Running a closely-held business can be a rewarding experience as well as a lucrative adventure, however, a lifetime of hard work can be undermined without proper planning. One common mistake of many small business owners is failing to plan for the possibility of incapacity or the inevitability of death. If you intend for your business to survive into the next generation, it is crucial to establish a business succession plan.
Key Elements of Succession Planning
The first consideration in designing a business succession plan is selecting a successor, whether that individual will be a family member, another partner or business owner.
Regardless of who takes the reins, it is crucial for a successor to have the necessary skills, experience, as well the desire to lead the business. At times, a family member may be positioned to take over, however, often times other business partners or key people are better equipped to do so. In any event, the succession plan must clarify the rights and responsibilities of the successor, specify guidelines for operating the business, and establish a method for resolving disputes. Of course, a critical component of any business succession plan is determining the value of the business.
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