Pennsylvania business owners have a lot of preparation work to do when it comes to setting up your succession plan. One of the first things you need to work out is who will inherit your business.
In fact, you should have a business heir in mind when you are crafting the base of your business itself. But how do you know you are making the right choice?
Why do you need to pick a successor early?
When discussing business planning, Forbes says having a successor chosen early is of key importance. This is because you cannot guess what turns and twists your life will take. You may want to run your business for decades to come, but what if a new opportunity comes along? What if your interests change or someone in your life suffers a health emergency and needs your help? You want a succession plan ready to go.
What are the most important traits of a successor?
When making your choice, you need to consider a few different aspects. First, does the person in mind see things eye-to-eye with you when it comes to the core principles of your business? Management styles differ. Production techniques or management tactics can change when businesses switch hands. The important part is that the core of the business remains the same. Your successor should understand and agree with the purpose of your business.
Next, pick someone with the professional skills needed. Running a business is hard and time-consuming work. You cannot pick just anyone to take over. Someone with experience running a business is ideal. Someone with enough time in their life to dedicate to a business is another must. All of these values must be present in your choice for the best option.
Speaking with an experienced business law attorney can help you better understand your options when developing a succession plan.