Nearly Half of New Business Owners Use Professional Consultants or Brokers

July 15, 2008 // Franchising.com // Bellevue, Wash. - Despite the ease of searching for businesses over the Web, statistics indicate that every other new business owner uses a professional consultant or broker to find their new business. According to a survey by Guidant Financial Group, 46 percent of new business owners use professionals in the search for their new enterprise.

The survey of Guidant clients, who used retirement funds to finance their new business without taking a taxable distribution, found that only 19.7 percent of entrepreneurs find their business online. Furthermore, only 9.7 percent find their opportunity via a franchising organization or franchisor directly.

"Relationships rule," says David Nilssen, CEO and cofounder of Guidant Financial Group, the leading provider of self-directed IRA services and small business financing solutions. "Buying a business is a major decision, and prospective business owners don't want to rely on websites alone to find the opportunity of their dreams. Websites don't get to know your unique skills and personality, and they don't listen to your concerns and desires. Consultants do."

Nilssen also points out that the detailed questionnaire process and access to multiple business opportunities through one personal contact are other factors that account for the employment of brokerage and consulting services.

"People recognize that they may not know what business is best for them and they want to talk to an expert," explains Nilssen. "The in-depth questioning and search processes that brokers and consultants use give prospective business owners added confidence in their final purchasing decision."

About Guidant Financial Group

Guidant Financial Group provides investors with safe and innovative options to invest for their retirement futures. Guidant is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business funding solutions through an individual's IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant's services allow investors the freedom to make alternative investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more. For more information on self-directed IRAs or small business financing please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.

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