The Power of Potential

“Close the doors… fade to black… abandon ship…” All the metaphors running through my mind when the shock of changing course took hold.

I was out of time and out of options – or so I believed. Belief – strong and powerful – and in every BELIEF there lives a LIE.

In that moment, I believed I had to close my political consulting business, and it never occurred to me that my company had value. It never crossed my mind that I was sacrificing potential…

Today’s Question:

What will a hypothetical buyer of your business value the most?

Here’s the Twist . . .

I look back on that time in my life as one of sacrifice and loss – but in many ways, also one of new beginnings.

I was 35 years old, had three little kids at home, a thriving business, and a surprise divorce. It never occurred to me that I could sell my business, so I closed the doors to get a job, stop traveling, and stabilize things for my children.

That put me on my current path to advocate for women business owners and help them actively build the future of their dreams.

For almost twenty years, I’ve been helping women see the potential, understand all their options – and turn that potential into real results.

So what do viable buyers really care about? In a word, potential.

Past performance is an indicator of future results – sure. But buyers are weighing the risks and the potential of owning your company.

That is the key reason that effective communication is crucial to a successful sale. Your role is helping the buyer see and feel the potential, through forecasting and future-casting.

While typical forecasting is undoubtedly valuable, it relies on historical data and trends. It tends to be reactive, limiting us to predictions based on past patterns.

In contrast, future-casting is about proactively shaping the future by envisioning the outcomes we desire and working diligently to bring them to life.

Even as a boutique company, you can build value and position your company for your exit.

Now What?

If you’re not interested in selling your business – and dealing with the complexities and expense of doing so – you may still be able to sell your client list, intellectual property, and unique processes.

But are you stuck in your Second Act?

Have you built a profitable and valuable business but instead of feeling like there's something missing, you’re feeling like there's something more?

If you’ve built an accounting firm, a law firm, a financial services firm, a psychology practice, or a specialty consulting firm that is generating $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue, you are in a prime market.

Larger firms and companies are growing by buying other firms. This has long been the case, but we’re seeing a higher rate than ever.

In a tragic twist, I see too many women who actually lose their company instead of exiting on their own terms. The exit process is filled with pitfalls and complex issues – especially for women.

I’ve built my business as an advocate, and I specialize in helping women founders transition to their Third Act – when you’re ready to do the work you’ve always longed to do.

As your advocate, by definition, I’m looking out for your best interests. I am not taking a brokerage fee, commission, or equity. I am not motivated by how quickly the exit moves or the final dollar amounts. I want what you want – and will help you get it.

In my experience, women don't retire; they transition into a new stage of purpose and impact. Whether you are 40 or 60, the idea of retirement may not appeal to you. Just because you can retire doesn’t mean you’ll want to.

Are you sacrificing potential instead of understanding its power?

That requires a new way of thinking, new skills, a simple and elegant design, and an advocate by your side. Contact me to learn more. 

How exit-ready are you? Find out at: http://she-exits.com/