For most business owners, growth is good. But there are situations where growth can position the business to fail and business owners to burn out. Let’s look at a fictional but representative example of when growth can get out of control and why it’s so important to have a written process for handling your business’ growth. Facts and Feelings […]
External events, like supply shortages and inflation, make running a successful business even more challenging. In today’s inflation market, business owners can be forced to make decisions they’re uncomfortable with, especially in terms of raising prices. It’s not uncommon for business owners to feel guilty or fearful that raising prices may do harm to their business. But sometimes, difficult decisions can become […]
As a business owner, your employees put added stock into the things you say, how you say them, and when you say them. This is why it’s extremely important to avoid making empty promises based on good intentions. Let’s look at some ways that you can position yourself to minimize communication risks within your business. Write Everything […]
When business owners think about valuation, they often focus on revenue growth, EBITDA, and market multiples. Those factors matter, but in real M&A processes, deals are frequently repriced or delayed because of hidden risks that surface during diligence. These issues are rarely deal‑killers on their own, but they quietly erode buyer confidence and negotiating leverage for the […]
Co-owned businesses come with numerous complexities. One of the biggest challenges for co-owners is determining how to approach the exit of another co-owner, especially when that co-owner cannot or will not exit gracefully. Let’s look at a fictional but representative story about how one co-owned business successfully managed to tie up loose ends before one owner was forced to […]
As a new year begins, many business owners find themselves asking a familiar question: Is this the year to sell? In 2026, that question is especially relevant. Market conditions remain dynamic, buyer expectations continue to evolve, and many owners are reassessing their personal and financial goals after several years of economic uncertainty. Rather than looking for a […]
Is it possible for a $5 million business to be more valuable than a $15 million business? Let’s look at a fictional but representative story to show how a larger valuation doesn’t always mean that the company is in the right position for you to exit successfully. Business Exit Paper Tigers Harriet and Jake were […]
Most business owners have never exited their businesses before. Just like taking a big trip to a new place requires good planning to truly enjoy it, so too does a successful business exit. While the details will certainly differ based on your unique situation, there is a way to map what a successful business exit looks like for you. Here is […]
When selling a business, the deal structure is just as important as the purchase price. While many owners expect to receive the full value of their business at closing, it’s common for buyers to propose alternative structures, most notably, earnouts and seller financing. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to evaluating offers and protecting your long-term […]
When planning for your eventual business exit, achieving financial security is the most important goal. But what happens when the emotional side of planning an exit—namely, ensuring your legacy—conflicts with that most important goal? Let’s look at a fictional but representative story of how one business owner threaded the needle between logic and legacy for planning […]
