Basically, the author is comparing opening a business from scratch to buying an existing business. The text gives a much more thorough explanation of course, because it has more space to develop concepts and ideas. The author is clearly a fan of buying an existing business, and does a good job of discouraging entrepreneurs from creating a business from scratch. She cites many facts about start-ups vs. existing businesses, and reading her article might scare some people away from starting their own business, even if they have an excellent idea. I think that does a disservice to some people. Her advice is good, and it is clear she has experience in business and start-ups, but she does not give much hope to people who have a good idea and are not afraid of the difficulties of starting from scratch, and I think this is a disservice to many people. The text notes there are several advantages to starting a new business, from creating something that never existed before to the thrill of seeing something come together and thrive. Yes, there is more risk, but entrepreneurship is risk-taking at its best. Entrepreneurs have to be risk-takers to want to be self-employed and create their own business, and she does not seem to acknowledge that fact.
This article gives a good overview of buying a business. However, it does not cover some of the disadvantages of buying a business, which can be a bit daunting. She does not cover many items a new entrepreneur should think about, including taking over bad debts or excessive inventories,...
These are important considerations, and the article does not mention any of them. In fact, the article paints a fairly rosy picture of buying an existing business, while there are many things to consider before signing a contract and paying your hard earned cash.
Overall, I would recommend this article as one piece of the puzzle in buying a business. I certainly would not rely on it solely for the impetus to buy an existing business. It is a good piece to consider, but much more research and expert opinion should be considered when contemplating any business purchase. I would do much more research, and I would dig deeper into the areas the author discusses to ensure I had a good understanding of the business and what it takes to run any business. The author is an expert in funding, and that is clear from the article. However, there are many other areas to consider, from financially analysis to day-to-day operations, and the article gives short shrift to many of those items. The true measure of an entrepreneur is not how they run or develop a business, but how much planning and knowledge they gain before they commit themselves to any business venture.
References
Sawyer, L. (2007). Buying a business: The safer alternative. Retrieved from the Entrepreneurs.about.com Web site: http://entrepreneurs.about.com/od/buyingabusiness/a/buyingabusiness.htm23 March 2007.
