Tag Archives: small business

Exit Planning: Controlling Your Choices

Many owners are reluctant to plan for their departure from the business. In some cases it’s because they are too comfortable with ambiguity (see my previous post.) For others it is because they fear losing control. They believe that setting a … Continue reading

Posted in Building Value, Entrepreneurship, Exit Options, Exit Planning, Exit Strategies, Life After | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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Ambiguity Kills Value

Ambiguity kills value. That was a key point in a white paper from Orange Kiwi that I read over the holidays. Taken from the PhD thesis of Dr. Allie Taylor, the paper describes the psychological profile of  entrepreneurs, and their historical … Continue reading

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Four Basics of Exit Planning 4: Professional Team

Your professional team is the fourth component of exit planning preparation. We’ve already discussed valuation, distance to goal and classes of buyers. Taken together, these basics aren’t enough by themselves to execute an exit plan, but understanding the first three … Continue reading

Posted in Exit Options, Exit Planning, Exit Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

One Response to Four Basics of Exit Planning 4: Professional Team

  1. Jim Wisdom says:

    John, thanks for this excellent Blog Post. It’s a reminder to business owners that selling a business is much more complex (and generally takes a lot more time if done properly) than selling a house. As an Exit Planning Advisor, I appreciate you providing this information.

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Four Basics of Exit Planning 3: Know Your Buyer

Know your buyer? Your initial reaction to this title may be “How can I know my buyer? I haven’t even decided to sell yet!” Nonetheless, understanding the type of buyer that your company will attract is vital. More importantly, gaining that understanding … Continue reading

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One Response to Four Basics of Exit Planning 3: Know Your Buyer

  1. Edenfantasys says:

    That’s because, by knowing what professional buyers want, you can begin today to plan and shape your company for its eventual sale. Even if you are not going to sell your business for decades, you need to begin planning for that event now. Otherwise when it comes time to sell, you will discover all of the things you should have been doing over the years to build value and make your business buyer ready.

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Four Basics of Exit Planning 2: Distance to Goal

Once you understand your company’s value, the next step in planning is to calculate your Distance to Goal. As the Cheshire Cat said, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” “Any road” is … Continue reading

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