A Validating Surprise

“But I’m not ready!”

“It feels great that someone recognizes what I’ve built but…”

“I can’t believe what that company is offering…”

“I guess I better take it because this may never happen again…”

Do you know what happens a lot? A potential buyer swoops in to buy a company, long before the owner has a chance to prepare – financially, logistically, or emotionally...

Today’s Question:

How would you handle an offer for your company if it showed up today?

But Here’s the Twist . . .

This is a frequent scenario for the women I work with. 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.

But what do you do when an offer comes too early in your journey, when you don’t feel equipped to handle all the moving pieces and make good decisions?

The offer is really validating and flattering – and it seems like a lot of money. But how do you know if it’s a good deal for you – the right deal for you?

More often than not, the deal turns out to be great for the buyer and mediocre for you.

Typically, the buyout terms are terrible and require you to stay on for years: when you’re no longer the boss...when the new owners change the way things are done – and staff and clients complain - but there’s nothing you can do about it…when your payouts are linked to benchmarks that seemed reasonable at first but have proved to be almost impossible.

Now What?

That’s the power of having an advocate who is experienced and knowledgeable about your eventual business exit and knows how to help you:

• get crystal clear on what you want, why you want it, and when you want it
• set your intention and achieve it
• stay focused, consistent, and accountable, even in the face of challenges and distractions

This surprise offer may not be the right deal for you. It may not be the right time, the right terms, the right buyer.

You get to decide, and you have all the power, but the fear of never having another opportunity like this may drive your decision.

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

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?

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.

Work that lights you up… work that is your purpose instead of just a paycheck.

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.

We can redefine ‘retirement’ and think of your eventual business exit as a ‘purposeful transition’.

Are you ready to leap into your Third Act and grab the whole cookie?

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.?

Discover your Exit Readiness Index? with this assessment:?https://she-exits.com/

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? The Block Group Inc.