While your goal might be to attract the most qualified buyer that will pay the asking price and lead the company on a path of continued success, it is what you expect of your life post-sale that should constitute how you execute the deal.
Done right, a business succession or sale requires the ability to ask the right questions, let alone have the right answers. And there is no shortage of good questions to ask of yourself, your company, your family, and of course, the potential buyer.
Fortunately, a recent article in The Business Journals titled “Key questions to ask when planning to sell your business” will give you a head start on the questions, but you must supply the answers.
While you can tailor the questions to fit your unique circumstances, here are the four questions the author of the article thinks you need to ponder:
1. Is seller financing feasible in accomplishing my future endeavors?
2. How involved do I really plan on being post-sale?
3. How should I mitigate the emotional connection to my business and my employees?
4. Should I sign that non-compete?
Obviously, these four questions are not all-inclusive. However, they are a good start.
In the end, the most prudent course of action may be to gather counsel from all of those who have a stake in what may be one of the most significant life event they and you may ever face. Consider soliciting the input of your loved ones, your leadership team, and your employees. Then, once you have determined the best outcome for all concerned, meet with your professional advisors to help you get there.
For additional information about small business planning in Houston, please visit my website.
Reference: The Business Journals (December 2, 2013) “Key questions to ask when planning to sell your business”