The latest BCE events have me asking myself, “am I a planner?” Both the Business Plan Competition and the latest Brown Bag Discussion on succession planning, make me realize that looking ahead comes easy at some phases in life and harder at others.

Succession Planning
When I talked to folks about the succession planning event, many said that they “should” attend. In retrospect, I imagine it feels--perhaps unconsciously--disloyal to consider that discussion. Kind of like going to see a divorce lawyer when you’re happily married!

What did I learn at the event? That financial professionals can help you look forward into the unknown and help you make educated decisions about important and inevitable chapters in your life. That the earlier you consider your options, the more options you will have. And most importantly, that selling your business can involve years of transition.

Bob Sielscott, the CPA on our panel, talked about the often widely different ways buyers and sellers use to value a business. He explained his own methods to provide a value that both can agree on. Tim Sielschott, a financial planner, emphasized that no two businesses are alike and that strategies to sell them are very individual. Tim also suggested that you should begin thinking about succession planning at about age 50. For our attendees it was a wonderful opportunity to learn from the experts and to start asking questions of themselves.

Business Planning
The evening before, I listened while instructor Kathy Keller--of the Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College--posed tough questions to our business plan competition class. In 25 words, what is the mission of your business? Name three measurable goals. Name three strategies to meet one of these goals. Name three actions to put one of those strategies in motion. Rapid fire answers from the class got instant feedback from Kathy.

When you are your own boss, you may not get much objective feedback. The goal of these BCE programs is to provide entrepreneurs with feedback from knowledgeable, invested community members. It works!

Next Brown Bag, Business Expo
So am I a planner? I am planning a bunch of events! At noon on February 27, we will host E-Payments, A Brown Bag Discussion on the 3rd floor of Bluffton Town Hall. Lauren Beasley and Seth Combs of Citizens National Bank will lead the conversation. Bring your lunch or just yourself! We’ll supply dessert. RSVP at [email protected] or 567-525-6667.

From 7-9 p.m. on March 26, we will be hosting the Business Plan Competition awards and business expo at Bluffton Town Hall. Please join us in a celebration of local entrepreneurs and learn about a dozen new products and services. Mark your calendar!

BlufftonEntrepreneurs.com, [email protected], (567) 525-6667