Listen to this audio recording of the Roundtable Discussion On Business Transition live and online April 18, 2018. With Eric Gilboord, CEO of WarrenBDC and Elisabeth Colson, Commercial Lawyer with Devry Smith Frank LLP
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I didn't start out to become a family therapist. It just happened. If you're the Owner of a family business perhaps you can relate to this week's message.
Working with family business owners is fun, challenging and very rewarding for me. Their business and personal lives are intertwined. More interesting is when you add in partners (and their families) who also own and run the company. Another layer of complication. Blood family or work family they typically interact very much the same. They are family and that means holidays and special occasions together, personal conversations and typically some fighting. Sometimes resolved and sometimes not. If they are fortunate, respectful of each other and work hard at it the experience can be quite wonderful. If not it can get messy. As with any family dynamic everyone has their role and typically home actions are seldom different from work actions. To keep the peace, you've learned to accept and deal with their peculiarities, their specific needs and the lack of change - no matter how hard you try to accommodate them. People don't change and hoping they will is a common theme in family businesses. Sometimes it only affects the family. Often the behaviour can reach into the success of the company and have a very real negative impact on non family/owner staff. At some point you will determine that it's time to deal with the idea of transition. This is where I come in. If you think what I've written so far is even close to the truth wait until you start the transition process. The opportunity for challenges multiplies exponentially. Issues and ideas that have been tabled in the past, now need to be dealt with. Ambitions come out and the jockeying for position heightens. Family therapy is only one part of the process, but it can be as key to your success as cash flow, sales & marketing, human resources and production. You will be riding two sides of the same sword, family and business. You may think you have the family side handled until the serious conversation starts about the business. Who will run what, who gets what and about a thousand other things you never thought you would be dealing with. This is why I take on the role of a 'family therapist' as well as a Transition Advisor. To address the many family and business issues that can come up we've created the Custom Transition Roadmap. In our process, both sides are covered and one without the other is not advised. Remember it's a 'family business'. If you'd like to know a little more about our Transition Roadmap please click here. Excerpt from my book Moving Forward ' Get the Triple Effect - Sell your business for 3 x more and 3 x faster.' If you don't prepare properly, the fallout will be far worse than you think:
1. Your spouse/family will be left to run or sell the business. Your spouse may be forced to work with your partner. That goes two ways. How would you like to be in the position of working with your partner's wife? Sobering thought isn't it. 2. Company value will drop dramatically because you are not there to run it. In many cases you are the business. Want to find out if that's true? 3. Your employees may end up out of work. 4. Customers are not quite as loyal as you think. 5. Competitors will be circling your customer list within minutes. 6. In case your big plan is to die with your boots on. Good luck. You will likely be leaving a legacy and a mess. They'll definitely be talking about you. Maybe just not in the way you hoped. If you don't want this to happen you have 2 choices: 1. Sell now, knowing it will be significantly harder than you thought, and you will realize far less payment for the business. The terms of the sale may not be exactly what you were hoping for, or even close. You'll have little choice and be forced to be content with the deal however it turns out. 2. Start getting your business ready for a successful sale or transition and have the future you always thought you could have. Become a company desired by Buyers. Sell for the amount you wanted or possibly far more. Sell on your terms. You can't properly do #1 or #2 without a plan and a team to implement it. It's really not much more complicated than that. In many cases what today is a thriving multi-million dollar business started out as just a seed of an idea from the Owner. Carefully and skillfully tended it grew and thrived. Business Owners in transition often seek a Buyer who will tend their garden with the same care. A2E
Business Owners need to ask themselves this one question. The answers will come to them lightning fast. What stupid things am I doing to screw up a potentially successful sale or transition of my business?
Eric Gilboord February 2, 2018 After speaking with several of my readers and clients about their holiday break, I learned that the common theme was using the time to think.
With a nod to Jeff Foxworthy the comic, here is my list. If you're thinking about running out of time, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about who could carry on your legacy, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about staying or going, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about growing your business way bigger, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about what your life will be like after, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about spending more time with family, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about what's going to happen to your staff, vendors and customers, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about how much you don't know about transitioning, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about what a great ride it's been, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about not wanting to stop, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about how to download your decades of experience, expertise and contacts to a successor, you might be ready to start transitioning. If you're thinking about not knowing where to start, you might be ready to call me. Eric 416-270-2466 or email eric@warrenbdc.com. Not quite ready? The world of selling a business is not black or white like some owners think. There are many shades of gray. You owe it to yourself and those close to you, to find out what your options are right now. Listen to my latest podcast now. Download this free PDF copy of MOVING FORWARD. Please enjoy the benefits of 'Getting The Triple Effect'. Cheers, Eric Gilboord 416-270-2466 Recently I was asked what I thought was the most pressing issue facing Family Business Owners today.
The answer is not singular but covers many aspects of their business and personal lives. So I responded that the multitude of questions they are facing are so overwhelming many Owners are simply putting off the inevitable. That is dealing with transition. At best it's a temporary fix. As Owners age and realize time is running out they are going into a panic mode. There are plenty of questions, but not a lot of answers. The information is out there however many Owners don't know who to ask. Questions without answers soon become problems. This past year has been a tumultuous time to say the least. If you're looking for answers and ideally the relief that comes from knowledge that is pertinent to your current situation, let's talk. How about going into the new year with a plan or at the very least some answers. It would be my honour to assist you with this task. Wishing you the best of the holiday season and thank you for being loyal readers. Cheers, Eric Gilboord 416-270-2466 Ask any employee of an established small or medium sized family business what they would do if the owner closed down and then decide on your next step very carefully.
In my experience, owners of smaller businesses typically with $1- $3 million in annual sales generally have 10-20 employees. Theses smaller companies, many of which have been running successfully for 30 years or more, are seriously considering shutting down and each one will be putting 10-20 families at risk. All you will accomplish with the proposed tax plan is to give them no choice and a convenient excuse to do so. What we should be doing as a responsible community, is to find ways to keep their doors open. We need them to grow their companies, hire more people and successfully transition the business to new younger owners. You are running down a dead end road and nobody will benefit. Finally, you have forgotten that you work for us. This is not a dictatorship. The boomer aged owners of established businesses built this country over the past 5 decades. My guess is they will not let you destroy all their hard work. Your pledge during the election was to tax the 1%. Success in small businesses comes from saying what you do and doing what you say. Advocate for family businesses, Eric Gilboord Please share this article. I will consider all serious requests for writing, interviews or speaking engagements to discuss this subject in more detail. NOTE: My subject matter expertise is NOT financial matters. I will speak or write on the impact of this proposed legislation on business owners and employees. Thank you, Eric Gilboord It's not necessarily a bad thing if you're doing what you love. Work the hours you want and make the money that affords you the life you desire.
Lifestyle Business This is commonly considered a lifestyle business. The Owner grows the company only as far as he/she is comfortable managing. Typically, but not aways, lifestyle companies do under $3 million in annual sales. That doesn't mean they couldn't do significantly more, just that the Owner(s) have chosen not to. What Owners Think When it comes to selling, they have an idea of how much more cash can be taken out of the business and what they think it could sell for. Owners think they'll stay around for a little while and that should be all the new Owner needs to transition the company. What Buyers Think To a Buyer this is considered a lifestyle business and a risky investment. The big question they will be asking is this. Can the business survive or thrive without the Owner? The Buyers are thinking, what if the Owner gets hit by a bus or gets sick or just quits? Need To Do What Owners must do is make sure the business runs without them. More To Do What else can an Owner do to evolve beyond the lifestyle stigma? Execute on the ideas placed on the back burner. Look into buying one or more of their competitors. Provide incentives for staff to help with the growth plan. Why Bother Mostly because none of us really know how much is needed to live out our life in real comfort. When you think beyond your immediate requirements, the needs of parents (senior care and medical bills etc.) children and grandchildren enter into the mix. Who knows what our government will do to make things even more difficult. How much is needed to retire? I don't believe anybody really knows and erring on the side of more is not a bad idea. Sell for More For Owners of companies, with annual sales, in the $3 million and under range; which is the bulk of small business, this is what what you might want to consider. As you run things now, you will likely be able to sell for 3-4 x ebitda. While that can be a considerable amount of money to supplement your retirement fund it isn't the whole enchilada. What Both Want Buyers are typically looking for companies with at least $10 million in annual sales. If you can grow your business to over $10 million in annual sales organically or via acquisition and increase the value by improving each of the departments you may be able to sell for possibly 6-7 x an even bigger ebitda. I don't know about you, but that's life changing money to me and my friends. Second Wind So what are you going to do? Sell at the size and operating style you are currently or put some energy into the company and go out on an amazing high. Out of Steam I get calls regularly from Owners who know what needs to be done to go big. They just don't have any steam left or are simply using their steam with caution. At WarrenBDC we can help shape and execute the vision you have while supplementing the team you require to reach your goal. More Choices What you thought were your only choices for selling are actually much more exciting than you had ever imagined. How about a partial sale? Where you can be part of the future, but only doing the things you love to do. If you're up for the challenge, email me at eric@warrenbdc.com to schedule a call and let's talk about going out big. Make every day count, take action now, Eric If you're a business owner today it's not easy. The world is changing crazy fast. Decisions need to be made quicker, the implications can be more impactful and it seems like every day there's another new challenge you know little or not enough about.
So what's an Owner to do? Start by admitting you don't know and follow immediately with identifying someone who can help. If it was your golf swing or getting in shape you'd know where to go. If you wanted travel advice, it's pretty simple. But when it comes to your business, your baby, the passion of your adult life. (Ok one of the passions of your life.) At least some of the decisions coming up are key and will affect you and others long term. So who you consult with is as important as the decisions you make. Most Owners will do the knee jerk move and call their Accountant or Lawyer. But is this an appropriate time for their services? Are these questions outside their areas of expertise? A business coach is a great choice. A coach or coaches could be helpful by providing insights, specific expertise, connections, objectivity, emotional support, cheerleading and a laundry list of other things. But what kind of expertise do you require? Depending on where you are in the life cycle of your company will impact who should help you. Is it a start up coach, grow and improve coach or a start down and get ready for transition coach that would better satisfy your needs? As you drill down the choice will become easier. Make a decision and try it out. If the choice is correct, next time a challenge pops up and it will, you can say to yourself - I don't know, but I know who can help me. As a starting point, I am available for a no charge call or meeting to discuss your current situation. We could end up working together or not. At this point what you need is to drill down, talk to someone who is a good listener, impartial and able to bring fresh eyes to the conversation. I'm sure some new insights would also be welcome. Often accused of being inside my readers' heads, I tend to understand quicker and more easily than others what you might be going through. Offering to help you is my way of saying thanks for being a loyal reader and for graciously maintaining our relationship. So feel free to give me a call or send an email and let's talk about you. Make every day count. Take action now, 'Coach Eric' We all have wants and needs but are we really ready to do what it takes? In this information age there is no shortage of experts, coaches, mentors and a myriad of ways to get the answer to how do I achieve X.
So if the answers are so easily and readily available why don't we just go out and get what we want? As a species we have learned to count on others for far too much. It can come free and typically with no effort. Excuses for not taking action are quickly adopted. Acceptance of not having or not having more is the norm and we slowly spiral down or remain in a state of no change on cruise control. Many people set goals, work hard, change and adjust to their new circumstances and experience success. Of course these are the 'LUCKY' ones. We know that's not true. They just wanted it badly enough to work for it. So if others can do it and the help is there for the asking why are you not moving forward? Maybe it's because you don't want to. You need to ask yourself, what is holding me back from having what I want? Is it simply not knowing what you want? There are many resources to help you figure out what you want. So that's not it. What is keeping you where you are? When you can answer that single question you may find the path to where you want to be is right in front of you and it's time to take the first step. As Lewis Carroll said: 'If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there.' As The Rolling Stones sang: 'You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you just might find, you get what you need.' Take action now, Eric If you want to 'Get The Triple Effect' - Sell your business for 3 times more and 3 times faster. Let's talk. Ask yourself right now, how much do you want it? Call me directly 416-270-2466 or email for an appointment eric@warrenbdc.com. It's NOT OK to wait any longer. You can deny it all you want.
If you're a boomer aged business owner (or know one), you know in your heart it's time to start the transition. More than likely you are already taking the steps needed to move on with the next exciting stage in your life. By your choice or not it is happening. The train has left the station. 10 Ways Boomers Know They're Already In Change Mode
It's been a good run and you accomplished quite a bit with the company but it's time to let go. Get on with your life. I know I hear it all the time, you don't know what you will do if you sell or transition. You also don't know what you'll be missing. Still not convinced? Here Are 7 Triggers To Selling Your Business
Anything Sound familiar? How about you take a comfortable first step. Please feel free to contact me at 416-270-2466 and we can have a brief conversation by telephone. Or email me at eric@warrenbdc.com to schedule a call. I've been told I'm easy to talk to. If you like, visit our website first www.warrenbdc.com, see who we are and how we might be able to help you move forward. There are two sides to an Exit Plan conversation: Emotional and Business. It's in your best interest to understand both. If you're thinking about transitioning out of your company, you need to hear this interview. So grab a cool beverage, sit back and enjoy. Click Here Family Offices Adding Staff As Direct Private Equity Investments Increase
Found in FIN alternatives Daily Newsletter www.finalternatives.com May 8 2017 | 9:03pm ET More than half of family offices now have at least two employees dedicated to sourcing and vetting private equity investments, according to a new survey from Family Office Exchange, and four out of five have at least one. The data was published in the organization’s 2017 FOX Global Investment Survey, which polled 118 family offices on a number of issues including asset allocation, performance, passive versus active investing in long-only equity, investment trends, current economic outlook, and financial challenges. Other highlights from the survey:
What do you do when someone lets you down?
Hey, stuff happens and people (associate, employee, supplier, customer, family or friend) can fail to deliver. When they miss a deadline, it's not always their fault. Could be their associate let them down, illness, or just mother nature/the universe messing with you. But did you get a call or email saying there was a problem? Is it consistent, do they let you down over and over again? Is it something different each time? Maybe they don't care about you or are they driving you away consciously or subconciously? I'd like to suggest a question to ask yourself. Do your plans for the future of your company include selling while at a peak in value?
Some companies we meet with at WarrenBDC, show neither top or bottom line growth. Owners have instead, resorted to stalling growth and squeezing whatever cash they can from the business. Some Owners are tired and lack the energy or incentive to continue growing their business, let alone sell it. They think they'll have enough to live on in retirement but continue to come into work more out of habit than to make a real difference. Often working is the result of not having an alternative way to spend their time. Sound familiar to you or is it someone you know? 1. Patience - Often times it takes years to launch a new idea and still more time to be successful at it. You have little real control over the thinking of others. Be it the world, family, friends or business associates. Some will come around to your way of thinking others will not. You know it's a great idea but 'they' may not be ready for it. The world is not on your clock.
2. Persistence - If you really believe in what you're doing you will not give up. Changing your thinking, adjusting the measurements, and revising your plan are all part of the process. Giving up is not. Free samples has several meanings and offering stuff for free can often result in different outcomes. You can get a free sample at the deli counter before you buy. Usually you're there to buy so it makes sense to offer free samples. Sure someone might take advantage but typically the ratio of buying vs taking is low. Free on the other hand, as in download this stuff free, take this free pen at the trade show, come to this free event or take an hour of my time for free has less attraction to real Buyers and usually appeals to Takers. Takers go for anything free or close to free and place little value on what they're receiving. It's appropriate to lower your expectations and anticipate a lesser quality of response. MEDIA RELEASE
Boomer Business Owners Are Missing Out On Cashing In, Unless They Start Preparing Properly for Sale TORONTO, ON, March 31, 2017 - Boomers (born 1946-1964) own about 63% of private companies in both Canada and the United States. Of the businesses available for sale, 70-80% don't sell. Incredibly 44% of Owners say they aren't familiar with their transition options, 24% do know what their choices are and 32% are not sure. As for getting help, 88% have not yet established a formal transition team. Author Eric Gilboord says "Owners need to get started now, preparing their business and themselves for transition." Or the impact on their personal finances will be devastating. Many Owners are carrying on business as usual. The current thinking of many smaller Owners is to take as much money out of the company as they can for the next few years, and then sell for what they can get or simply close down. Neither solution is in their best interest." The holidays are right around the corner. You have a not too frequent opportunity to speak with your entire family about the future. To talk about the business and what is going to happen.
Scheduling meetings or lunches or whatever to try and get to everyone during the year could be overwhelming. So how about taking advantage of the holidays? When pretty much everyone is already there. As for those who are not, there's always the phone. No, I'm not talking about starting a bun fight. How about a quiet, private conversation with each family member individually. Take their temperature on how they perceive the business and their role or non role to date. What are their expectations for the future? The most important interview I've ever done. Highlights
Dear Eric
What is EBITDA? Thank you, Not an Accountant Dear Not Excerpt from my book 'Moving Forward'. Commonly abbreviated as EBITDA, it is an accounting measure to calculate a company's net Earnings, Before Interest expenses, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization are subtracted. Used as a proxy for a company's current operating profitability. Hope this helps. Cheers, Eric This post is an excerpt from my book 'Just Tell Me More'.
Lists like this one are usually made up of financial reasons for the failure of a small business. Unfortunately there are also many sales and marketing reasons. Fortunately, there is a positive step that can be taken for each one that will greatly increase your chances for success. “These actionable tips are the responsibility of everyone who works with you. Make sure they know and understand them. Forward this blog to your team NOW!” EG 1. Face Your Weaknesses. Failure to face up to your weaknesses and a lack of effort to take advantage of your strengths can keep your business in a no-growth mode. Take two pieces of paper and list your company’s strengths on one page and its weaknesses on the other. Note the ways you can make your staff, customers, prospects, and other business associates aware of each of your strengths. On the page of weaknesses, identify steps to correct each problem. Discuss the points with your staff and develop a schedule to address them. No, it’s not really as bad as you think. 2. Take Action. Talking about the great marketing program you have been developing and following through with it are two very different actions. Implementing the program is the key to marketing success. Plan all you want, but be prepared to act on all the steps you have identified. Don’t be surprised to discover that there are some steps you hadn’t initially considered.
As Mike Tyson so eloquently stated "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face".
Extended Version: Many boomer age business owners have been putting off transitioning their company for so long, it's now the accepted status. Or they promised their spouse, the team, advisers and most importantly themselves, five more years and I'm out. But suddenly circumstances change and you're faced with an unsettling feeling in the pit of your stomach. You want out, but you're trapped, for at least a period of time. And it's always longer than you want it to be. Could be changes in the business environment are making it too much work. New competition is coming out of nowhere. They're well funded, younger or seasoned owners getting back in the game, more aggressive and kicking your butt. Higher interest rates, cross border restrictions and you get the picture. |
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Eric's Latest Book Moving ForwardWritten specifically for Boomer Aged Business Owners. One of the biggest events they face today, is to sell or transition out of their company.
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