the buy-sell process are generally provided by your Business Broker or Intermediary.   Once agreement is reached, "Due diligence" begins.

Step Five -- Due Dillegence and Closing
Check out business thoroughly.  Engage professionals to assist in due diligence and closing.  Confirm willingness to buy.  Closing documents are prepared, reviewed and executed.  Money is exchanged for keys.  Congratulations, you now own your own business.