Most business owners spend the majority of their time working in their business instead of on their business. We can help ensure that the business protection needs that are critical to the long-term success of your business are taken care of.
You know what it takes to build a successful business. It takes vision, preparedness, skills and desire – not to mention a focused dedication to achieving your goals. If you are like most business owners, you’ve worked hard and made many sacrifices to grow your business. That’s why you should put just as much energy into protecting it as you did building it.
Ask yourself these important questions:
- Do I have a plan for my business when I retire?
- Is my business capable of continuing its success in the event of my or my partner’s untimely death or disability?
- Is my family adequately protected if something were to happen to me?
- Have I done everything I can to attract, retain and reward the key employees that are critical to my business?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you may want to consider implementing a formal business planning strategy. Proper planning can help you protect your business, attract and retain key employees, and help ensure that your business transfers in the manner in which you choose.
No business plan is complete without a financial strategy for the unexpected. Start by exploring all your protection options. Then develop a long-term strategy that can help protect the continuity of your business should you, a partner, or key employee decide to retire, leave the business, or unexpectedly dies or becomes disabled.
Study | Benefits | Protect | Succession Plan | Options | Key Employees | Disability | DI Income | DI Buy/Sell | Workplace | Exec Group Life
Business Valuations
Do you know how much your ownership interest in your business is currently worth? When was the last time you checked? You probably have a reasonable “guesstimate” of the value of your holdings, in case you ever decide to sell. However, that will not be enough if you want to establish future financial security for yourself, your family and your business. To plan properly, you need an accurate figure on the value of your holdings.
(IIG does not provide qualified business valuations. For a qualified business valuation, consult a properly credentialed appraiser).
True Business Value | Continuation | Estate Planning | Tax Rules | Odds of Liquidation | Fair Market Value
Funding Alternatives - Business Transition Mistakes
Perhaps the most common reason for these mistakes is that the buy-sell agreement is designed as “one size fits all.” Different types of ownership arrangements and relationships present different problems and require different solutions. Each of these types presents a unique set of problems requiring a unique set of solutions. Please ask about the Ten Business Transition Mistakes to avoid:
Business Succession Strategies
- Does the business have a Succession Plan that assures continuity of the enterprise, allocation of ownership as desired, and the full amount of cash needed for that event?
- Does the Succession Plan reduce income and estate taxes, and is it coordinated with the will and trusts established to care effectively for all family members?
- Are there Incentive Plans in place to provide the rewards needed by key employees and prevent them being “poached” by competitors?
Loan Cancellation Strategies
Are all Business Loans (from the founder, family members, or a bank) repaid swiftly in order to avoid default and foreclosure?
Two Warnings! More often than not, signing business loan paperwork causes the business owner to give up their right to "Notice" and "Court Trial.", and, "Judgement" may be taken against the business owner without their prior knowledge.
Neither IIG, MML Investors Services nor any of its employees or agents are authorized to give legal or tax advice. Consult your own personal attorney, legal or tax counsel for advice on specific legal and tax matters.
