Why you can’t do it all yourself 

Trying to grow your business and develop your exit plan while you’re knee-deep in the day-to-day can feel impossible. This is especially true if you run a creative or technical business that relies heavily on your own skills and knowledge, or you’re the principal new business winner. 

You may have caught yourself thinking, “I need another one of me.” But while a clone might give you more capacity, it won’t bring the added energy of fresh ideas, objectivity, and strategic insight. That’s where working with an exit planning business adviser makes all the difference – giving you perspective, focus, and the motivation to move your business forward into the final stage of your ownership… 

Why you need a business adviser 

You might seek a business adviser for any number of reasons. Perhaps you want to grow your company, improve leadership skills, or build a management team to take on more responsibility in advance of a sale; or maybe you simply want to inject some renewed energy into your business if you are finding it all a bit of a grind. 

Whatever your motivation, the key to getting the most from an adviser is choosing the right one – someone who fits your business, your personality, and your ambitions. 

Seven essential qualities of a great business adviser 

(based on insights by Lolly Daskal, Inc. magazine) 

1. Experience
   Whatever issues you encounter, chances are your business adviser has already been through them. Learn from their experience and a diverse client base, and you can avoid many of the common pitfalls of running a business. 
2. Fresh, unbiased opinions
   A good business adviser integrates smoothly with your team while still bringing an independent, external perspective. Even the most creative thinkers sometimes need help seeing things in a new light, especially when it’s a one in a lifetime event such as your exit. 
3. Ability to motivate
   Starting a business is exciting, but maintaining momentum can be harder. A good adviser teaches you strategies to stay focused, productive, and positive including into that tricky final phase pre-exit 
4. Business connections
   As the saying goes, it’s lonely at the top. Working with an adviser is a great way to broaden your network, meet like-minded business owners, and open doors to new opportunities. Your exit may not be the end of your business career. 
5. A champion
   A business adviser understands your professional and personal goals – and is behind you every step of the way. From keeping you accountable to celebrating your successes, they act as a trusted supporter. An exit is a personal as well as a business decision. 
6. Provider of focus
   Many business owners welcome help staying on course. A good adviser helps clarify your vision and ensures you don’t lose sight of what truly matters. If the rest of life depends on getting the right exit you need the right adviser. 
7. Action- and outcome-oriented
   A business adviser helps you turn ideas into action, ensuring that plans and promises actually get delivered. 

One more trait that makes the difference 

Beyond these seven essential qualities, one more trait that truly distinguishes a great adviser: 

The chemistry has to be right. You should feel listened to, understood, and supported – both professionally and personally. When that connection is there, your adviser stops feeling like an external consultant and starts feeling like a genuine partner in your business journey. 

Putting it into practice 

The good news is, you don’t need a clone – you need the right business adviser. Someone who can function as part of your team while maintaining independence and objectivity. Someone who can work side-by-side with you to achieve your exit planning goals and help you see your business through fresh eyes. 

At Henchards, we’ve been supporting business owners for over 20 years. We bring the experience, focus, and motivation you need to take your business into its final phase under your ownership. 

Ready to see what the right adviser could do for your business?
Get in touch today to start the conversation and discover how we can help you achieve the exit you desire.