Someone I care a great deal about is on the verge of buying into a small business. I know the individual exreamly well and am certain this will be a disaster for both the business and their family. A couple hundred-thousand dollars is the cost to “buy in” to become co-owner of the service business. I don’t want to see this person loose that much money over a mid-life crisis notion to own their own business.

What can I possibly say or do to convince them that while owning your own business is a dream that everyone has, it is not meant to be fulfilled by everyone.

Th current owner has glorified his business and essentially “suckered” my friend into thinking that owning and operating the business is a walk in the park. In addition, the owner is planning on retiring (and moving to another country) in a few years. Why can’t my friend see that the current owner is just trying to get “top dollar” for his business then leave it all on the “new guy”.. What can I do to persuade him?