How do you achieve the following: Grow your service business from 7 to 15 million $ annually within 3 to 4 years,while transforming a founder-owned/managed operation [with minimal current delegation]for the purpose of selling the business after doubling the revenue? What should be done to maximize the value and eventual sale price ? What are the keys for successful transition?

-- Manny Celnick (m.celnick@att.net), September 20, 2001

Answers

Replicate. Delegate. Review.

If you have built a business on your own, and now wish to sell or cash out the business, these are really your only options. A business is essentially a set of processes, purified by values, and driven by vision. Follow these guidelines: 1) develop a written business plan 2) develop people to support your plan 3) take the necessary actions to make your plan a functioning reality. 4) identify potential buyers, and show them why they should own it.

I can assist you through this process, if you desire. I know this sounds simplistic, but if you have built a $7MM business on your own, and want to double it, you are going to need some people to get you there. This requires the business plan. If you wish to sell at the higher activity level, you will need processes in place to support the continuation of the business when you sell. Every informed buyer is going to look for processes and succession of management. Put these in place, and it opens the door for your sale.

Best Regards, Bruce

-- Bruce Eberle (beberle@myavista.com), February 15, 2002.