Building a business is a labor of love, so it’s only natural to be concerned about its long-term prospects after you retire.
Retirement doesn’t have to spell the end for your business. Some careful advance planning can ensure a smooth leadership transition, the long-term viability of your business and your peace of mind.
Here are some tips to make succession as painless as possible.
Establish Your Business’s Objectives
The most important step in creating a sound succession plan is to set out your long-term vision for your business. Put simply, you have to know what your goals are before you can get there.
Everyone is different, and there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to setting out your post-retirement business goals. Chances are you’ll want to enjoy the fruits of your hard work whilst ensuring that your business continues to thrive even after you’re gone.
Choose Your Successors Wisely
Once you’ve mapped out your long-term business goals, it’s time to identify the right people to lead your business. You should try to be as objective as possible when taking these decisions.
If your business is a family affair, you may wish your children to take on leadership roles. While this is only natural, it may not be the right choice. Your children may not have the aptitude or the inclination to run a business, and it’s risky for your business’s future to pass on unwanted responsibility in the hope your children will warm up to it.
You should also make sure that the people you’ve chosen have enough time to prepare for their new role and aren’t just thrown in at the deep end. They may need training to acquire new skills, as well as practical experience.
Round Up a Team of Independent Professionals
Finally, don’t forget to get professional help.
You’ll need specialist advice on many technical issues, including legal and tax considerations. You also shouldn’t underestimate the emotional component of planning for your business to continue without you. An independent, objective opinion can go a long way when you’re faced with tough choices.
Need help planning your business’s succession? Contact us at (662) 890-9558 to set up an appointment.