Aug 15, 2022

How to Build a Business Transition Plan with Laurie Barkman on The Small BizChat Podcast

Laurie Barkman joins Melinda Emerson, SmallBizLady, to discuss the idea of business acquisitions from both the seller’s and the buyer’s perspectives. Laurie tells us how you can identify the risks in your business that potential buyers might see and how emotions can impact the ability to sell your business.

She talks about the importance of not having your business revolve around yourself but building it in such a way that it can exist independently, and the nuance between being a business owner and owning a business.

We also touch on ways in which you can build an attractive business from the start, growing organically vs growing through acquisitions, and the information and factors behind getting an accurate value estimation for your business.

“If you want to build a business that one day will thrive without you, then you will set the course now.” – Laurie Barkman

Topics covered on this podcast:

  • Why are some businesses seemingly unsellable?
  • Where are the risks in your business?
  • How to prepare for a business transition
  • The best way to transition your business to your family or children
  • How to keep emotion out of the selling process
  • Figuring out what your business is worth
  • Strategies for growing value in your business
  • Common pitfalls of mergers and acquisitions

Melinda F. Emerson, SmallBizLady, is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She has been a thriving entrepreneur for nearly 20 years and is an internationally known keynote speaker and expert on small business development and social media marketing. She publishes a resource blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. A pioneer in social media marketing, she is the creator and host of #Smallbizchat, the longest running live chat on Twitter for small business owners. Forbes magazine named her the #1 woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter.

Relevant Resources:

New Episodes Available Weekly On:

        

Get Succession Stories in Your Inbox Free

Case studies, examples, templates, and tools for business transition, plus notification of new episodes.

The Business Transition Handbook

The Business Transition Handbook

Preparing owners to navigate the emotional and practical nature of the transition process so you can exit on your terms and avoid succession regrets.

“A game changer to help you win in your exit and in life.”

 

Browse More Episodes

Embracing Business Transition: The Journey to Your Next Chapter

Embracing Business Transition: The Journey to Your Next Chapter

What does transition mean to you? For each of us, it takes on a different significance depending on where we are in life. Transition is movement—it’s part of a process, a journey that leads us from one chapter to the next. As a business owner, this journey often involves navigating the...

Listen
170:  Navigating Family Business Transitions, Maryann Bell

170: Navigating Family Business Transitions, Maryann Bell

Laurie Barkman interviews Maryann Bell, a partner at Wingspan Legacy Partners, about the common myths and challenges facing next-generation successors in family businesses. Maryann shares insights on the importance of communication, education, and bringing in outside expertise to navigate the...

Listen
4 Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Selling Your Business

4 Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Selling Your Business

Selling your business can feel like an intense examination. Picture this: a stranger meticulously inspecting every aspect of what you’ve built. This process, known as due diligence, is essential but can be overwhelming. Professional acquirers will have a comprehensive checklist of questions...

Listen