Closing the deal might feel like the finish line. In reality, it’s just the beginning.
Picture this: You’ve just acquired a business you’ve spent months evaluating. You’re excited, motivated, and ready to make it your own. But as the dust settles, reality kicks in. The employees are looking to you for direction. Customers expect consistency. And any wrong move could cost you time, trust, or money.
That’s why the first 90 days matter so much. It’s your opportunity to show leadership, protect the company’s momentum, and build the relationships that will shape your long-term success. Owners who take this window seriously tend to avoid costly setbacks—and tend to grow faster down the line.
Start by Listening, Not Leading
You might be tempted to fix things right away. But don’t rush it. Step one is learning how the business really runs.
Spend your first few weeks observing. Ask your employees what works and what doesn’t. Sit in on meetings. Shadow daily operations. Watch how customers are handled and how decisions are made.
Just because you own it doesn’t mean you know it—yet.
At Murphy Business Sales Tampa, we walk buyers through this transition phase as part of ourmergers and acquisitions support. Closing the deal is only half the equation. Keeping the business steady afterward is the other half.
Employees Want Clarity, Not Chaos
While you’re celebrating the deal, your employees are asking: What does this mean for me?
If they don’t get answers, they fill in the blanks themselves—and that rarely works in your favor. They need to see you, hear from you, and feel some stability.
Introduce yourself. Learn their names. Show up on time. Be transparent, even when you’re still figuring things out. Small, consistent actions go a long way.
One Tampa buyer we worked with lost three key employees in the first month. Why? They didn’t talk to the staff. They assumed everyone would just stay on board. Now, we build post-close communication into everymergers and acquisitions plan we create.
Clients Expect Business as Usual
Customers aren’t thinking about your ownership transition. They care about one thing: whether they’re getting the same service they’ve always received.
Don’t change pricing. Don’t change delivery schedules. Don’t change policies—at least not yet. Let people feel like nothing’s changed. That’s how you avoid churn and keep revenue steady while you find your footing.
One local buyer told us they didn’t touch anything for six months. The result? Zero customer loss.
Use a 30-60-90 Plan to Stay Focused
Here’s how to break your first three months into clear phases:
Days 1–30
Watch and listen
Meet the team, vendors, and clients
Sit in on operations without interfering
Learn how money flows and who holds key roles
Days 31–60
Start identifying inefficiencies
Review contracts, systems, and tools
Spot high-performers quietly
Keep communication consistent
Days 61–90
Test one or two small changes
Align your long-term goals with reality
Set clear 6- and 12-month priorities
Draft your internal roadmap
Begin shaping your leadership presence
This approach helps you act with confidence without overwhelming the business.
Avoid the Most Common Mistake
What’s the biggest misstep new owners make? Trying to prove themselves too fast.
It usually looks like this: new systems rolled out before anyone asks for them. Long-time staff getting replaced without warning. Branding changes that confuse loyal customers.
These moves feel bold—but they rarely land well. Change without context creates anxiety. And anxious teams don’t perform well.
Instead, show people they can count on you. Be predictable. Be present. Make it clear that you care more about stability than ego. Once you’ve earned trust, you’ll have more room to lead real change.
Get Support That Extends Beyond Closing
Buying a business is a bold step. But stepping into ownership doesn’t have to mean stepping in blind.
At Murphy Business Sales Tampa, we don’t stop at closing. We help buyers build a realistic, confident plan for the first 90 days and beyond—whether it’s team onboarding, client retention, or early growth strategy. Our M&A support is designed to help you move forward without losing traction.
If you’ve recently acquired a business—or you’re planning to—let’s talk about what comes next.Explore our mergers and acquisitions services to see how we can help you succeed right from day one.
Starting a business from the ground up can be exciting, but it also comes with significant risks and uncertainties.
If you want a more stable and strategic approach to business ownership, purchasing an existing business can be a smarter move. Here’s why:
1. Established Brand and Reputation
One of the biggest challenges of starting a business is building brand recognition. When you buy an existing business, you acquire a name that customers already trust, making it easier to generate revenue from day one. This means you won’t have to spend years trying to build credibility in the market. Instead, you can focus on maintaining and growing the brand’s presence.
2. Proven Business Model
New startups often struggle to refine their business model and figure out what works. An established business already has operational procedures in place, giving you a clear roadmap to success. A solid foundation means you can analyze what is already working and identify areas for improvement, rather than experimenting with unproven ideas.
3. Immediate Cash Flow
Unlike startups, which can take months or years to become profitable, a well-run business generates revenue immediately. This financial stability reduces the pressure on new owners and makes it easier to secure financing for growth. A steady cash flow allows you to reinvest in the business, expand operations, and develop new revenue streams without the financial struggles that many startups face.
4. Trained Staff in Place
Recruiting and training employees takes time and money. When you purchase an established business, you inherit a team of experienced employees who understand operations and can keep things running smoothly. This minimizes disruptions and ensures a seamless transition, allowing you to focus on growing the business rather than dealing with staffing challenges.
5. Existing Customer Base
Finding and retaining customers is one of the hardest aspects of running a business. An established business comes with a loyal customer base, providing a built-in source of revenue and ongoing sales. Retaining an existing customer base is much easier than starting from scratch, and you can leverage this trust to introduce new products or services with greater ease.
6. Easier Access to Financing
Lenders and investors are often more willing to fund the purchase of an existing business than a startup. A track record of financial performance makes it easier to secure loans or attract investment capital. Banks and financial institutions see established businesses as lower-risk investments, making loan approval processes more straightforward.
7. Market-Ready Infrastructure
From office space to supplier relationships, buying a business means you don’t have to start from scratch. Everything you need to operate is already in place, reducing setup costs and delays. This includes physical assets like equipment and technology, as well as intangible assets such as business processes and vendor contracts, all of which contribute to a smoother transition.
8. Reduced Risk of Failure
Statistics show that a large percentage of startups fail within the first few years. By purchasing an established business, you avoid many of the early-stage pitfalls and increase your chances of long-term success. The risk associated with launching a brand-new company—such as market fit, customer acquisition, and financial viability—is significantly reduced when you take over an existing business.
9. Growth and Expansion Opportunities
When you buy a business, you aren’t just acquiring its current operations—you’re also gaining opportunities for growth. With an existing foundation in place, you can focus on scaling the business, optimizing efficiencies, and expanding into new markets. By leveraging the current brand and customer base, you can introduce new services, explore digital marketing strategies, or expand geographically with less effort than a startup would require.
10. Faster Return on Investment
With an established business, your investment has a much faster turnaround compared to launching a startup. Rather than spending years breaking even, you start seeing returns sooner, making it a financially smarter decision. The ability to generate immediate revenue helps new owners quickly recover their initial investment and plan for future growth.
Take the Next Step
If you’re considering business ownership, purchasing an existing business can give you a strong head start. At Murphy Business Sales Tampa, we help entrepreneurs find profitable businesses that match their goals. Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through the buying process, ensuring a seamless transition and long-term success.
To explore available business opportunities, visitMurphy Business Sales Tampa today and take the first step toward business ownership!
When critical business decisions are needed, an accurate valuation is indispensable. At Murphy Business Sales Tampa, we provide expert business valuation services in Florida, delivering precise appraisals tailored to your venture’s unique demands. Whether you’re considering selling, buying, or expanding, understanding the true value of a business is the cornerstone of informed decision-making.
Why Business Valuation is Crucial
Business valuation isn’t just a number; it’s a comprehensive analysis reflecting the economic worth of a company. Here are several scenarios where valuation is crucial:
Selling or Buying: Determine the fair market value for seamless transactions.
Expansion: Gauge the financial health of your business for potential growth.
Strategic Planning: Make informed choices for future business endeavors.
Exit planning: Find out the optimal strategy and timing for selling
Choosing Business Valuation Services in Florida
Navigating the complexities of business valuation requires professionals with deep knowledge and experience.
Qualities of Expert Appraisers
Look for valuation experts who exhibit:
Credentials: Certified professionals with a robust track record.
Experience: Seasoned appraisers familiar with Florida’s market dynamics.
Precision: Attention to detail that guarantees comprehensive valuation reports.
Understanding Different Valuation Methods
Several methods are used in business valuation, each serving different purposes.
Common Valuation Methods
Asset-Based Approach: Calculates the total asset value of a company.
Income Approach: Focuses on future earning potential and cash flow.
Market Approach: Compares your business to similar ones on the market.
Each method provides insights from different angles, contributing to a well-rounded business valuation.
The Benefits of Professional Business Appraisal Services
Working with specialists in business valuation ensures you’re equipped with accurate information for any business venture.
Advantages of Professional Appraisals
Objective Analysis: An unbiased view that can stand up to scrutiny.
Customized Reports: Valuations that reflect your specific business model and industry.
Strategic Insight: Empower your business strategy with data-driven valuation insights.
Our Approach to Business Valuation
At Murphy Business Sales Tampa, our business valuation Florida services are designed to give you a clear picture of where your business stands.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our team conducts thorough research and utilizes state-of-the-art tools to deliver an exhaustive valuation that includes:
Financial Analysis: In-depth review of financial statements and projections.
Market Positioning: Assessment of your business’s place within the industry.
Growth Potential: An outlook on future growth and profitability.
How Our Valuation Services Can Serve You
Whether selling your business or looking to attract investors, our business valuation services will provide the financial intelligence needed to move forward confidently.
Tailored to Various Business Needs
Our services cater to:
Entrepreneurs: Who needs to know the value of their startups?
Small Businesses: Seeking expansion or exploring new opportunities.
Corporations: Requiring valuation for mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures.
Connecting with Our Valuation Experts
Finding the right business appraisal services in Florida starts with a conversation. Our Murphy Business Sales Tampa team is ready to discuss your valuation needs and how we can support your business objectives.
Getting Started
Reach out to us to:
Discuss Your specific valuation requirements.
Plan: The most suitable approach to your business valuation.
Engage Our services for accurate and reliable results.
Your Partner for Accurate Business Valuation
In Florida’s dynamic market, an accurate business valuation is more than a figure—it’s a strategic asset. Murphy Business Sales Tampa stands ready to be your trusted partner, providing business valuation services that meet and exceed your expectations.
If you’re ready to explore your business’s true value with meticulous and expert appraisal services, visit Murphy Business Sales Tampa today and connect with our team. Together, we’ll ensure that your business decisions are grounded in solid, quantifiable data.
The buzz is that if you are a Baby Boomer and you want to sell your business in the next few years, then you are in the majority. You are not the only Baby Boomer and will possibly have your business compete against many more similar businesses in both model and industry. In order to be well-prepared, you will need a proper valuation. Establishing a baseline value of your business will help you overcome weak areas that keep you up at night. Why would a buyer want to buy your problems? Some savvy entrepreneurs will want your problems, but most will not.
Check out our short video on the different types of Valuations.
Roger Murphy, our CEO, explains the different types of valuations we provide.
From time to time, I am in the unfortunate position of telling some 50-year old business owner that they “just don’t have any goodwill”. “But we have been around forever, or our name is like a household word in the community, or we literally have thousands of customers” might be the seller’s response. I am constantly amazed at how little knowledge most business owners have of what their business is actually worth. They will follow their checking account, their investments, and the value of their house but won’t think anything of whether their business value is increasing from year to year. So, what then does this have to do with goodwill? To understand whether you have goodwill, you must first know the value of the business, in total. With that number at hand, it’s simple math. Business Value minus replacement value of the assets it takes to generate the given cash flow equals goodwill, or Intangible value (in other words a value you just can’t put your fingers on or touch). This intangible can also be called “blue sky” or “intellectual property”.
It really doesn’t matter who has been there the longest or whose name is the most recognized, the proof is always in the numbers. Many times, the business with the 50-year history or a recognized name “is” the one that will generate the biggest goodwill. Why? Because those businesses have found a way to beat the competition in a myriad of ways. Better systems in place, better marketing, more productive employees, trade secrets and the list can go on and on. You have goodwill…because…you have found a way to squeeze more profits out of every sales dollar, end of sentence.
We recently presented a wish list for a typical seller of a small business. Now, it’s the buyer’s turn.
Entrepreneurs – whether they are buyers or sellers – generally agree on several factors that make the business transfer process more seamless overall.
A buyer wants:
A solid business – Although that phrase may be somewhat subjective, buyers are searching for stable companies with a track record of success. The savvy buyer approaches the situation just as a lender would: requiring a history of financial data that is able to be verified. Filed tax returns are the preferred record for conducting due diligence. It is also important that a business be established. Most lenders require a minimum of three consecutive years of financial history and prefer that the company was under the same ownership (the current seller) for these three years.
Reasonable seller expectations – This comes into play at the first moment a buyer begins looking at a business for sale. Does the seller receive an adequate income from his company? Are his revenues increasing or, in this economy, at least staying consistent from year to year? Is his business priced appropriately? Will the seller consider offering some financing?
Disclosure during the due diligence phase – Buyers hope sellers will share the items requested in a timely fashion and be able and available to answer questions or present further information where necessary. Courtesy and common sense should prevail during this delicate phase of the business transfer process.
A smooth closing – Just as the seller wishes, the buyer also wants the closing to be a positive experience for both parties involved. It is a time of celebration, not a venue for uncertainty, debate or hesitation. Closing attorneys experienced in the business transfer process assist immensely with a seamless closing. By the time everyone is seated at the closing table, all questions should have been answered, all pre-closing paperwork completed and the buyer and seller should be confident this is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
A seller who stays involved (for a while) – While a typical buyer probably has some new ideas for the business, almost all buyers want training and initial support from the seller. Buyers want to be successful and retain employees and customers wherever possible and practical. Buyers look for sellers who will spend a week or two showing them the ropes, and buyers are especially appreciative if a seller remains available at a later date should an unexpected question arise. Buyers generally do not want sellers to be involved for a long period of time, unless they have previously presented the seller with an offer of employment. A buyer wants to feel comfortable and prepared as he assumes control of his new enterprise.
As I mentioned in Murphy ‘s previous blog, my experiences working with buyers and sellers who are forthright, reasonable and agreeable have been the most enjoyable and produced the most successful closings. When buyers and sellers have realistic expectations – initially and throughout the business transfer process – and maintain a professional and positive attitude, they typically find the transactions to be pleasant and seamless.
