Insights

Notes on readiness, succession and preparation

Occasional writing for owners thinking about the future of their business. Practical rather than promotional, and published only when there is something worth saying.

Preparation
About 6 minutes
How early should an owner prepare for exit?
Most of what makes a business straightforward to sell accumulates over years, not months. What can be changed quickly, what cannot, and when to assess honestly.
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In preparation

Dependency
What makes a business less dependent on its owner?
Owner dependency is the issue most likely to affect a future transaction, and the slowest to change. What it looks like in practice, and what actually reduces it.
Definitions
Exit readiness and business valuation are not the same thing
A valuation answers what a business might be worth. Readiness answers whether it can be transferred at all. The two are related, and are regularly confused.
Process
When should a broker become involved?
Brokers do a specific job, and do it best when the business is ready for them. A note on sequence, and on what is worth settling beforehand.

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Notes on readiness, succession and preparation

How early should an owner prepare for exit?

In preparation

What makes a business less dependent on its owner?

Exit readiness and business valuation are not the same thing

When should a broker become involved?

If a question here applies to your business

Notes on readiness, succession and preparation

How early should an owner prepare for exit?

In preparation

What makes a business less dependent on its owner?

Exit readiness and business valuation are not the same thing

When should a broker become involved?

If a question here applies to your business