Why Do Owners Need to Plan an Exit Strategy?
Did you know that nearly sixty percent of business owners have no exit strategy in place?
Akin to a ship sailing in the ocean without a destination, these businesses face an uncertain future. They will probably experience unnecessary stress and face financial risk.
Since it is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day aspects of business management, it makes sense why so many business owners let a well-thought-out exit strategy slip by the wayside.
Planning an exit strategy is not only essential for navigating your business’ future, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining its value, protecting your legacy, and ensuring financial security.
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
The Benefits of Having an Exit Strategy
There are many great reasons why you should develop an exit strategy. Here is everything that you need to know.
A Blueprint for Success
An exit strategy functions as a roadmap to guide your business toward its intended destination. This is much like how architects first draw blueprints before building houses.
Successful entrepreneurs design an exit plan before they even begin to build a business. This plan cultivates a brand strategy. This strategy will factor in the end goal and drive a business towards that vision.
Just as a game of chess is more effective with a plan, so too is business ownership. By visualizing and planning your endgame early, you can align your current activities with your ultimate objectives.
This way, your every move contributes to your final goal of a successful exit.
Informs Strategic Decision Making
Having a clear exit strategy informs your strategic decision-making process. Maybe you intend to sell a business to the highest bidder. It could also be the case that you want to pass it on to a family member.
Regardless of what your intentions are, the type of exit you foresee will significantly impact the choices you make throughout your business’ lifecycle.
For instance, if your exit plan involves selling your business to a larger corporation, you might focus on building up assets and client lists. These are resources that would be attractive to potential buyers.
On the other hand, if your goal is to pass the business to a family member, you might invest more in training and mentorship.
Enhances the Value of a Business
An exit strategy is not just about planning for the end. It also boosts your business value in the present.
By demonstrating to investors, stakeholders, and potential buyers that you have a plan in place, you underscore your forward-thinking leadership and the business’s overall stability.
Such foresight can increase investor confidence and potentially enhance your business’s market value. Moreover, a clear exit plan makes your business more attractive to potential buyers.
These individuals will appreciate the reduced risk and uncertainty.
Provides a Flexible Template
An exit strategy gives a clear direction. But understand that it is not set in stone. It’s a flexible template that you can adjust as your business grows and the market changes.
By revisiting and revising your strategy over time, you ensure that it remains relevant and keeps pace with your evolving business landscape.
Why You Should Have Two Exit Strategies
Most business owners have never considered creating two exit strategies. They only think about the best-case scenario when it comes to stepping down.
Here are the two different types of exit strategies that you should develop.
Voluntary Exit Strategy
A voluntary exit strategy is the ideal scenario where the business owner chooses when and how to step down. This could be through selling the business, transferring ownership, or even taking the company public.
In these situations, the owner has control over the process and the luxury of time to ensure a successful transition. This kind of strategy is typically what most business owners envision when they think of their “exit.”
Involuntary Exit Strategy
Unfortunately, not all exits are planned. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can force an owner to leave their business.
Illness, family emergencies, financial challenges, or market shifts can result in an unplanned exit.
This is where an involuntary exit strategy comes into play. It ensures that if the unexpected happens, there is a plan to protect the business, its employees, and the owner’s investment.
Cultivating both a voluntary and involuntary exit strategy is a sign of a responsible business owner.
This comprehensive planning prepares a business for both anticipated and unforeseen changes.
For example, if you need to suddenly hand the reigns to a new owner, you’ll need to have a plan in place for teaching this new leader what business ownership entails.
What an Exit Strategy Should Involve
An exit strategy involves a carefully structured exit plan that outlines the process of transitioning out of a business. This plan defines how, when, and to whom the business will be sold or transferred.
It includes details such as potential buyers, valuation methods, and key milestones leading to the transition. The balance sheet is an essential financial document showing a company’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
It plays a vital role in the exit plan. It helps establish the business’s value, which is fundamental in negotiations and ensuring a profitable exit. Therefore, a well-crafted exit strategy is a key tool in business planning.
Why You Need an Exit Strategy
There are many great reasons why you should develop an exit strategy for your business.
Not only is developing an exit strategy a great aid for those who want to enhance the value of their businesses. It can also inform the decision-making process.
Lastly, remember how important it is to develop an involuntary exit strategy along with a voluntary exit strategy.
Do you need help selling your business? If so, Fusion can help you. We are experienced business brokers who you can trust. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!
