| Among the most intriguing career choices for | | | | successful associates. |
| business people is to become small business | | | | This is very appealing to the would-be business |
| brokers. Many people who have burned out or | | | | broker who's spent years in the workforce |
| retired from a corporate or even a small business | | | | dealing with dumbbells and with co-workers so |
| position are attracted to this field because of its | | | | slow that a sloth looks ambitious by comparison. |
| many benefits. | | | | There are bright, energetic and professional small |
| But does the reality match the myths about this | | | | business brokers who get things done. But don't |
| work? Here's a frank look into some of the | | | | expect them to want to do those things with |
| popular claims about the profession. | | | | you. And you may be justified in complaining that |
| 1. Make a six figure income your first year. | | | | they're greedy and rude. |
| Actually that's true. Of course the six figures | | | | Then, when you've been in the business for a |
| include all the numbers on both sides of the | | | | while, have some good listings, motivated and |
| decimal point. | | | | qualified buyers and a solid reputation, you'll be |
| Sure there are small business brokers making | | | | accused of the same things. You may switch |
| $100k plus. Most likely they've been at it awhile. | | | | from the "for" side to the "against" side of the |
| They have proven to the genie who sits on the | | | | "cooperation" debate the first time you find out |
| bag with all the gold that they're worthy of | | | | your seller's confidential information is circulating on |
| abundant rewards for mastering the many trials | | | | twitter, and discover the other broker's buyer |
| put in their way. Those include, for example, the | | | | doesn't understand the meaning of the |
| "clients" who can't or won't perform as promised, | | | | confidentiality agreement. Or when you get a |
| and the trolls who climb out from under the | | | | letter from an attorney asking you to reimburse |
| bridge so they can kill deals. | | | | a buyer or seller for their losses - losses caused |
| 2. Have complete control over the way you | | | | by misrepresentations and promises that came |
| spend your time. | | | | from the other broker you agreed to work with. |
| What a privilege to be able to call your day your | | | | 4. The chance to do meaningful work that really |
| own, with no one to tell you what to do. | | | | helps people. |
| Unfortunately it's not the full day, just those few | | | | There will be times when a seller or buyer will |
| hours between the 11:00 o'clock nightly news and | | | | actually say "thank you." And you'll feel good |
| the rooster's announcement at dawn. | | | | about having given the client smart advice and |
| Guess when that "can't miss" session with the | | | | negotiating well on his or her behalf. |
| landlord is going to happen - the very day you | | | | Just hope there are enough of those satisfying |
| had planned to start the vacation trip you've long | | | | moments to balance out the frustrations and |
| promised your family. | | | | disappointments caused by those who stand you |
| Prospective small business brokers eagerly | | | | up, lie to you, change their minds and kill your |
| anticipating the chance to get out on the golf | | | | deals. |
| course in the middle of the day don't know about | | | | So, while there are substantial joys and benefits |
| the owners who will require hours-long meetings | | | | for those working as small business brokers, it |
| about their possible interest in selling out. And | | | | takes guts, determination and perseverance to |
| there are buyers who somehow get in the mood | | | | make the career really yield those rewards. And |
| to make offers only during those holiday | | | | it's a good idea, when starting out on this |
| weekends when everyone else is at home | | | | adventure, to have a year's living expenses in the |
| greeting relatives and firing up the barbecue. | | | | bank. |
| 3. The opportunity of working with smart and | | | | |