Summary
Small business owners should understand the differences between succession planning and exit planning as they prepare for the future.
Learn Important Nuances as you Plan for Your Company’s Future
Some small business owners may mistakenly believe that succession planning and exit planning are interchangeable terms with the same meaning. While both involve planning for the future of the business, they are actually two separate and distinct processes. We think it’s important to understand the difference between the two to help ensure that you’re taking the right steps to prepare for the future of your business. Read on to learn more about some of the differences between succession planning and exit planning for small business owners.
What Is Succession Planning?
Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing potential leaders or successors within your organization. The goal is of a succession plan is to ensure a smooth transition of leadership in the event of retirement, disability, or unexpected departure of the current business owner. Succession planning is all about identifying and nurturing talent within the organization, so that when the time comes, there are people ready to step into the shoes of the current owner.
Some key elements of succession planning include:
- Identifying potential successors: This involves assessing the skills and capabilities of existing employees, and identifying those who have the potential to take on leadership roles.
- Developing potential successors: An effective succession plan will include training, mentoring, and coaching to develop the skills and abilities of potential successors.
- Creating a plan for transition: Lastly, a succession plan should outline the steps that will be taken when the time comes for the current owner to step down, including the transfer of ownership, management responsibilities, and other key tasks.
SEE ALSO: Small Business Owner Retirement Planning
What Is Exit Planning?
Where succession planning focuses more on the business, exit planning focuses more on the business owner. Exit planning is a comprehensive process that assesses the business owner’s long-term financial goals (both personal and business-related) and helps to achieve those goals by maximizing the value of the business. Since the business is one of the largest assets an owner has, maximizing its value is often a crucial part of retirement or other personal financial goals.
In many cases, an exit plan is used to guide the process of preparing to sell or transfer ownership of the business. Like succession planning, exit planning can take several years to complete.
Some key elements of exit planning include:
- Valuing the business: This involves determining the current value of the business and identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Preparing the business for sale: A successful exit plan will identify any areas of weakness or potential liabilities as well as the necessary steps to address them. It also involves preparing financial statements and other documentation to present to potential buyers.
- Identifying potential buyers: An exit plan should identify the pros and cons of a variety of transfer options. It should also involve research on prospective buyers including competitors, strategic partners, and private equity firms.
SEE ALSO: Small Business Owner Financial Planning: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Key Differences
The key difference between succession planning and exit planning is their focus. Succession planning is focused on developing and nurturing talent within the organization, while exit planning is usually focused on transferring the business to a third party, often through a sale or merger. Succession planning is about ensuring a smooth transition of leadership, while exit planning is about achieving the owner’s long-term financial goals, typically by maximizing the value of the business and ensuring a successful sale.
We Help Small Business Owners Plan for the Future
Whether you have just started your small business journey, or you’re looking to retire, Aviance Capital Partners is here to help you plan for the future. We believe both succession planning and exit planning are important pieces for the long-term success of your small business. Let the ACP team help you make the most of your hard work with small business financial planning. To learn more, click here to schedule an introductory call, or send us an email at wealthrelations@aviancepartners.com.
Aviance Capital Partners, LLC (“ACP”) is an SEC registered investment adviser located in Naples, Florida. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that ACP has attained a certain level of skill, training, or ability. While information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, ACP does not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Not all services will be appropriate or necessary for all clients, and the potential value and benefit of the ACP’s services will vary based upon the client’s individual investment, financial, and tax circumstances. The effectiveness and potential success of a financial plan depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the manner and timing of implementation, coordination with the client and the client’s other engaged professionals, and market conditions. The tax and estate planning information provided is general in nature, which should not be construed as specific financial planning or tax advice tailored to an individual reader. ACP suggests that readers consult a financial professional, attorney or tax advisory professional about their specific financial, legal or tax situation. Customized financial planning indicates that financial planning will be informed by the material financial and investment circumstances of the client, as communicated by the client to the adviser, but may not consider literally all aspects of a client’s financial affairs. Past investment performance does not guarantee future results. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss, and different investments and types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, including those undertaken or recommended by ACP, will be profitable or equal any historical performance level. Additional information about ACP, including its Form ADV Part 2A describing its services, fees, and applicable conflicts of interest and its Form CRS is available upon request and at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/146597.
For current ACP clients, please advise us promptly in writing, if there are ever any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives, if you wish to impose any reasonable restrictions to our management of your account, or if you have not been receiving at least quarterly account statements from your account custodian.
