I've been around businesses my whole life.I grew up in the one started by my Father and went on to become it's second generation owner, and then an exited owner. I've founded companies, bought and sold them and helped others do the same. All told, I've had my eyes on hundreds of businesses and deals and my ear bent by probably even more owners. Here's what I've learned:1) Running a successful business is HARD. Don't believe anyone that tells you otherwise. Be even more suspicious of any "guru" selling you an easy remedy.2) Business owners need HELP. Owners that try to do everything themselves have businesses that don't go very far or last very long.3) The scariest word to a business owner is EXIT. Yes it's a four letter-word. And no, it shouldn't be because it's inevitable and when properly strategized, has no downside.4) Qualified, well meaning advisors aren't ENOUGH. Putting the right players on the field doesn't make for a great team unless there's a coach that keeps them from bumping into each other.5) Owners HATE the weeds of technical planning. Most business owners would rather put their hand in a wood chipper than sit through a lengthy explanation of their tax, estate or other planning.6) There's no such thing as a STEADY business. If your business isn't growing, you just haven't figured out that it's shrinking yet.7) Nobody knows like an OWNER. Anyone can understand a business as an asset. It takes having owned and operated one to understand what it really means to be an owner.