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How Threat-Savvy Companies Can Defend Against Data Breaches
Incidents are Perpetually, Dramatically On the Rise Data breaches are happening at an alarming pace and, just as disturbing for those trying to head them off, there is no common denominator cause. Fortunately, adopting a best-practices approach can help your[...]
Installment 4: Alternative Assets and the “Average” Accredited Investor
Overview of the Alternative Assets Landscape [Editor’s Note: This is the fourth installment in a series of articles dedicated to the 95% of people in the U.S. who have never invested in a startup, a venture capital fund, a private[...]
The Top 5 Best States to Retire To (and How to Retire There Soon)
What to Consider Before Making Your Retirement Move The best advice for retirement is simple: plan early. You may have enrolled in a 401k and saved money, but knowing how to retire is more than that. Whether you want to[...]
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): Meeting Business Succession Objectives
Does Legacy Rate Higher with You, or Pure Profit? Thinking about selling your business? Is maintaining its integrity and mission more important to you than pure profit? Then an Employee Stock Ownership Plan may be something to consider. Some business[...]
Catching Up With: DarcMatter CEO Sang H. Lee
We recently got to know DarcMatter - a fully transactional platform that offers transparent, institutional-level access to alternative investment opportunities, and the company's CEO, Sang Lee. Investors can source private investment opportunities in hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and structured debt opportunities. By using technology and designed feeder funds, DarcMatter can provide a frictionless process for both investors and private issuers while remaining fully compliant with all financial regulations.
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Your Relationship with Your Firm’s Bank Manager
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Your Relationship with Your Firm’s Bank Manager You are a small business owner and you’ve had a great relationship with your lender. In fact, your relationship manager is also a member at your country club.[...]
Catching up with Jim Dowd, Founder of the North Capital Companies
The North Capital companies consist of a registered investment advisor (RIA), a registered broker-dealer, and a financial technology company that has developed innovative, proprietary platforms focused on transforming the accessibility, transparency, and cost structure of advisory services and private markets through the use of technology. Jim Dowd, Founder and Managing Director of the North Capital companies, has 30 years of industry experience in global financial services. Jim is leading the charge in pioneering the democratization of venture capital through offerings such as what it describes as the first online crowdfunding marketplace syndicating broker-vetted private offerings.
The Top Angel Investors and Venture Capital Fund Managers 2019
A Rankings Review Thanks to CB Insights, Mattermark and Preqin, it’s now easier to find top venture capital fund managers based on performance, fees and follow-on investments. The institutional alternative asset classes, such as Venture Capital and Private Equity, can[...]
Calling the Shots: Self-Directed IRAs Span Every Asset Class
IRAs Defined An Individual retirement account (IRA) is just that – an account where an individual, without the assistance of an employer (like a 401k requires), invests money that will grow over time. The purpose of this exercise is to[...]
Global Wealth 2019
Essential (& Some Surprising) Facts Credit Suisse’s Global Wealth Report is one of the most comprehensive analyses of the world’s wealth, and provides keen insights into the health of the global economy. We took a fresh look at the most[...]
The ABCs of FIAs
A Conversation with Jim Poolman [Editor’s Note: Jim Poolman is Executive Director of the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council, a coalition of life insurance companies that offer fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). He outlined the benefits of this stable retirement savings vehicle[...]
Protect Your Family Business with Smart Succession Planning
Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities for Smooth Transitions In family business, a succession plan guarantees continuity. It ensures a smooth transition of leadership so that the business can carry on. Where no succession plan exists, the risk of turbulence and conflict[...]
Your Family Office Wants to Invest in Opportunity Zones?: Think LIHTC
Qualified Opportunity Investing with LIHTC Transactions There’s a lot of buzz on the subject of investment in Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds. Congressional sponsors were hopeful that this new tax benefit regime, created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of[...]
When Stocks Decline, Alternative Investments May Help (Part 2)
Diversification is Almost Always a Winning Strategy As noted in “When Stocks Decline, Alternative Investments May Help (Part 1),” the impact of asset allocation on volatility and returns has been widely debated, but a landmark study from the CFA Institute[...]
When Stocks Decline, Alternative Investments May Help (Part 1)
With Bear Market Approaching, Diversification an Attractive Option Someday you may be asked: “Where were you on March 9, 2009?” For market historians, that day marked the bottom of the Great Recession: the S&P 500 had just sunk below 700[...]
Co-Investment SPVs: Access or Excess?
Avoid These Common Mistakes in Venture Capital The modern venture capital fund structure dates back to the 1960’s – but change is coming fast and furious! This article can help you make money in venture by conveying an insider’s tips[...]
Long-Term Care Insurance: What People of All Ages Need to Know
Long-Term Care Insurance Protects You and Your Assets The biggest threat to one’s nest egg or the assets that he wishes to leave his loved ones is not necessarily a recession or tumbling stock market, but rather the debilitating march[...]
3 Advisory Board Styles to Fit Every Business
Advisory Board Roles and Responsibilities for Any Stage of Business The boards of directors of for-profit and non-profit organizations have the same fiduciary responsibilities: duty of care, duty of loyalty and duty of good faith. While similar to fiduciary boards,[...]
‘Housekeeping’ Tips to Maximize Business Value
Making Improvements that Will Benefit the Seller and the Buyer As you start thinking about selling your business you should also think about how you might make some improvements to the business to maximize business value to a buyer. Identify[...]
Assembling the Right Transaction Team: Tips for Selling Your Company Successfully
Many Moving Parts Drive a Sale As you consider selling your company, there are many different topics that, as an owner, you may need to assess. In evaluating whether to sell, an owner’s time and energy can become focused internally,[...]
The 5 Do’s (and 4 Don’ts) of Precious Metals Investing
To Make a Profit, Know the Do's and Don'ts Many people who consider themselves savvy investors have little or no direct experience with alternative investments, such as precious metals. The reasons for that are diverse and plentiful, but some of[...]
Keeping Your Resolutions Throughout the Year: The Key to Staying Fit and Healthy
Don't Be a 'Ghost Member' of Your Gym It’s that time of year again. Everyone making New Year’s Resolutions to “get in shape once and for all!” It is no wonder January and the months following are a big months[...]
Read These Books to Get Smart About Personal Finance and Investing
Thirteen Guidebooks for Building and Holding Wealth Hiring a professional to manage your investments is not akin to hiring a plumber, car mechanic, or even attorney. To hire any of these three professionals it is neither necessary nor likely that[...]
The 8 Essential Questions About Raw Land Investments
Investing in raw land is an exciting prospect, with important considerations If you’re in the market for a solid, long-term investment, raw land – undeveloped land that has not yet been improved or built upon – may be worth a[...]
AMG Funds Survey Finds Investors Confident in Economy
New Survey Explores Investment Preferences and Generational Differences Nearly two thirds of wealthy investors now feel optimistic about the economy, according to a new survey from AMG Funds. Titled “Wealth Management Trends in America,” the survey polled 1,000 individual investors[...]
3 Overseas Markets (That Still Are) Terrific Investing Opportunities
A Fresh Look at Iceland, Botswana and Chile [Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article was first published June 9, 2015. This version has been updated with current statistics. The article’s author, Mike Brady continues to endorse these[...]
CHAPTER 3: Alternative Assets and the “Average” Accredited Investor
Overview of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 Editor’s Note: This is the third installment in a series of articles dedicated to the 95% of people in the U.S. who have never invested in a startup, a venture[...]
Creating a Risk Management System
Identifying and Managing Risks to Your Business Make It Stronger Most business owners are so busy running their business that they don't have time to think about unlikely events. How can you think about possible "black swan" events when you are struggling[...]
Wealthy Still Investing In Stamps Amid Overall Slide in Value
Billionaire Philatelists Chase Trophy Specimens There’s been a dramatic divergence of fates in the world of stamp collecting when it comes to investment values. Billionaires still trophy hunt ultra-rare specimens, but most stamps have seen their values collapse due to dwindling[...]
Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds: A New Tool for Real Estate Investors
2017 Tax Cut Created Incentives and Flexibility for QOZ Investment A new tax incentive that has been gaining a lot of attention recently is the Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund. Like existing tax incentives, the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) provisions permit[...]
The Importance of a Family Charter in Family-Controlled Businesses
How to Maintain Control in Family-Controlled Businesses Unique challenges tend to arise when a family controls a business. Some questions that may emerge are: Which family member will lead the business? How will profit distributions be decided? How can a[...]
CHAPTER 2: Alternative Assets and the “Average” Accredited Investor
Meet Bob, Michele, David, and Isabella Editor’s Note: this is the second installment in a series of articles dedicated to the 95% of people in the U.S. who have never invested in a startup, a venture capital fund, a private[...]
Why Is It So Hard For Leaders To (Shut Up And) Listen?
Hey Leaders, It's Listening Time... I am often asked why it is so hard for leaders to listen. One of the things that I often suggest to people as I’m beginning coaching-related conversations with them is the notion that whenever[...]
Business Transition and Exit Planning: Welcome to the Jungle!
BTEP: Where Should You Start? You are a business owner. You have worked hard, possibly for decades, building your business. You are smart, and the business has been successful, but it is time to move on. Perhaps you want to[...]
An Experienced Executive May Make an Effective Board Member
What Makes a Successful Board Member? [Editor’s Note: if you are an experienced CEO, CFO or another executive, you may be thinking about putting your hat in the ring to be a director of another company. Or, perhaps you are[...]
Get the Most out of Your Marketing Team, Agency or Consultant
Here's How to Optimize Your Marketing Team One of the most important jobs for any leader is to marshal their resources to optimize performance. Whether those resources include budgets, employees, outside consultants or even your own time – knowing how[...]
How to Pursue Your Family Purpose (And Why You Should)
How Your Family’s Mission, Vision and Values Can Make You Wealthy and Fulfilled Wealth is a means to an end – living a great life. Successful families work hard to build wealth, not for the sake of achieving some number on[...]
Lessons on Investing like an Angel
Editor’s Note: This is an updated version of an article first published on March 6th, 2014. Around the time the JOBS Act became law in 2012, some angel groups expressed concern that equity crowdfunding would hurt them on two counts. First,[...]
CHAPTER 1: Alternative Assets and the “Average” Accredited Investor
Who Is This Series For? This series of articles is written for the average “accredited investor.” An “accredited investor” is a legal term that refers to anyone (a) whose net worth, either alone or with a spouse, exceeds $1 million[...]
The Cost of Clutter: Physical, Emotional and Digital
How Much is Clutter Actually Costing You? What if I told you that digital and physical clutter negatively impact your productivity and performance? Similar to multitasking, clutter of all types overloads your senses causing your brain and body to feel stressed[...]
So. Much. Winning. Let’s Party Like It’s 1984
The S&P 500 fell 2.3% and the Dow fell 2.2% on Friday. Is the sky falling? Look, short-term market swings do not define an economy. On the other hand, a market that constantly swings based on what a single man[...]
Don’t Assume You Will Send Your Kids to College: An Investment Thesis
Is a university degree a good investment? The Economist Magazine asked this question last year and while the article concludes that statistics support the proposition that a college education generally makes good financial sense, it also concludes that, “like so much else in economics, [it] boils down to supply and demand.” In other words, a college education does not always make sense from a strictly financial perspective.
Family Governance is Not Business Governance
Family Businesses Need Strategies to Govern Both the Family and the Business Family businesses are unique and the way they are run differs from family to family. Each business has varying degrees of corporate governance. Formal governance structures grow as the[...]
Ten Best Food Documentaries: Sustainable and Beyond
Get Smart with the Ten Best Food Documentaries I am a sucker for a good food documentary. I love to learn more about how our food is made, how it affects our world, and how it affects our bodies. Many[...]
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Surviving a Business Divorce
Conflicts between business partners are nearly inevitable. Thankfully, there are a number of ways for parties to negotiate up-front. Precautionary agreements give you space to resolve issues more easily or, at least, provide a picture of what the result will be when resolution is not possible.
Solving Familial Business Issues: Putting the “Family” in Family Business
A Family's Most Valuable Business Asset is Itself The component to family businesses that make them unique from other businesses is the family. Solving family business problems without understanding the family dynamic is akin to a placing a bandage on[...]
A Brief History of Venture Capital
The term “venture capital” is typically associated with high-risk, high-growth potential start-ups that may sink or soar depending on a number of external factors. Any investment in a start-up, however, can be called a venture capital investment, though a common hallmark of venture capital investors is that with their investment they obtain some level of influence over the company in which they invest.
The Strategic Value of Accelerators: How They Can Benefit the Business at any Stage
How Accelerators Can Help Your Business Grow Startups need money to, well, startup. In order to get money, fundraising is a likely path that most startups will travel. There are many different funding sources available, and the usefulness of each[...]
Carveout Guaranties to Non-Recourse Loans
The A to Z’s of Carveout Guaranties When utilizing a loan to acquire an investment property, there are two basic types available to the buyer: recourse and non-recourse. Regardless of the type of loan, the borrower may be asked to[...]
A Brief Overview of Investing in Life Settlements
The legality of investing in life settlements* (also referred to as a "life settlement") traces back to a 1911 Supreme Court decision, Grigsby vs. Russell, 222 U.S. 149. In Grigsby, a life insurance company refused to pay out the death benefit proceeds on the grounds that the policy had previously been sold to a third party who had no insurable interest in the insured.
Banker, Broker or Sell it Yourself: Choosing the Right Method When Selling Business
So You're Selling a Business: Now What? For most business owners, selling a business is a once-in-a-lifetime event. These owners want to maximize their proceeds and they may be super salespeople, but likely have little experience selling a business. In fact,[...]
The Risk of Food Scarcity Creates a Need for Investment
Agriculture, as an investment sector, is in its infancy. Even though agriculture accounts for 3% of global economic activity, related public markets are still severely under-developed. In addition, the sector has recently been out-of-favor; so many investors are either ignoring or overlooking its longer-term potential.
The Worst Tolerated Behavior Defines Your Organizational Culture
A Company Is Only as Good as Its Worst Behavior What is the worst behavior that your company’s leadership will tolerate? Think about it for a minute. That behavior, particularly if it is repeatedly tolerated, defines your organizational culture. There[...]
Onwards and Upwards: Processing Failure in the Professional Setting
How to Move on Quickly and Successfully We have all experienced failure in our professional lives. And while no one enjoys opening old wounds, it is important to examine our failures so we can learn from them. In the workplace[...]
Accredited Investors: Know Your Online Securities Intermediary
The market for online alternative investments has been growing at a steady pace the past few years. Issuers of private placements have realized that they have the opportunity to reach a larger number of accredited investors by using third-party internet platforms. As an investor, it is important to know what distinguishes each type of platform out there, and what to watch out for when considering an online alternative investment.
Customer Relationship Management is the Key to Retaining Customers
Let’s Make this (Customer) Relationship Work The customer relationship is one of the most important relationships a business will have. As companies grow, expanding their customer base, their sales and marketing activities can become vastly more complicated. Companies that have[...]
Being Fit and Healthy Starts with Weekly Meal Planning
Weekly Meal Planning for a Healthier You and a Happier Bank Account Being fit and healthy impacts more than just clothing size. Research has shown that employees with a healthy BMI earn more money over the course of their career[...]
Employers of Foreign National Workers Need to Know This About Employer Site Visits
An introduction to Employer Site Visits It is nearly impossible to imagine the modern U.S. workplace without foreign nationals. Companies across the nation, in a wide variety of industries, rely on their specialized knowledge and invaluable professional experience to remain[...]
Musings and More About “Market” Terms in Transactions
An Overreliance on Market Terms Business professionals commonly negotiate transactions by reference to what is “market.” This makes great sense for the people who are responsible for negotiating price. Valuation and pricing methods are relatively tried and true after all,[...]
The Importance of Succession Planning for a Thriving Family Business
Succession Planning Means Looking Beyond the Second Generation Most family businesses don’t make it beyond the second generation. Even fewer reach the third generation of ownership. Why is that? As much as one generation would like to hand the business[...]
Organizational Pace of Change: Surviving and Thriving in Our Fast Paced World
Change is Constant, the Pace of Change Increases Our world is constantly changing but the pace of change has increased exponentially. The way we adopt and adapt to new technology far outpaces 10, 20 or 50 years ago. People expect[...]
How to Dress Professionally with Style (Without Breaking the Bank)
Your Closet and Your Career Will Thank You You have finally decided that it is time to amp up your wardrobe! Boring black pants and a button-down shirt are not cutting it anymore. You want to get noticed by your[...]
Private Investment Fund Terms and Conditions: The Relationship Between GPs and LPs
Striking a Balance in the Relationship Between GPs and LPs The relationship between GPs and LPs- that is, between a “General Partner” and “Limited Partners” in the multi-trillion private equity industry is a complex symbiosis. General Partners (GPs) are the[...]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Single-Tenant v. Multitenant Investment Properties
Is One a Better Investment Than the Other? Some of my investors have recently expressed concern about owning single-tenant properties. They cite the all-or-nothing risks of occupancy and renewal as the primary objections to these types of investments. These are[...]
Critical Considerations When Selecting a Private Equity Manager
Editor's Note: This is an updated version of a similar article published on February 3, 2016. This article updates, amends and supersedes that earlier article. Nobody Said It Was Easy (Selecting a Private Equity Manager) Selecting a private equity manager[...]
This Lawsuit Goes to 11: Fraud and the Economic Loss Rule
The “This is Spinal Tap” Lawsuit If you’ve never seen This is Spinal Tap, close your browser immediately and watch. The 1984 “mockumentary” about a fictitious British rock band touring America belongs on the Mount Rushmore of movie comedies. It birthed[...]
The Advantages of a Buy-Sell Agreement for Business Transitions
How Do I Love Thee Advantages of a Buy-Sell Agreement? Let Me Count the Ways... Businesses with more than one owner face unique challenges in planning for the future. A buy-sell agreement is an arrangement between business partners to govern[...]
Understanding “Reasonable Cybersecurity Measures” to Safeguard Data
Reasonable Cybersecurity Measures for Protection After collecting personal information, businesses must take “reasonable measures” to safeguard it. Some states, such as Florida and Alabama, have this standard (or a similar one) in their cybersecurity statutes. On the federal level, the[...]
Your Wealth Is Entropic: Use It (Or Not), You Will Lose It
Like Life Itself, Your Wealth is Entropic The hard truth about life is that the moment we are born a process begins that leads to our death. While some days are better than others, our cells and our bodies are[...]
The New York City Bar Versus the Litigation Funding Industry
Let's Talk Litigation Funding A July 30, 2018, legal ethics opinion from the New York City Bar Association (“NYCBA”) raises concerns about a common structure used for funding of litigation. In particular, the NYCBA Professional Ethics Committee concludes: “Under Rule[...]
Business Valuation Tax Act of 2017: Comparability and Calculation
What is the Business Valuation Tax Act of 2017 Anyway? The Business Valuation Tax Act of 2017 (Tax Act) has introduced changes to the financial and regulatory landscape that specifically affect business valuation in the context of C-Corporations. This article[...]
Overcoming Common Business to Business Sales and Marketing Challenges
Show Business to Business Sales and Marketing Who’s Boss Businesses that focus on selling products and services to other businesses are very similar to those that sell to consumers. The differences between the two lie in their sales and marketing[...]
Parenting Past Fear to Help Set Children Up for Success
Parenting the Whole Child for Successful Living Raising children is a lot of things. It’s exhilarating, exhausting, loving, caring, difficult, rewarding, and can be really scary. The vulnerability of a parent can be overwhelming and truly a kind of vulnerability[...]
Understanding the Language of the American Federal Legal System
Editor's Note: This is an updated version of a similar article published in November of 2015. To view the original, click here. Americans take great pride in saying that ours is a nation of laws, not people. But resting on[...]
The Real and Rising Threat of Cybercrime for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
For the Threat of Cybercrime, Get a Cyber Liability Policy If cybercrime were a nation state, it would be the world’s 13th-largest by GDP, just ahead of Australia. The threat of cybercrime can take many forms – from hijacking sensitive[...]
Small Businesses Are Key to Driving Economic Recovery
Editor's Note: This is an updated version of a similar article published in March of 2015. To view the original, click here. Creative Capital is Driving Economic Recovery As small business owners get creative in raising capital, the economy is[...]
Guidelines to Improve Banking Relationships (What Does Edgar Allan Poe Have to Do With It?)
Good Character and Cash Flow Improve Banking Relationships Typically, there is significant triage to be done before determining if you can improve banking relationships. Most often, the problems come back to cash flow and misunderstanding what banks do. While Boards[...]
Overcoming the Biggest Consumer Sales and Marketing Challenges
Consumer Sales and Marketing Challenges That May Challenge You Too Consumer-focused businesses have three key challenges: Understanding what the customer/market wants Targeting the right segments Differentiating what they offer from what their competitors offer In all my years creating marketing[...]
The Legal Implications of Cybersecurity When Collecting Personal Information
Understand the Stakes of Collecting Personal Information Cybersecurity law has been called many things in recent years—evolving, complex, varied, cutting-edge, even hilarious. Ok, maybe not the last one. But I would offer another phrase that can serve as a key[...]
Recognizing Tipping Points to Keep Family Wealth in the Family
Preserve Wealth by Recognizing Tipping Points Families that have worked extremely hard to build wealth find it even more difficult to preserve that wealth over time. Often, the concern is that a wealthy family could go from shirtsleeves to shirtless in[...]
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