For Business Owners Only - You Can?t Be Fired But Neither Can You Quit

The decision to sell, or not to sell your business is a difficult one. There are many questions that need to be answered before an informed decision can be made. Is selling your best alternative? Will one of the kids want to take over the business? Timing is everything. Is now the right time? You do not have to sell or decide right now. You are quite busy so maybe you will look into it after. . .

Facing the issue of succession or continuation of one's business is very much akin to addressing the need for life insurance. Neither subject is addressed with much enthusiasm by the average person. The prudent address the inevitable and prepare. Although only one eventuality exists for us as individuals, three exist for our business: Transfer to family, sell to outsider, or close down.

As with the purchase of life insurance, the decision to sell or plan a viable business' succession can be continually postponed. Unfortunately, when a business must be sold it usually is too late. Few people are willing to buy a business that has to be sold. Of the hundreds of business transfers we have facilitated, less than a handful could be classified as sales for "desperate sellers."

How have other business owners addressed the continuation of their business? Actually very little is known or documented regarding the succession of private and family businesses. The information available usually pertains to very large companies. Data regarding smaller business transfers and succession is generally not available.

What are business owners' expectations regarding succession or the continuation of their businesses?

Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Company sponsored a telephone survey of 614 owners of family businesses grossing two million or more in annual revenues. The survey, conducted by the Gallop Organization and designed by Mathew Greenwald & Associates was completed in September 1994. Although the majority of private companies are considerably smaller than the sample (the companies had an average of 50 employees) the opinions of those surveyed should be representative of most business owners.

Questions related to succession expectations revealed: 65% plan to pass the business on to family members or other relatives, 24% do not plan to pass to family members, and 11% are undecided. Only 7% plan to sell or liquidate and 1% plan to pass the business to someone outside the family. Seventy-five percent do not have a written succession plan. MassMutual reports that their survey is the largest of its kind ever undertaken and, since the report's release it has been hailed as "the most comprehensive piece of information on family business ever produced." What really happens?

Franchisors are perhaps the best source of information on many issues relating to small business operations as they are intimately and contractually involved in the franchisees' affairs. The franchisor is therefore an excellent source of information on what happens when a franchisee decides to "move on." Do their franchisees go in and out of business happily?

Data compiled by Quick Printing (a magazine for commercial print shops and copy shops) may provide insight as to what is actually occurring, not only with franchised print shops, but also private and family businesses in general.

More than 5,000 print shops were represented in the survey. Of that number 302 closed their doors and 93 sold. Three businesses closed for every one that sold! Of the 395 franchisees that "moved on" (eight percent of the total) 76.5% went out of business whereas only 23.5% transferred to someone else.

John H. Brown, author of "How to Run Your Business so you can Leave it in Style" illustrates the conflict between business owners' expectations for the continuation of their businesses, and the reality of what actually happens.

Expectations Vs Reality

Expectations Reality

Transferred to family 50% 15%

Sold to employees 30% 5%

Sold to outsiders 10% 10%

Sold to competitors 10% 10%

100% 40%

From an address to the International Business Brokers Association

The above data substantiates that reality is in direct opposition to the expectations of the MassMutual survey participants. Although the overwhelming majority of business owners wish for their businesses to continue, most businesses will simply close down.

Small business is continually credited with providing most new jobs, more than half of our gross domestic product, and perhaps 65% of all wages. Small business is the backbone of the US economy. A mortality rate of 75% among this most important group is a national tragedy. Why Don't Businesses Business Owners Sell?

The largest single reason that most businesses are not sold or transferred seems to be that the owners never made the decision to do so. If you do not make the decision to sell or select a successor, outside forces will eventually combine to determine the ultimate fate of your business. In defense of those who have not been able to come to a decision regarding business succession, we offer the following:

1. Business owners know they are missing important information in connection with selling.

2. To take action without a full understanding of "the rules of the road" would be foolhardy.

Most Businesses can be Sold

Our experience, gained in assisting more than 2,000 business owners with succession decisions and business transfers, indicates that essentially every business can be sold if:

1. Ownership fully understands the unique environment in which businesses are sold, and therefore avoids the costly mistakes of employing traditional sales methods to sell their business.

2. Ownership recognizes the natural cycle of business ownership (a time to grow and a time to go) and makes a timely decision and preparations to sell.

3. Those involved in the decision understand that the motivations to sell are personal and not purely financial.

4. The company is properly prepared for sale before marketing efforts begin.

5. The "right buyer" and the optimum price are identified before going to market.

A timely decision to sell, coupled with proper preparation and a comprehensive understanding of the unique rules and selling environment, is required for a business to transfer successfully. Obtain Necessary Information "I am considering the sale of my business" is the initial phrase we hear most often from business owners. Very few will tell us they have decided to sell. This is understandable as information is required before an informed decision can be made. Those that do proclaim to have decided to sell, generally have waited too long, and have nothing left to sell. Life insurance agents are not enthusiastic when someone calls out of the blue to buy life insurance. Ninety-nine times in one hundred that person has just left his doctor's office with the bad news. You cannot buy insurance on a burning building. You cannot sell a business for an optimum price when you are compelled to sell. You can, of course, always liquidate or give the enterprise away. Is that what you would choose to do? Information Needed The following are the questions most commonly asked when selling is considered:

? What is my business really worth?

? How can I find the right buyer and still maintain confidentiality?

? Are there steps I can take to increase my company's value?

? How long does it take to sell a business?

? Are there buyers out there with the money I want?

? Will I have to finance part of the sale? If so, how much?

? If I do, how can I be assured that I receive my money?

? What will I do after I sell?

? How much money would I have after the sale?

? What is an ESOP? Is it something I should consider?

? What would I do if I could not get my price?

? Perhaps a big company would buy my business. Would I have to stay on for long? Would they keep my employees?

? What expenses are involved in selling?

? What kind of investigation will a buyer want to perform?

We have developed a "Sell Your Business Tool Kit" that may be found at www.howtosellasmallbusiness.com to help business owners address these and other questions as they consider the possibility of selling their business. What is important to remember is that the timely decision "to do something" with your business is the single most important factor impacting your ability to cash in on your investment in your business. You cannot wait until you are compelled to sell. Waiting for an offer you cannot refuse to come out of the blue usually happens only on TV.

Common Reasons for Sale

The reasons most often given for wanting to move on revolve around "life-style" issues such as:

Retirement

Health considerations

Relief from the "burden of ownership"

Boredom with the business

No time for the rest of my life

Burned out, tired, need a rest

Business demanding what I can't or don't want to provide

It's not enjoyable anymore.

The one constant of life and business is that things will change. There is no such thing in business as status quo-it's either up or down, grow or go-no status quo. It is best to consider selling when business is on the upswing rather than the down.

Decide, Choose, Act

If you are considering doing something, you have to approach the decision in the appropriate manner. It does not matter what the decision. The decision must be approached in the right sequence. Ready, Aim, Fire. Not Fire, Ready, Aim. In our instance the sequence must be Decide, Choose, Act. When it comes to deciding what to do about your life and your business the most important thing you can do is to resolve to do something. Reading this article is perhaps an excellent first step. Congratulations. Organize your questions. Get the answers. Weigh your options. Choose the alternative that suits you and your situation best, then act. The quiz found on the next page is for business owners only. It may help you decide if preparing your business for sale is a timely thing for you to do.

Take the "One Minute Quiz for Business Owners Only" found on the next page

A One Minute Quiz For Business Owners Only

Circle your answers to the following questions, then turn the page to see how you scored.

1. Is your business less enjoyable now than before? Y N

2. Does your business challenge and excite you less than before? Y N

3. Do you think of selling your business more often now than

you did before? Y N

4. Do you find yourself complaining more lately? Y N

5. Has the business come between you and your loved ones? Y N

6. Has your business begun to level off or decline? Y N

7. Are you concerned you no longer have the stamina your

business requires? Y N

8. Do you ask yourself "What would I do if I sold?" Y N

9. Do you often wonder "What is my business worth?" Y N

10. Would you be hesitant to personally guarantee a sizable

loan in order to grow your business? Y N

The question: Is now the time to sell my business? To determine your answer, count your yes answers. 0-3 Yes Congratulations! You are happy and probably quite prosperous in your business. Keep it up. 4-6 Yes Pay attention to your "early warning signals"! It's best not to make the mistake of staying too long! Sell while you are still having fun. Best to start the preparation process early. The actual sale of a business can take a long time. 7-10 Yes Do not let time spoil the fruits of your labor. Most great men and women in history have had more than one career. Time for you to decide that you want a change. Choose what you want to do next, and then act.

(If you are considering the sale of your business you should check out the "Sell Your Business Tool Kit" designed especially for business owners who are considering the sale of their business. Go to www.bizbooksoftware.com to check it out.)

About the author Mr. Burbank is President of Lighthouse Financial, LLC and Parker-Nelson Publishing. Since 1979 he and his associates have participated in more than 2,000 business transfers. He is the author of "In & Out of Business . . . Happily" - "Buying a Business Made Easier" - "VALUware 6.0" Business Valuation Software - "DealMaker 4.0" Business Acquisition Software - "DealMaker docs" Transaction Documentation Software all published by Parker-Nelson Publishing. In addition he is a contributing author to "Merger and Acquisition Handbook for Small and Mid-Size Businesses" and "Business Valuation Handbook for Small and Mid-Size Companies" both published by John Wiley and Sons. http://www.bizbooksoftware.com

rental limo Atlanta .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

A Texas company is developing a hypersonic jet, Stargazer, that could fly from New York City to London in under an hour, redefining boundaries of aviation.
Porch pirates are on the prowl this holiday season. Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson has a number of tips to prevent holiday package thefts.
Fueled by artificial intelligence, CyberDog the robotic dog is designed specifically locate fire ant nests, which are endangering ecosystems.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.
Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.
Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.
Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.
China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries
Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.
The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.
ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.
Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.
The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.
You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.

Will and Vision

Remember Chux? The disposable diaper that took the market by... Read More

Five Crucial Components of a Business Plan

The format of a Business Plan is something that has... Read More

Is Plan B Ready?

Business owners and entrepreneurs are, by nature, risk takers and... Read More

Business Disaster? Wont Happen to Me

As fast as you can say business disaster, your business... Read More

Hunters and Gatherers - Are You Serving Both Their Needs?

The University of Exeter in the United Kingdom recently published... Read More

I Always Play by the Rules and It Stinks!

This week I coached a wonderfully lovely woman I'll call... Read More

Do You Really Need a Business Plan?

"I don't need a business plan."Neither did Alice in Wonderland."Would... Read More

Shortening Product Life Cycle!

The current state of the available technology at the disposal... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Implementation: Placement/Recruiting Agency example ? overview for consultant

Microsoft Great Plains does wonderful ERP job for horizontal markets... Read More

The Power of Strategic Thinking: Creating Meaningful Success

Too much goal setting and strategic planning can leave you... Read More

How To Kick Start Your Business And Double Your Profits

This will make some people angry as hell, but it's... Read More

Invalid Excuses for Poor Business Results - Rising costs

Note to Northwest Airlines ? It's not about fuel costsFor... Read More

Expanding your business in a franchise system

If you are a successful franchise of a large franchise... Read More

Attributes of Companies You Dont Want to Buy!

There are no "rules of thumb" in the pursuit of... Read More

19 Questions to Supercharge Your Business Plan

Whether you are seeking capital for your company or are... Read More

Leverage - A Small Step For You /A Big Change For Your Career

Cassy was an employee of a nonprofit who had been... Read More

Under Construction During the Storm ? A Hurricane Guide for Businesses that are Under Construction

As a business owner, you've likely created a hurricane plan... Read More

Is Your Company Growing Fast Enough for You?

Are you frustrated by the lack of growth in your... Read More

Documenting the Exit Strategy in Your Business Plan

All investors greatly desire and are motivated by a clear... Read More

How Good Is a Business Plan To Your Business?

You know you need a business plan. You probably realize... Read More

If You Dont Focus, Innovate and Evolve, You Die

After 128 years of business, a household word, Montgomery Wards,... Read More

SWOT Analysis Is No Magic 8 Ball

Q: A key investor in my business has suggested that... Read More

Legal Strategies in Business Plans

Writing a Business Plan these days is tough, venture capitalists... Read More

Completing the Annual Planning Process

Imagine an office without a desk, or lights, a computer,... Read More

Don?t Just Talk About the Weather, Use It to Advantage

A well known, national chain of restaurants discovered that certain... Read More

Bedford Park taxi to Midway ..