I’m going to say something that might be controversial in many entrepreneurial circles: Starting a business from scratch is a path I would never take. Instead, I choose to buy existing businesses, and I firmly believe it’s the smarter, more strategic move for anyone serious about entrepreneurship. Here’s why buying a business, rather than building one from the ground up, is not just a shortcut, but a path laden with wisdom and a direct route to freedom.
👉🏽 Buying vs. Starting: A Clear Winner
1. Instant Infrastructure: When you start a business, you face the daunting task of building everything from zero. That means systems, processes, customer bases, and even reputation—these take years to develop. Buying a business means stepping into an operation that’s already functioning. You’re purchasing not just physical assets, but a ready-made framework for success.
2. Proven Business Model: Every new business is a hypothesis—an educated guess that needs testing and validation. Most startups fail because this model isn’t viable. When you buy a business, you get a proven model, one that has been tested and shown results. You’re not gambling on potential; you're investing in a demonstrated track record.
3. Immediate Cash Flow: Startups often bleed cash in their initial years. When you acquire an existing business, you usually acquire an immediate cash flow as well. There’s no waiting to turn profitable—it’s already there. This can be crucial for both sustaining the business and expanding it.
4. Existing Customer Base: One of the hardest parts of starting a new venture is attracting customers. An existing business comes with customers already, which not only ensures revenue but also provides a valuable asset that can be expanded and nurtured for further growth.
5. Less Risk, More Reward: The risk of failure in startups is notoriously high. An existing business, with its established track record, significantly reduces that risk. This means a higher likelihood of success and less stress about the unknowns that plague new ventures.
👉🏽Why Ownership Equals Freedom
Buying a business isn’t just a smart financial move; it’s a route to freedom. Ownership means having control over your destiny without the chaos and uncertainty of starting from scratch. You’re taking over someone else’s groundwork—their “pain,” as some might say—and turning it into your gain. This is not about taking shortcuts; it's about taking smart cuts.
👉🏽Ownership Myths Debunked
- Myth: Starting your own business is the only way to be a true entrepreneur.
- Reality: True entrepreneurship is about innovation and growth, whether you start a business or buy one and steer it to new heights.
- Myths Buying a business is taking the easy way out.
- Reality: Acquiring a business requires sharp due diligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to integrate and grow an existing operation. It’s a different challenge, but not an easier one.
Now, I want to hear from you. What’s holding you back from buying a business? Do you still believe starting from scratch is the better path? Or are you ready to take a leap into a venture with a foundation already built for success?