I’ve met the future and I’ve got to say, I’m rather impressed. There’s been a bunch of talk recently about ChatGPT and its capabilities. So, I decided to give it a try. I typed “What should a business owner know about valuation?” The following was generated in about ten seconds:

A business owner should have a basic understanding of the concept of valuation, which is the process of determining the value of a company. There are several factors that can influence a company's value, including financial performance, market conditions, industry trends, and the company's growth potential.

There are several methods used to value a business, including:

Asset-based valuation: This method values a company based on its tangible assets, such as property, equipment, and inventory.

Market-based valuation: This method values a company based on similar companies in the same industry or market.

Earnings-based valuation: This method values a business based on its earnings power and future growth prospects.

Discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation: This method values a business based on its expected future cash flows discounted to their present value.

It's important to note that there is no single "right" method for valuing a business, and different methods may produce different results. A business owner should seek the advice of a professional valuator or financial advisor to help determine the best approach for their specific business.

In addition, the value of a business can change over time, and it's important for a business owner to regularly reassess the value of their business and adjust their strategy as necessary.

We have robots that vacuum our houses, cars that can navigate by themselves and now a program that can do the writing for us. I’m feeling like George Jetson. Who needs a sprocket?  

Tell me what's on your mind. Write me at lbell@meadenmoore.com or try the old fashioned way by calling 216-928-5360.