15 Hidden Revenue Streams

Most small-business owners don't understand all of the valuable assets their business has beyond the cash in the bank. They don't realize the array of assets they control that have a value beyond what they do for their own business.

Forget computers and other office equipment, which typically loses value as soon as you buy it. Here are 15 assets your business may own that could increase the value of your business, or at least provide you with additional income.

1. Customer list: The list of past and current customers can have value. This list is only valuable if the business is scrubbing it every six months. I once acquired a business with a list of a 1,000 past and current clients. When we marketed to this group, we found that only 20% of the list was good.

2. Name: Most people know that names like Google, AT&T and American Express have tremendous value, but respected local names have as much value. Many of us are familiar with local restaurants, regional breweries and service firms whose names are as highly regarded as national firms.

In Panama, there is a restaurant called Napoli's that serves hundreds of people six nights a week. It is the most well known and respected Italian restaurant in the country. Anyone who buys it and keeps up the quality has bought a license to print money.

3. Process: A unique process for developing a product or delivering a service has tremendous value. Think of Google's process for delivering ads to its Web site. If you want to think smaller, there is a company in Pennsylvania called New Pig with a process for putting kitty litter in a stocking to absorb oil spills.

« Previous Page

1 2 3 4

Next Page »