06Nov 2023
As the saying goes, change is the only constant, and in the realm of small business ownership, the waves of change are cresting with the looming transition of the Baby Boomer generation. A recent survey paints a stark picture: nearly half of all business owners gearing up to sell are Baby Boomers stepping into retirement. Yet, as they approach this pivotal shift, a surprising number find themselves at a critical disadvantage due to a lack of preparation.
The data indicates that a staggering 38% of business owners fall into the Baby Boomer category, with many being cornered into selling due to health or financial pressures. Stephen Gould of Golden Moon Distillery eloquently captures the sentiment felt by many: the squeeze of increasing interest rates, particularly on SBA loans, is prompting a rush to find equity investors or sell outright.
But the rush should not lead to recklessness. Profitable businesses with robust financials stand out in the marketplace, often finding a buyer’s market ready and waiting. The issue arises, however, when owners are unprepared. About 27% of owners intending to sell do not have their financials in order or a transition plan in place. This lack of preparation can result in hasty sales at significantly reduced prices, diminishing the full value of what they’ve spent years building.
The solution? Begin the planning process now. It’s imperative for Baby Boomer business owners to recognize that preparation is not an overnight task. Transition plans for a business involve a comprehensive strategy that includes financial auditing, market valuation, and often, grooming a successor or finding the right buyer.
To navigate these waters successfully, business owners should:
1. Understand the Value of Preparation: Just like a well-orchestrated exit from a high-level position, selling a business requires strategy. Owners must put their business’s best foot forward, which means having financials meticulously documented and analyzed.
2. Seek Expert Advice: Financial advisors, brokers, and transition experts can provide invaluable insights and help to mitigate the effects of external factors like interest rates.
3. Develop a Comprehensive Exit Plan: An exit strategy should not just focus on the immediate sale but also consider the legacy of the business and its continuity post-transition.
4. Consider the Timing: While personal circumstances will often dictate the timing of a sale, market conditions can significantly influence the success of a business transaction. A prepared seller can choose the optimal time to enter the market.
5. Prepare for Emotional Impact: Selling a business isn’t just a financial transaction; it’s a life transition. It can be laden with emotional complexities that need to be acknowledged and managed.
For Baby Boomers at the helm of their ventures, the message is clear: the future favors the prepared. As they edge towards retirement, the task is not to merely ride out the wave but to chart a course that ensures their business legacy thrives even as they step away. Now is the time for these seasoned entrepreneurs to invest in their future by securing the legacy of their past efforts. By doing so, they can turn what seems like an encroaching tide into an opportunity for growth and a well-deserved retirement.
