Don’t Fall for These 3 Business Succession Myths

​Are you a small-business owner? Do you have a succession plan? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. A recent study from Nationwide found that 60 percent of small-business owners don’t have a succession plan. Among those without one, nearly half said they don’t have a plan because they believe such a plan isn’t necessary.1
 
While a succession plan may not seem necessary, the truth is that you could be exposing your business, employees and family to significant risk if you don’t have one. A business succession plan is a document that creates an orderly transition between you and the next owner.

A succession plan protects your business, employees and family. It also helps you realize maximum value for your business and even retain some form of control or financial involvement. The plan can help you identify the right successor and transition the business without disrupting operations or cash flow.

business succession planning. If you buy into any of these myths, it may be time to reconsider your thinking. A financial professional can help you develop and implement your business succession strategy.

You don’t need to worry about succession until you’re ready to retire.
You may think you don’t need to worry about succession planning because retirement isn’t on the horizon. You’re likely busy running your business. You have more urgent priorities than worrying about who will take over your business after you retire.
 
However, it’s never too early to think about succession. In fact, the earlier you start, the more options you may have to implement a succession plan that aligns with your goals. You can use that time to find the right successor and groom him or her to take over the role. You can make strategic improvements to your business to increase its value. You can even have early conversations with potential buyers to feel out their perspective. Time is your ally when it comes to planning.
 
There’s also the risk that you won’t get to leave the business on your terms. You may be forced out of the business because of disability or even death. If so, your succession plan could be an invaluable tool to help ease the transition and protect the business and your family.


You don’t need a succession plan if you’re leaving the business to your kids.
Many business owners dream of passing their company on to their kids or other family members. Unfortunately, the odds are against most businesses during a family transition. According to a recent study, only one-third of businesses survive a transition to the second generation. Just 13 percent make it to the third generation.2
 
If your goal is to pass the business to family, a succession plan is even more critical. You may have multiple family members who want to lead the business. You could create hard feelings when you choose your successor. You also may need to make sure everyone feels valued and compensated, even if they’re not a key part of the business. Family dynamics can be tricky, but planning can make them easier to navigate.


If you create a succession plan, you have to give up control.
Finally, you may resist succession planning because you don’t want to give up control of your life’s work. After all, you built this business. You likely want to lead it and benefit from it as long as possible.

Succession planning doesn’t have to mean that you give up control. Your plan may not be implemented for years. Even when it is implemented, it may have you gradually transition out of the business over time. You could even stay on board as an adviser or a consultant. You can also structure your plan so you continue to earn income from the business long after you retire.
 
Ready to develop your business succession plan? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Financial Solutions Group. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.

 
1https://www.nationwide.com/about-us/020717-nw-business-succession.jsp
2https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2004/09/20/focus3.html
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
17599 - 2018/4/19