The Biggest Investment Mistake Business Owners Make
Most business owners grow revenue inside their company but ignore income outside it. Here’s why that mistake can cost you long-term security.
Hosts Bernie Franzgrote & Wayne Pratt
Private market investing Canada explained for business owners building cash flow and retirement security on Knack 4 Business podcast.
OPENING HOOK
One day, your business will slow down.
Maybe you sell it.
Maybe the market shifts.
Maybe your health changes.
What happens to your income then?
That question hits hard.
On the Knack 4 Business podcast, we spoke with Michael Lautru, Private Market Specialist at Parvis, about why business owners must build revenue outside their company — before they need it.
This is not about fear.
It is about control.
Watch the full conversation here:
WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR
• SMB owners 3–10 years in
• Solopreneurs building long-term income
• Corporate escapees
• Leaders building systems
• Business owners planning retirement
KEY LESSONS
Takeaway 1 – Your Business Is Not Your Safety Net
Most owners believe their company will fund retirement.
But markets change. Buyers disappear. Industries shift.
If all your wealth lives inside one company, you are exposed.
Private market investing in Canada gives business owners another stream of revenue. Income that does not depend on daily operations.
That creates breathing room.
Takeaway 2 – Cash Flow Creates Freedom
Public markets move fast. They go up and down daily.
Private markets often focus on steady income.
Cash flow investing means money shows up regularly. You do not need to sell an asset to get paid.
That matters when you want predictable retirement income.
Michael explains how tax-efficient investing strategies in Canada, including flow-through structures, can help reduce tax burden while building steady returns.
Takeaway 3 – Risk Must Be Real, Not Emotional
Michael asks clients one question:
“If this investment went to zero tomorrow, how would it change your life?”
Silence usually follows.
That question reveals true risk tolerance.
Many business owners think they can handle risk — until it becomes personal.
Testing risk before investing protects long-term revenue.
STRAIGHT TALK
Let’s keep this simple.
Your company feeds you today.
But what feeds you when you stop?
I’ve seen owners work 20 years building something strong. Then a downturn hits. Or a health issue. Or a buyer backs out.
They thought they were set.
They were not.
Think of a restaurant owner. All income comes from the restaurant. If sales drop, stress rises.
Now imagine that same owner has steady income from private investments outside the business.
Rent shows up. Fund income shows up. Quiet. Consistent.
That changes decisions.
That changes stress.
That changes life.
This is not about getting rich.
It is about not being stuck.
PRACTICAL STEPS
You can act this week.
• List all your income sources
• Calculate how much depends on your business
• Explore private market investing Canada options
• Review tax-efficient investing strategies with a professional
Start small if needed.
But start.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Michael Lautru helps business owners build private investment portfolios focused on cash flow and risk management.
At Parvis, he works with entrepreneurs who want stable income, structured diversification, and retirement planning clarity.
Contact Michael directly:
michael.lautru@parvisinvest.com
SMS: 613-255-0631
LISTEN ON AUDIO
Listen to this Knack 4 Business podcast
Watch THIS on YouTube
Listen to the full episode.
Then ask yourself the hard question.
Is your revenue protected outside your business?
Leave a comment!
Visit Knack 4 Business at https://knack4business.com/
Explore Canada Growth Network here
Sponsors supporting business owners:
Canada Growth Network
Property Wizard
Gentry Learning
FAQ
What is private market investing in Canada?
Private market investing in Canada means investing in assets not traded on public stock exchanges. These include private real estate funds, infrastructure projects, and income-focused partnerships.
Why should business owners build income outside their company?
Because relying on one business for all income increases financial risk. Diversifying income creates stability and long-term security.
How does cash flow investing help retirement planning?
Cash flow investing provides steady income without needing to sell assets. This supports predictable retirement income.
What are tax-efficient investing strategies in Canada?
Tax-efficient investing strategies may include flow-through structures, limited partnerships, and income-focused funds designed to reduce taxable income while generating returns.
What is risk tolerance in investing?
Risk tolerance is how much financial loss you can handle without harming your lifestyle. Testing it before investing prevents emotional decisions.
Is private market investing safer than public markets?
Not necessarily safer. It is structured differently. Public markets offer liquidity. Private markets often focus on long-term income and stability.
