Exit Strategies

How many times have you heard business people say “my business is my pension”?

Unfortunately, too frequently, and unfortunately too many find that their pension isn’t worth what they believe it to be.

Let me explain. Many small businesses are built around the business owner. In fact, one of my favourite definitions of a business is “if you were taken out of your business, would it continue to function at the same level. If the answer is ‘YES’, you have a successful business. If it is ‘NO’ you have a job”.

Recently one of my clients had an opportunity to take over a competitor’s business as the owner was retiring. He had valued the business at £500k (a multiplier of about 7 times profits). With my help, my client analysed the business and came to the conclusion the business was worth £500k with the owner in place, but as he was also the only salesman, and had all the relationships with contacts, it was probably worth less than £200k without him in the business. Needless to say, the deal did not proceed and 12 months later the owner is still working!

So what can you do to realise the full value of your business? Well, apart from appoint a business coach to work with you, there are several things you need to consider.

Firstly, you need to plan your Exit Strategy as far in advance as you can – ideally some 5 years before the date. The strategy should include

• Reduce your drawings – your accountant may advise you to take profits out as dividends as it is tax efficient, but consider the value of the business as a multiple of profits. The higher the profits, the greater the effect of the multiplier.
• Make sure you have done your succession planning. You cannot afford to be the kingpin of the organisation, and if as in the above example, you do all the selling, marketing or design work, look to employ people to take over those roles or find alternative ways (e.g. outsourcing, appointing resellers, implementing e-commerce etc) of getting around the reliance on your expertise.
• Make sure your books are in order. A potential investor in your business will want to undertake a “Due Diligence” process. This is where the accounts, processes, orders, work in progress, salaries, HR processes etc for a number of financial years are inspected in great detail to ensure the business is being truly represented.
• Ensure your website is up-to-date, well designed and accurate. There is nothing worse on a website than a proud announcement of a new product which will be launched in 2007! For many potential investors this is their first view of your organisation.
• Ideally, make sure your product or service has a good future and is in a growing not declining market. Ensure you can adequately expound your Unique Selling Points (USPs)
• Ensure the company procedures are well documented.
• Plan your exit strategy - take advice in good time from your Lawyer, Accountant and Bank Manager – and your business coach if you have one - it may save a lot of pain later!
• Ensure you know all the relevant figures – if like myself you are an avid fan of Dragons Den, you may have cringed at some “entrepreneurs” knowledge of their business plan!
• Consider how you are going to sell the company. Management Buy Outs (MBOs) where you sell to the employees and Management Buy Ins (MBIs) can be funded by Business Angels, Venture Capitalists and Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and possibly by banks, although in the current market these may not be so readily available. The Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme (SFLGS) is another potential route for funding should the buyer have no capital or collateral to back a loan. There are many Business Brokers willing to help you to sell your business (for a fee).

With careful planning, realistic expectations and a following wind, you should have a long and happy retirement on the proceeds of a lifetime’s devotion to your business.


Exit Strategies - To learn more about this author, visit Cyril Dunworth's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

E-Mail | Print | More

Related Articles
The End Starts at the Beginning
	Every entrepreneur must begin planning their exit strategy at the beginning. The months spent on writing a business plan must include a plan for the end of the business as well as the start.
Ready, Aim, EXIT! Why Exiting Planning NOW Will Benefit Your NOW
	Exit planning is an integral part of a successful, comprehensive business plan. But most business owners are so busy growing their business that the last thing they stop to consider is their Exit Strategy. If you re...
Exiting Your Company Gracefully
	Since you own a business or plan on having one in the near future, you have an exit strategy, right? Your answer is probably “No”, which is typical for many people in their first venture of working for themselves. ...
What is Your Exit Strategy?
	The day will come when you need to sell… What is your business exit strategy?
“Succession Planning For Your Business – Better Now Than Later!”
	Do you, as a business owner, have a succession plan or exit strategy for your business? Do you, as an employee, know if a succession plan or exit strategy exists in your company or organization? This subject is on...

---

Related Forum Posts
	SES Toronto Next Week
	Re: Should Evan add a "Social Media Marketing" category to the f
	Different Hats
	Successful Strategies for the Self-Employed Woman
	Re: Top Banner Help
	Re: Should Evan add a "Social Media Marketing" category to the f
	Re: Should Evan add a "Social Media Marketing" category to the f
	Re: Top Banner Help

---

Related Businesses - Evan Elite Authors

Anne Barr Anne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website

George Ludwig George Ludwig is a recognized authority on sales strategy and peak performance psychology. An international speaker, trainer, and corporate consultant, he helps clients like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, CIGNA, and numerous others improve sales force effectiveness and performance. Though it's George's strategies and processes that help corporations increase productivity and performance, it's his tremendous energy and dynamism that spark the transformation. Again and again, clients remark on his amazing ability to unleash human capacity and inspire men and women to break out of their comfort zones. The result is a whole new type of salesperson. His customized presentations teach achievers to make stunning advances in their lives. From helping salespeople realize cherished dreams to helping corporations exponentially accelerate revenue streams, George Ludwig leaves audiences and individuals empowered, emboldened, and clamoring for more. George is the best-selling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business. - Visit George Ludwig's Website

The Evan Elite Authors program is currently in beta phase. For details please contact us.