I often get asked for a “rough idea” of what a business is worth.It’s an interesting question, but not one that can be answered in any meaningful way without drilling down into the specifics of the business because in the real world, the valuation of a business has many variables including industry types, differing market sectors and individual levels of profit and risk that make any ‘prophecy’ of business asset valuation as reliable in outcome as taking a trifecta bet at a race track.This is particularly true in relation to a privately owned small business valuation whether the business is incorporated as a private company or operates as a sole trader.Apart from their annual Tax Return, privately owned businesses in Australia, are not obliged, to lodge financial reports with any statutory body or publish any details of their activities in the public domain.With publicly listed entities (companies listed on a stock market) there is more data for a business valuation company to analyse in the form of share prices, price to earnings ratios, historical performance and annual reports. Comparisons can be made between these indicators to determine a range of valuation metrics.Private businesses, however, are as different as fingerprints – no two businesses are the same because they are generally ‘built’ around the needs of the business Owner. Business analysis and valuation of private businesses must therefore, in addition to a study of the financials, include a detailed Risk Assessment and take into account the Return on Investment that the business makes for the Owner and the Cost of Capital to buy the business.What to Look at When You Want to Value a Business for Sale?Commonly, many SME (Small to Medium Enterprises) business asset valuations focus on the ‘Return on Investment’ (ROI). This is usually expressed as a percentage (%) and is a measure of the Risk to an Owner versus the Return. For a privately held business in Australia this should be between 20% and 50%. The closer to 20% the more ‘secure’ the business investment – the closer to 50% the more ‘riskier’ the investment.A business valuation report that demonstrates a ROI under 20% indicates that it would be unlikely to generate an investment (or a Bank would not lend the funds to purchase) – quite simply the return would not be enough (because of the liquidity – or ease of conversion to cash) to warrant the investment and a return of over 50% would indicate that there are significant risks which would be outside of the comfort zone of most investors and financiers.As a general rule, private businesses and the valuation of companies in the private space tend to be based on historical financials with the valuation of intangible assets based on the adjusted net profit (before tax) – called EBIT (Earnings before Income Tax)Adjustments are made to the Accountant prepared financials to ‘add back’ any expenses to the business profit which are discretionary to the owner(s) personally, plus ‘book’ expenses like depreciation of P&E and any abnormal ‘one off’ expenses like a non recurring bad debt to arrive at the real Net Profit (before tax) of the business.It is multiples of this Net Profit, tempered by the Risk profile of the business and the ROI percentage which will determine the Value of the business.But whilst most people ask for a private or corporate business valuation, what they really want to know is the PRICE.Value and Price can be two very different numbers.What is the Difference between ‘Value’ And ‘Price’ when You Want to Value a Business for Sale?In the valuation of companies where the reason for the valuation is for the re distribution of shares for a Management Buy In, the price conclusion must relate to the market (is the sales market for this type of business up or down?) so that a base price can be determined at that point in time even though there will be no actual “sale” of the business.Similarly, in business valuation for divorce where there could ultimately be an external transaction to sell but in some cases one party wants to retain ownership of the business and buy the other party out. In this case both parties want to know the ‘Fair Market Value’ of the business so they can settle even though the business is not actually being sold.In essence, ‘Value’ can be entirely based on hypothetical theory whereas ‘Price’ in the true sense can only be based on “what the market will pay”.

Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.

According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.

So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.

Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.

This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.

The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.

This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.

Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.

This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.

And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.

Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.

The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.

This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.

Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.

Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.

Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.

Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?

Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.

This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.

Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.