6 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Company When It’s Time to Sell
If you want to increase the value of your privately held company, it’s not just about your profits. While profitability is critical, other factors can elevate your company’s value when it comes time to sell.
So, what are they?
Well-Organized Accounting
Don’t put off getting your accounting in order. Be ready at all times so that you can respond quickly when information is requested. Buyers will see your company as well-organized and will be more likely to pay a higher price when they don’t anticipate unforeseen surprises.
“Your financial records reflect the results of operations as well as the financial position of your small business or corporation. In other words, they help you understand what’s going on with your business financially.” –?PDR
Awesome Employees
Your company’s talent is an asset! Make sure your buyers know that. Employees with strong skills add value, particularly when it comes to the sales team or other key roles that drive revenue, efficiency, or innovation within the company.
Loyalty is also a distinguishing characteristic to promote. Buyers want to know that key employees will stay for the long term. If you have employees like that, don’t be silent about it!
Strong Branding and Name Recognition
The stronger your company’s brand recognition, the better your selling price is going to be. Roll out a stellar PR strategy 12-18 months before the start of the selling process to help show that your company is in a growth mode.
You’ll also want to refresh website content and other communication materials so that they’re relevant and in alignment with the message you are promoting to buyers.
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Recurring and Diverse Revenue
All revenue is?not?equal. Buyers will – and do – pay a premium for booked reoccurring revenue. This means ongoing contracts with customers and a track record of predictable growth.
Diversified revenue is also a must. Broaden your revenue base so no more than 10-15% is based on one single customer.
The Company Runs Without?You
Businesses that rely less on the owner go for a much higher selling price. Take steps now to increase your company’s independence and ability to remain productive during an ownership transition.
Inc outlines some steps you can take to grow a company that can run without you. They are:?
Share an Inspiring Vivid Vision?
When you have a clear vision for your company, ideally a Vivid Vision? document, it will excite and inspire any potential buyers about the company’s future and abundant potential. This will also help with demonstrating the alignment between you and your employees.
When it comes time to sell your company, make sure to ask yourself, “Have I done all these things?” If not, then what are you waiting for? Who doesn’t want to sell their company for the highest possible price?
Do you have any other strategies for increasing your company’s value? Let me know in the comments below!
Helping CEO Founders change their lives by building a saleable company that delivers on their dreams for What's Next.
2 年Thanks for sharing, Cameron. There's an entire discipline around preparing to sell your company - exit planning. The value creation piece is critically important! If you're a business owner serious about it and want help, you can find Value Advisors who specialize in doing exactly this. The best part is that taking actions like what you outline above plus others increases your income and quality of life even before you sell. #CEPA, Exit Planning Institute, BizOps Solved, Value Scout
TCRH solves strategic financial and human capital problems for growing businesses.
2 年This article is hugely helpful for those who are looking to sell their company or even increase the value in general. Thanks for sharing!
Business Growth & Mastery Expert | Worked w/ 25,000+ Clients to Double Size of Their Business in 12 Months | Innovative Sales Strategist | CEO of TM3
2 年That is an excellent article, thank you for sharing Cameron!
Campaign and Fundraising Consultant
2 年Good, simple checklist. Useful I'm sure if you are selling. Also useful, and important, if you aren't.
CEO, member @ CEO Global Network | QuantumShift? Ivy Business School, Strategic Leadership, Servant Leadership, Entretien réinventé, Innovation & Culture H2H, WBE certified
2 年Loved this perpective. I don’t necessarily want to sell the company but I’d like it to have the most value possible. Great points! What do you mean by: “? Get rid of anything that can tie you to the company”