Friday, April 29, 2011

Business Exit Strategy - Three Reasons Why You Need One

Knowing when you want to sell your business, and how you want to do it, can help you to ultimately achieve its maximum value.

Even if you're not planning to sell your business right now, it's important to understand how to value your company, and take the necessary steps that will make it worth more to potential buyers.

This is where your business strategy comes in.

What is it?

Your exit strategy is your unique plan of how and when you will leave your business. When you'll sell your company. Who you'll sell it to. And whether or not you'll still be a part of the business as it moves forward.

Why you should always have an exit strategy

Whether its a detailed plan or a summary overview it is a good idea to have an strategy for exiting your business.

Why? For three key reasons.

Firstly, it gives you a road map. How are you going to get there if you don't know where 'there' is? It doesn't need to be too detailed but a rough idea can be very helpful so you can head in the right direction.

Secondly, your exit strategy can be a very powerful motivator to keep going. The daily problems of running a small business are put in to perspective when there is an end goal in sight. For me this is a key one because, as the head of your business, your team will look to you to lead them, having this motivating factor can help you inspire the people that are around you.

And the third reason? Money. An exit strategy will make sure you get the best possible price for your company. Being aware of the prospect of selling your business allows you to focus on the activity that will achieve the greatest value at the point you intend to sell.

Adapting your exit strategy

Of course, like all best-laid plans, you may not exit from your business exactly as you thought you would.

You can always review and change your exit strategy, taking advantage of new opportunities when they come along. Continuous planning will give you something to work towards, exiting your business how and when the time is right for you.

For tips and further information about planning a business exit strategy, head to my blog, where you'll find practical advice on this and every aspect of selling your business.


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