If you're an owner or founder, confusion isn't just uncomfortable. It's expensive. One of the biggest obstacles standing between business owners and a successful sale or transition isn't the market, the economy, or even the competition. It's paralysis. And paralysis almost always starts in the mind.
The goal for every client we take on is to run the business in such a way that it is always ready for a sale or a transition to the next generation. A sale-ready business is more valuable, easier to run, and keeps all the options open.
Think Like a Buyer
We want you to view your business through the eyes of a buyer. And remember: capital is a coward.
If you hope to sell one day, your business needs to look like a safe investment for a buyer's money. The safer they feel buying your business, the higher the price they will pay. This process is set forth in our book, BulletProof Your Exit. (Click here to view on Amazon)
The Roadblock Problem
Almost every time we take on a new client, they tell us we cannot start until we resolve something in their business or their personal life. Something has created paralysis. A roadblock they can't remove.
Running a business that's sale ready requires focus and execution. But if the owner is overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly putting out fires, that work just can't happen.
A confused mind creates paralysis.
Free the Mind
So how do we remove the roadblocks? We focus first on freeing the mind.
We could talk a long time about what consumes the mind of an owner. But whatever is causing paralysis must be dealt with head on. Owners don't burn out from effort. They burn out from too many unresolved issues.
It's like having 34 tabs open on your computer. Your anxious mind cannot rest, and it cannot move forward.
Free the Time
Next, we have to free the owner's time.
Part of how we do this is by using Dan Sullivan's Unique Ability tool. We take things off the owner's plate, and those things become a job description for someone who would love doing them.
Freeing the owner opens up time to work on the business and prepare for sale. It also allows them to add value at levels employees typically can't, like making key connections or closing deals that are game changers for the future of the business.
Action Breaks Paralysis
You move through paralysis by taking action. Small steps if necessary, on a continuous basis, which creates huge long-term gains.
Do the next right thing, over and over.
Sometimes the next right thing is for you to take courageous action yourself. And sometimes you just need to find a WHO that can do it with you or for you.
Clarity Creates Value
Once you have freed your mind and your time, your creative juices will be gushing out and the possibilities will be endless.
Clarity creates capacity. Capacity creates value.
A sale-ready business starts with an owner who can think clearly, move freely, and execute consistently. When paralysis is removed, everything else becomes possible.
If your business isn't where it needs to be for a successful exit, start by identifying what's consuming your mind and crowding your calendar. Free yourself first. Then get to work. Go get it done.