Finding bad apples can be easier than finding hidden gems…however, both of these business types are out there! While the BBB can reveal a horrible company that doesn’t care about investors or customers, it may not really tell you about a good company’s potential. When you ask, “Is a business legitimate”, you should also ask yourself, “How do I find the best companies to work with or invest in?”

Your knowledge of business will really help you here. The more experience you have in a given field, the better. If you’re looking for good companies to invest in, consider the track record of the owner or CEO. If he or she has steadily worked their way up over time, without any slips, they are probably a great manager and operator. Investing in something that is familiar to you, with a good person who is driven and educated, is always the best policy. Looking for potential is so much easier when you know what you need to find. If investments are out of your comfort zone, you’ll need to bone up before you assess companies.

Look for vision, passion, and energy…the best businesses never rest on past achievements. They keep moving forward, changing and adapting to fit current trends and a shifting economy. A great company to invest in will always be there to answer your questions and concerns. They will have the right infrastructure for success. Even if a company is small, it may have a brilliant idea that is just about to explode into amazing success. If you are there on the ground floor with them, you will also be there, enjoying increased income, when the idea takes flight.