Smart Exit Planning Strategies for Niche Markets
Selling a Group Homes Business
You've learned a lot during your tenure as a group homes business owner. The next step is to position your business for the demands of the business-for-sale marketplace.
It's a fact: Successful business sales take time.
Success is a factor of preparation, execution and a keen eye for the market. As a business seller, you need to go into the process with the mental goal of presenting your business in the best possible light.
Signs You're in Over Your Head
It's not uncommon for the owners of small group homes businesses to adopt a go-it-alone sale strategy. Plenty of owners sell their group homes businesses unassisted. Although there are exceptions, solo sales typically take longer and are less productive than brokered sales. As a rule, no business should sit on the market for more than six months without attracting the interest of at least a handful of qualified buyers. When buyers fail to exhibit substantive interest, it could indicate unrealistic pricing or an inferior selling strategy. The remedy is professional brokerage or a consultation with more experienced sellers.
What to Expect in a Group Homes Business Sale
The sale of a group homes business can be a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you'll be elated at the possibility of moving on the next stage of your life and the next minute you'll be nostalgic about the memories of your time at the helm of your business. Given your personal investment, you may also experience disappointment in the market's assessment of your company's value. Although it isn't easy, you can mitigate the emotional impact of a group homes business sale by setting realistic expectations before you list your business.
Workforce Concerns
As a business owner, you want to keep you employees informed about your plans; as a seller it's in your best interest to keep your employees in the dark for as long as possible. The more people who know that the business is on the market, the riskier the sale becomes. If you keep your employees out of the loop too long, it's inevitable that misinformation will filter throughout your workplace. Consider informing your key employees first, followed by the rest of your workforce later in the process. Above all else, it's imperative to encourage your workers to maintain a positive attitude and work ethic. If you're having trouble navigating the employee minefield, consult a business broker for advice.
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