Steps to Business Exit Planning

  1. Demonstrate the Value in your business for your target Buyer

    1. Ref. the Zürich Industries llc article on “How Do You Prepare to Sell a Business”
      1. Full Disclosure on EVERYTHING!
      2. Demonstrate:
        1. Standard Operating Procedures
        2. Strong financial statements and ratio analysis that supports the Company’s strategic business plan
        3. Effective management team
        4. Product differentiation
        5. Enhanced Brand recognition
        6. Gains in Market share
        7. Differentiated / superior technologies
      3. Define the firm’s discrete and unique Value Proposition
        1. Describe in detail your:
          1. Your products – and the problems / services / impact that they have on your Customers
          2. Customers
          3. Competitor’s product(s) / product offering(s)
          4. Market

  2. Keep the business operating!

    1. YOU keep the business operating … and hire a Deal Professional (Zürich Industries llc) to lead the sale process and insulate the current operations of the business

  3. Plan – Plan – Plan for Tomorrow!

    1. Plans: Retire? … Start a new business? … Partner in a new venture? … Teach?

  4. Build Momentum! … by increasing your Marketing of your Products & Services

    1. Maximize your On Line presence
      1. Insure that your Web site is:
        1. consistent with your Brand (Maintain a Consistent Voice!)
        2. very easy to navigate and display information
        3. has a reference & sign-up for your Blog
        4. builds a presence on reference sites: e.g., Yelp and Angie’s List
    2. Depending on your industry … targeted mailings [with coupons] may be appropriate
    3. On social media … start a conversation about the Value of your Business (e.g., Facebook, Instagram and/or LinkedIn
      1. Discuss yourself and your business
      2. Talk about your customers and your market
      3. Share articles of interest to you … and invite commentary from social media followers
    4. On the internet … consider utilizing paid advertising (e.g., Facebook and LinkedIn)
    5. Enhance your Brand Identity by displaying a keen awareness of your industry landscape

  5. Start to develop an Exit Strategy

    1. Ref., Zürich Industries llc article on “How Do You Prepare to Sell Your Business”

  6. Know your Walk-Away price!

    1. Before you try to sell your business … study the current market for M&A in your industry - Timing is everything!!