Key Conversations To Have When Planning To Retire From Your Small Business

By Rich Regalas


As an entrepreneur, you probably find it hard to make time to talk about the future of your small business. However, avoiding these discussions can often cause problems. By talking about your enterprise's future with your family and staff, it will allow you to be able to make better decisions. These important discussions should involve your significant other, your children, and your associates.

What your spouse expects from retirement

In your mind you may have a clear vision of your retirement, and the future of your business. However, don't assume that your partner has the same visions. For example, you may want to leave the workforce by age 60, but your partner may want to work as long as he or she is able.

It is, therefore, essential to talk about your feelings regarding retirement with your significant other ahead of time. You will need to decide whether you want to pass on the company to your children, or sell it to an outside party. These conversations are important in order to prevent problems and misinterpretations.

You need to also share your views with your partner regarding what you both want from the future. Talk to your partner about when would be a good time to leave the workforce, as well as how the two of you would like to spend your future time. Write down what you agree upon, and envision your later years together.

How your family members envision their later years

Is your family interested in running the company? Do they have other visions (career and family related)? Are they planning on still living in the area? If they do want the business, then why? These are all essential questions to ask them as part of coming to a decision. You may also want to discuss such matters as the value of education, financial independence, and work ethic.

There is a possibility that your children may decide they want to take a path to their future that you did not anticipate. Maybe, they may choose to go into art or poetry. However, if they do choose to run the business, you should learn exactly why they chose this, and what they think business ownership involves. In addition, explain to them the pros and cons of owning and managing a company.

If there is more than one child involved, you will have to decide which job functions are best for each heir, and how you will distribute the estate. These conversations can be involved, so it is important that everyone affected have a clear understanding of your decisions. It may also be essential to have your advisor's help in the process.

Informing your most valued people

Your associates and staff also need to be informed of what is happening. A business transition can make partners insecure about their future with the organization. If you are not honest about your intentions, you could lose good workers who may leave the firm out of personal uncertainty.

So, it is critical to the future of your firm to open the lines of communication regarding your plans, in a timely manner. This will maintain your credibility, and allow room for new ideas, growth, and opportunities. By getting different personal views, you may come up with solutions that will benefit the organization as a whole.

Therefore, it is vital for your company to have frank conversations regarding the future of your company, with all the individuals who are affected. Beginning this ahead of time will provide for a smooth business transfer, and ensure that you secure the financial health and stability of your organization.




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