Stable Stagnation

“I have gotten scarily comfortable in my business. I’m grateful for steady revenue, loyal clients, and a strong reputation, but how do I know if I can actually sell my firm?”

I hear the intensity in Theresa’s voice. She is justifiably proud of the communications consulting firm she’s built, but I sense an edge to her question.

And she’s right to examine her current situation because smooth operations could be quietly undermining her exit value…

Today’s BlockbustHER BrainteasHER:

Where has stability become a substitute for growth - and what moves would reignite momentum in your business?

Patty’s Perspective . . .

When a business runs smoothly, risk feels low. Stress is manageable. Clients are happy. The team knows what to do.

But how can you tell if your business is in harmony or suffering from inertia?

Early warning signs of stability masking stagnation:

• Revenue is steady, but not growing
• Pricing has not significantly increased
• The client mix hasn’t changed in years
• Services haven’t evolved
• The team is performing, but not innovating
• The founder is needed ‘just enough’
• Processes are efficient, but not improving

Nothing is broken - and that’s exactly the problem.

A firm can be stable and stagnant at the same time. And stagnation is one of the fastest ways to erode enterprise value - especially when you’re considering a future exit.

Buyers don’t pay for maintenance. They pay for momentum. And the good news is that you can reintroduce strategic momentum without reinventing yourself.

Start with these shifts to reignite strategic energy:

• Update your service mix by retiring some offerings and elevating others
• Raise prices to reflect the real value you bring to clients
• Strengthen your leadership team by reducing founder dependency and increasing operational confidence
• Document and highlight your intellectual property to make your differentiation obvious - not implied
• Re-engage in active business development
• Refresh your brand messaging, highlighting your current relevance and future capability

If you want a strong exit, treat stability as a starting point - not a destination.

Now What?

My client, Jill, said it best: “I don’t see the way out, but I see the why out.”

Her business is financially solid, she’s built a great team, her clients are grateful, and she’s providing an extremely valuable service. By every indicator, she and her company are successful.

And yet, feeling stuck has become the default mode for her. “I don't think I realized the level of dissatisfaction I was living in and where that was seeping into all areas of my life, until the curtain got pulled back a bit. Because for 99.9% of us, we just keep going and it becomes our next normal.”

She has gotten very clear about why she wants to exit her business - and where there's a why, there's a way…

The exit process is filled with pitfalls and confoundingly complex issues – especially for women, who get hurt and hustled. All. The. Time.

It’s why I do the work I do, helping women achieve an Elegant Exit™, and reach their goals with dignity, grace, and integrity.

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

Are you ready to exit your business on your terms?

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. 

What are your biggest blind spots in crafting an exit? Find out at: http://she-exits.com/