Why is it so difficult for clients to discuss exit planning?
By John F. Dini, CMBA, CExP, President, MPN Incorporated
Understanding the Post-Ownership Void
As advisors, we understand that our business clients should be preparing for the biggest financial event of their lives – the sale of their business. However, when we ask, “What is your plan for life after the business?,” we seldom get a straight answer.
Instead, we get any number of comments like: “I still enjoy my business, I’m not thinking about it right now.” “I have a good company. I can sell it whenever I choose.” “Everything is available for the right price. I just haven’t heard it yet.”
These are all ways of evading the fact that they haven’t thought about their life after the sale of their business, and they don’t want to. Why is having the exit planning discussion so challenging? Because, like planning one’s own funeral or purchasing life insurance, it is frightening to contemplate the end of one’s professional work.
What I Do is Who I Am
Most business owners, particularly founders, find it difficult to separate their business from their own identity. The business is who they are. At family gatherings they overhear, “There’s Bob. He owns his own business, you know.”
The ownership of their business permeates their relationships. They are, “Bob Smith, the owner of Smith Manufacturing.” Not only in their business circles, but also at their church, in their children’s schools and their friendships. The business is their persona.
Contemplating life after ownership is scary. Who am I if I’m not me? Will I be treated the same? Can I command the same respect if I don’t have employees? Will my opinion still matter? Will others see me as successful without the trappings of a company around me?
Some owners have the confidence to leave a business with no concern about how others will perceive them. Most, however, associate retirement on some level with failure. While owning their business, they got a small shot of adrenalin every time they were asked to make a decision, which was usually many times a day. They fear a life without those little rewards, albeit unconsciously.
Understanding this reluctance to explore the void that retirement creates is a vital part of an advisor’s ability to serve their business clients. It’s easy to say, “Okay, I’ll be here whenever you want to talk about it.” But this alone is a disservice. Planning the most important financial event of a client’s life should be a priority, not an afterthought.
Have a Safety Net
When a client avoids the exit planning question, have a safety net. Selling a business is a competitive endeavor. No smart owner would enter a market without knowing what his competition looks like. Suggest that you review their financial results together using ProfitCents, so that they have a better idea of where they stand in relation to similar companies. Just because they aren’t thinking about an exit doesn’t mean they won’t do anything today. Getting the conversation started is one of the most valuable services you can offer.
John F. Dini is an author, coach and consultant specializing in business transition strategies for Baby Boomers. He lives in San Antonio, Texas. Read his Blog (www.awakeat2oclock.com)
Additional Resources
eBook: Tech Roadmap for Selecting the Ideal Solutions to Thrive in Business Advising
Whitepaper: The Automation Revolution: How Technology is Changing the Way Firms Operate
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