FPA Owner Transitions

If it is so simple, why do so few business owners do it? Instead, they value their businesses by hearsay, miss their lifestyle needs by a substantial margin, and think “I’ll be fine.” In fact, fewer than one in five owners has even documented a plan for their transition. Let’s look at an example of… Continue reading Testing the Value Gap

The Value Gap is the difference between what a business owner would realize if he or she sold their company today, and what they need to embark on a financially secure “next act” after business ownership. Both amounts can be determined with some accuracy by professionals. A qualified business appraiser can analyze a company, its… Continue reading Addressing the Value Gap – Living Expenses

An owner-centric business can make it more difficult to sell and can even reduce its value. If a potential external or internal buyer can’t fill your shoes, then they must either hire talent to replace your lost skillset, or keep you on for an extended period of time to help with the transition.  Adding headcount… Continue reading Too much dependence = less value

If this sounds like a worthwhile exercise, the first step is to identify the aspects of your business that are dependent on you. Then start small and pick one area to tackle first. Can it be delegated? Can it be systematized? Outsourced? Maybe some additional training is needed. Maybe someone with experience in that area… Continue reading Taking the First Step

By definition, a small business depends on its owner. Especially if you are its original founder. After all, the business would never have existed without the leap of faith you took to start it in the first place. It wouldn’t have survived it’s early years without the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifices, financial and otherwise,… Continue reading Is Your Business Too Dependent On You?