Entrepreneurs

October 27, 2021  by

MEDIA: Business Building a Key Part of Innovation (The Hill Times Op Ed)

This Op Ed was published by The Hill Times on October 25, 2021, in conjunction with its Innovation Policy Briefing.

Innovation tends to be viewed as something that is associated with labs, microscopes, and other technical spaces, and although it might start here, this is not where it ends.  Products of invention that are viable in the marketplace do not get to customers on their own; rather, there is a need to develop this important connection point, which often involves building a business.

There is a common misconception that the “invention” phase of innovation is the hard part, and although it is far from easy, the “build a business” component can be equally, if not more, difficult.  It is at this point where the potential of what has been developed thus far can be stopped in its tracks, with novel products failing to reach the marketplace and generate a revenue stream.  This situation represents a dual loss, as the innovation does not get the opportunity to benefit whoever it was designed to help, and there is little in the way of financial returns to offset the investment that was made during the research stage.  Unfortunately, this is the fate of many “bright ideas”, often because the business aspect has been underestimated, underfunded, or not prioritized.

Building innovation-based companies that are robust and sustainable represents an opportunity to create a foundation for further development, a cycle that is well positioned to generate ongoing economic wealth.  This challenging task is too often left to those with primarily technical backgrounds, lacking formal business education and experience.  Although technical founders certainly have relevant skills and experience to contribute (product and business development are good examples), leading and growing a company requires a different skillset, with a depth of experience in areas such as management, finance, raising capital, and scaling early-stage companies.  In other words, this complex task, which tends to unfold in the uncertainty of emerging markets, requires a collaborative range of competencies in order to achieve success.

Equally important is ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to the business-oriented areas of the company, such as finance, sales, human resources, compliance, and administration, as the technical (or product) function tends to already be well established.  Access to adequate levels of “smart money”, including venture capital and growth-oriented financing, is integral to the process, as companies tend to be financially challenged when they are on the brink of achieving significant milestones.  Having emerged from the early days of small fundraises and research or business start grants, young companies that have attracted customers and opportunities to generate larger revenue streams too often find themselves with an insufficient capital base, with many simply unable to get past this stage.

Although Canada has a growing venture capital industry, it is much smaller than the US, when considered on a pro rata basis (For 2019 venture capital investment, Pitchbook reported $136.5 billion in the US, while the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association reported $6.2 billion, approximately one-half of the 10% measure typically used for comparison to the US market, prior to including foreign exchange).  Raising money can be extremely difficult, and although not all businesses are worthy of investment, many promising companies are left unfunded; those that are led by women or minorities face even greater challenges.  Businesses that are successful in raising capital and generating significant growth tend to encounter limits in the level of investment that can be raised, with a need to look beyond Canada’s borders or relocate elsewhere.  It is difficult to find Canadian innovation-based companies with a dominant global presence, as compared to those such as Google, Amazon, or Apple, representing a missed opportunity to bring Canadian technologies to the world and build significant wealth here.

Canada’s innovation strategy would benefit from a greater emphasis on the commercialization stage, with a specific focus on building a business around commercially viable intellectual property, to create capacity, distribution, and a revenue stream.  Sufficient growth capital and targeted business advice are required in order to achieve this on a sustainable basis, resisting the temptation to cycle back to the invention stage, in terms of funding and attention.  The road to opportunity is ahead, and it requires a greater degree of practical input and engagement from experienced business minds in order to reach its full potential.

in Business & Strategic Planning / Business Transactions / Early Stage Financing / Entrepreneurs / Financing / Insights / Media / News / Venture Capital 0 comments
September 28, 2020  by

MEDIA: When the Stores Come to You (Winnipeg Free Press)

There’s no doubt that COVID19 has impacted the way that we live, be it what we do (less), where we go (not far), and perhaps, most apparent, how we do things (differently).  Although there’s been a shift in how consumers procure goods and services that has been evolving for some time, the days of COVID19 have left many looking for solutions, some of which are not entirely new.

Consider shopping.  The rise of companies like Amazon and improved online shopping and delivery services from a range of retailers have changed how consumers interact with the retail experience.  We’ve come a long way from the nostalgic home delivery services of mid-last century, evolving through a time where mobility was all the rage (think malls, super malls, and the ultimate retail lifestyle experience) to arrive at a period when convenience is perhaps the most important consumer driver, closely followed by selection.  Online and mobile technologies have made a lot of this possible, but improvements in the area of logistics might be an even more important piece, something that is still very much in progress.

Fast forward to a range of upstart companies seeking their space in this lucrative market; fueled by the gig economy of those who have capacity to sell, as we’ve seen in areas such as ride sharing and short term home rentals.  I discussed one of these shopping/errand companies in a recent interview, where consumers can receive groceries and other items from various stores in their area, delivered in one convenient order

Although these services might bring important convenience in times of COVID19, will they last?  The impact of demographics might allow at least some of these companies to survive into the future, with evident trends including aging Baby Boomers, older seniors living in their homes for longer, and some geographic areas where the availability of younger family members to help is limited.

Market opportunity, however, is only one side of the equation; consider the following keys to success:

  • Capacity.  Delivery companies are only in business if they can attract and retain a sufficient number of drivers/contractors to provide services.  In a competitive world with a limited pool of potential “gig” contractors, which companies will be in the best position to attract them?  As a side note, beware of the potential for these workers to be deemed as employees for income tax and other purposes, which could represent a costly impact and need for business model revision.
  • Know the market/area where success is possible.  As this type of service offering is local, the geographic area must be sufficient to draw contractors, customers, and be competitive.  Those who do the math will realize that this isn’t so easy, especially on a sustainable basis.
  • Implementation.  Some might say that the devil is in the details; those who have been business operators know that the devil is in implementation.  Young companies can plan their service offering, but success is only realized by way of strong implementation on a sustainable basis, and with this type of logistical, “transaction heavy” business that utilizes a casual workforce, lots can go wrong.
  • Keeping up with the future.  Recognize that these companies will have to evolve in order to be sustainable, in areas such as enhanced logistics (think autonomous vehicles) and providing a competitive offering, where customers see value over the service cost.  This includes understanding costs, down to the last detail, as well managed and better capitalized companies will be in a stronger position to compete over the long term.

There’s no doubt that we will continue to see changes in how we live, including over what is expected to be another challenging season of COVID19 into the Fall and Winter.  Companies considering their next steps would benefit from the advice of those who have experience in building and managing businesses; it’s an advantage to have strength in your corner.

 

 

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May 20, 2020  by

Staring it Down: The Family Business Time Bomb Meets COVID-19

Blog Post published by Evelyn Jacks of Knowledge Bureau

We couldn’t have predicted the devastating economic effects of the pandemic on small businesses when we wrote the book, Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb.  But if there was ever a time for families to address the issue of what to do next in guiding their business out of stormy waters, it’s now. This is the book to help you and your clients through it. Here’s how my co-author, Jenifer Bartman describes the opportunity:

“Remember all of those times when you thought (or your clients thought) that something that happens on the other side of the world can’t impact your company? The current COVID-19 crisis is a case in point that demonstrates that the exact opposite is true. While business leaders are challenged to manage their companies, determine if they qualify for relief programs, or simply survive, many are likely realizing that their systems, processes, and financial information need to be much stronger.  Strategies to implement now and carry into the future are in demand and Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb was written to stare down challenges and win, even when we can’t always predict what the specific circumstances might be.”

It is clear the critical questions have intensified.  What should owner-managers do now with the family business, mid-pandemic, and at a time when boomers are contemplating retirement? Will the business sell for the millions owners hope for, limp into bankruptcy, or just wind down?  Worse still, will family relationships survive it all?

The answer lies in the family’s ability to embrace these unprecedented changes to re-imagine the purpose of the business beyond the pandemic, and then to drive that renewed purpose to build and transition a scalable company that has value beyond the original owner.

But at the same time, it is important to focus on the family relationships that will either suffer or thrive along the way. The reason? Even more damaging than the economic fallout of the pandemic is that the most promising and profitable company could perish when the investment in the family business is marred by family conflict.

While it is normal for a typical family business to be inundated with challenge and change, we all know these are not normal times. Never have so many potential threats been evident at the same time:

  • The disruption of the pandemic: While some “re-imagined” companies will enjoy a successful rebirth in these times, many may not survive.  It is critical that a Real Wealth Management™ team of specialists be engaged to do a 360-degree analysis of the short and long term “what if” factors.  The family needs to understand tax, legal and financial circumstances and plan proactively to get through them.
  • Demographic factors: aging Baby Boomer owners have a limited number of potential successors, and now a shorter runway to revamp valuations within the tepid economic growth cycle they find themselves in.
  • Disruption of key industries: new and complex business models require a rapid pivot. It’s all virtual all the time, and like the internet and computer revolution before that, working from home and conducting Zoom meetings will not fade away. This is the mainstream way to conduct business and it is here to stay.  The unprecedented speed that digital/technological advancement has been forced upon the globe requires an enormous rebuild for many businesses. This could reduce expected valuations and make transition to new owners either irrelevant or much more costly.
  • Dramatic change in the global economy: There is no doubt that the recession Canada now finds itself in is making strategic planning more In good times, the big worry is the escalation of the cost of doing business and shrinking profit margins.  In these bad times, the enemy is the absence of revenue. It requires the remaking and repositioning of the value of the company in completely new pursuit, as forecasts will likely be more important than historical trends. Astute professional help from experienced accounting and business valuation specialists can save exit expectations.
  • Uncertain tax rules: There is no doubt that the complex new tax changes, restrictions to family income sprinkling, and a new clawback of the small business deduction all impact profitability, investment opportunities, and access to capital. This challenge could be especially difficult for young entrepreneurs or successors who want to scale up the business for the future. However, the various wage and rent subsidy programs have been complex. They have tax implications and more importantly, bring with them a higher probability of tax audit risk in multiple departments:  GST/HST, payroll and personal/corporate income tax.
  • Typical family business problems: conflict, apathy, sudden or emerging illness, or control issues can affect relationships, decision-making, and ultimately the health of both entities: the family and the company. Exhausted business owners who have been working overtime just to hang on and meet their obligations are likely not endearing themselves to the families that resent their efforts to save the business.

Whether you or your clients are long-time business owners getting ready to transition out, or a sudden new entrant to the “gig economy” due to pandemic-induced unemployment, the good news is that you are likely poised to grow and expand, once the dust settles. You will appreciate this book for its contemporary and practical advice on how to get the next phase write, from the ground floor up.

It brings a common-sense approach to the challenges associated with building a company that has the potential to be sold to someone else in the future, despite the current crisis.

I know I speak with my co-author, Jenifer as I say this: we wrote Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb to help prepare for the most explosive challenge in a generation. Specifically,  the retirement of the Baby Boomers and transition of their companies to a new guard, who face pitfalls and opportunities of their own, most especially now. We hope you will order it, gift it to your business owner friends and clients, and start numerous new discussions about the bright economic future ahead, once we get past these storm clouds.

Jenifer Bartman, CPA, CA, CMC, MFA™, is the Founder and Principal of Jenifer Bartman Business Advisory Services, assisting companies in transition (early, financing, growth, and succession stages) with growth strategies, financing readiness, strategic/business planning, and executive coaching. Jenifer is well known for her venture capital and early stage financing expertise, having been an executive in the industry and an advisor to many young companies. She appears on the CBC News Network Weekend Business Panel. She tweets @JeniferInc.

Evelyn Jacks, MFA™, DFA-Tax Services Specialist™, is one of Canada’s most prolific financial authors, having penned over 50 books on personal tax and family wealth management, many of them bestsellers. A well-known tax and financial commentator, she has twice been named one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence. Evelyn is also President of Knowledge Bureau, a national educational institute focused on professional development of tax and financial advisors. Follow her on twitter @evelynjacks, and here in Knowledge Bureau Report.

Copies may be reserved online, or by calling 1.866.953.4769.

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January 29, 2020  by

Creating Space for Life to Happen: We all have a role to play in changing the conversation

This article was published by the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association on January 29, 2020, Bell Let’s Talk Day, in support of mental health initiatives in Canada. We are grateful to have an opportunity to speak out on this important issue. If you need help, please call 911 or access resources here. Remember, you are not alone.

“How are you?”

Three simple words that we hear or read most days, so familiar that we don’t always consider the question.  We respond: “I’m fine”, “OK”, or “not bad”, with slight impatience, moving on to whatever is next.  There are times when we are the furthest thing from fine, but we say that we are, anyway.  Perhaps, we believe that how we are feeling is not relevant to the conversation, that others are not interested enough to care, or that it is a sign of weakness or embarrassment to admit to being anything other than top-shelf.  Maybe, it was that one time we were honest about our feelings, on a particularly bad day.  Watching another person’s face fall, then look away and awkwardly move to another topic was enough to make us vow that feelings are best kept inside (and certainly out of business talk).

So, every day, many of us tell others that we are fine when we are not, when the reality is “I am hurting”, “I am tired”, “I need help”, or “I am lost”.  These are feelings that we are reluctant to share and just because we keep them inside doesn’t mean that they go away.  Instead, we carry them and they become part of us, and doing so can be exhausting.

The ability to move forward through whatever ails us is a trait that is revered, one that tends to be associated with leaders and trailblazers who generate success and get things done.  Entrepreneurs and business leaders are prime examples; carrying the stress of both their role and the challenge of moving a company forward in an increasingly competitive world.  Add the needs of employees, customers, investors, and others into the mix and there is often no time to be anything other than “fine”; at least, on the outside.

But there is more to the business leader role than its exterior.  On the inside, it can be a very lonely place; sometimes, to a point that it hurts.  Entrepreneurs often say that they love their work, are passionate about it, and would not do anything else, given the choice.  They work around the clock, day, after week, after year, without fully realizing that they are running on empty.  It can take someone in a position of trust to give a business leader permission to step off the treadmill, before they fall.  Do we see the signs?  Do we make the effort often enough?

When it comes to building a successful company, sustainability is critical, as there is tremendous benefit to be realized when a business thrives over the long term.  Sustainability is equally important at the entrepreneur/business leader level, setting the stage to add significant value over time.  Financial partners and those in governance positions can play an impactful role in identifying and supporting strategies that create the foundation for a sustainable company.  Fundamental to this is making wellness a priority; here are some ways to help:

  • Listen.  Deeply, compassionately, and quietly.  Asking “how’s it going?” means being prepared for a variety of responses and taking the time to be understanding and supportive when difficulties arise.  This includes being fully present in the moment, comfortable in silence, and resisting the reflex to “fix” things.  Remember that the person across the table has a family and others who depend upon them; they could also be dealing with a challenging life situation that all of us encounter at some point.  Create space for life to happen.
  • Make depth a priority. Business leaders tend to carry the ball for much more than their share of the game; this is particularly true for young and high growth companies.  With sustainability in mind, ensure that corporate objectives and financial resources include a tangible plan for creating depth, starting with the CEO and other senior roles.  While entrepreneurs might claim “it’s easier if I do things myself”, this approach does not support growth, nor will it get the company to where it needs to go.  Pay careful attention to the CFO or senior finance role, as these tend to be overburdened positions.  Bottom line: a company cannot afford to have its key people become casualties of burnout (and they cannot afford it either).
  • Identify resources that can help. Young companies do not always have the financial resources or need for a full complement of senior level roles; however, this is not a reason to bypass doing so.  Experienced advisors have the ability to step into contract or part-time roles and make an immediate impact, taking on responsibilities from overwhelmed founders and bringing a level of expertise that the company might not be able to afford at its current stage of development (keep in mind that it is often the administrative and finance areas that get overlooked, becoming lagging problem areas). Financial and governance partners should have a deep network of resources that can fill these roles, be it on a short term or ongoing basis, providing options to help companies move forward more quickly and competently.
  • Check in often; mind, body, and spirit. Business meetings need not be solely about dollars and cents.  Successful implementation of a growth plan relies heavily on the quality of a company’s team, so it is important to recognize that strength comes from more than just the mind; the body and spirit also matter.  Encourage entrepreneurs and business leaders to spend time interacting where wellness is the priority; events on a regular basis can be particularly helpful.  Financial partners can play a leadership role, giving the all-important green light to take a more holistic and sustainable approach.

We all have people who have passed through our lives, who we would give any amount of time to see again.  To sit, talk, laugh, and savour the moment; to be generous with our time.  This perspective reminds us that life is fleeting and that the time that we spend together is more important than we know; not just to us, but to others as well.

We can change the conversation, and there is nothing but benefit in doing so.  Our dialogue might begin with “How are you?”, but it can continue with the power and presence of saying “I am here for you.  Let’s talk”.

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August 19, 2019  by

Giving up on the 1-Yard Line: Finding triumph over mistakes that companies make

This article was published by CMC Canada in the Summer 2019 issue of Consult.

In my many years as a business advisor and venture capitalist, I have seen companies make a lot of mistakes.  There have certainly been successes, but mistakes, unfortunately, are a lot more common.  Some of the ones that are the most damaging are those that are analogous to “giving up on the 1-yard line”, where after a prolonged period of time of working, pushing forward, and focusing on their game, a company’s leadership throws up its collective hands and says, “I’m done”.  Why is this so harmful?

First, this situation tends to occur when facing challenging tasks that are integral to the success of a company; examples include areas such as properly conducted business planning, implementation of fundamental systems and processes, and successfully attracting financial and strategic partners.  Appropriately addressing these areas tends to take far more work than business leaders anticipate; they also represent initiatives that might be entirely new.  As a result, the keen enthusiasm that is apparent when a project begins tends to fade to an attitude of “we don’t need to work this hard”.

Second, companies sometimes have difficulty focusing on priorities, as key areas tend to be far less glamorous that the “fun” aspects of being in business, such as designing a new logo, touring office space options, or chatting up prospective partners that the company has little potential of actually attracting.  Days get filled with these activities, that are more about busy-ness and less about results, decreasing the amount of available time to focus on the real work that needs to get done.  This is a hard lesson that business leaders tend to discover far too late, and can be as damaging as losing key customers or running out of money.  Full stop.

A better approach is recognizing that advisors who have “been there” and “done that” are in a unique position to provide the important leverage that companies need, to ensure that they are focusing on the right things, conducting their work at a quality level, and not running out of steam.  How can this be achieved?

  • Priorities are not always obvious. Amazing, but true.  Business leaders can get so caught up in the challenges of running the company on a day-to-day basis, dealing with staff members, and responding to customer needs that they are unsure (or unaware) about the steps that should be taken to make meaningful progress on a corporate level and might lack the experience of what is required in order to do so.  Advisors can play a key role by identifying and prioritizing task items and keeping the implementation process on track.  All of these areas are common pitfalls and represent the difference between starting something and actually getting it done (activity does not equate to meaningful progress).
  • Experienced advisors are the “acid test”. Advisors with a strong experience and qualification base understand where important initiatives need to “get to”, such as what financial partners need to know in order to make a decision.  Companies tend to take the view that “what we provide to them will be good enough”, failing to understand the woeful inadequacy of this approach.  Using raising capital or financing as an example, experienced financial partners have typically reviewed more opportunities than they can count and operate in an environment of limited money and an investment mandate that guides selection.  They very quickly slot opportunities into a category, and chances are, it won’t be the “yes” file.  Experienced advisors have a skillset that is extremely valuable; one that can help a company put its best foot forward and anticipate what is required in order to get to a successful outcome.  Be sure to probe an advisor’s qualifications to ensure that they are the right fit for the particular initiative at hand.
  • Utilize skill to get there, faster and better. Teams who spend the whole game running around on the field, for the sake of running around, don’t win very many games.  Coaches of successful teams know how and when to utilize resources in a manner where they can make the best contribution, including recognizing that there are times when specialized help is needed.  This is where an experienced advisor can play an important role, providing the necessary expertise to quarterback complicated plays and get to the endzone more quickly.  Business leaders sometimes do not appreciate the value of resources with the right experience; this fact tends to get reinforced in times of poor advice, from those who are not qualified to help, or when receiving no assistance at all.  A company might not recognize the weaknesses that result, but the external party that they are trying to impress likely does.

These lessons might seem relatively straightforward, but reality reflects something quite different, as fumbles and mishaps in all of these areas, and numerous others, are quite common.  What can make a big difference is perspective; stepping back to see how far an initiative has come, the relatively short journey that remains, its level of priority, and what success requires.  If business leaders did this more often, there would be far fewer companies walking off the field with only one yard left to go.

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March 25, 2019  by

A World Away from Yesterday

This article was published by CMC Canada.

There was a time when it was a given that a family business would be passed from one generation to the next; in many cases, it was just a matter of time.  Over the course of 20 or 30 years in business, things changed, but not at the pace or in the manner that has been the case over the past few years.

We have certainly seen the impact of demographics and technological disruption on business succession, but there’s also considerations that relate to changes in the global economy and the financial uncertainty that continues to evolve.  Consider the following factors, in terms of their impact on both the current operations and future viability of family businesses:

Trade relations.  Recent years have brought numerous trade developments, including tariffs, disputes, and negotiation of new agreements, such as the USMCA (to replace NAFTA).  This agreement not only includes new clauses, it has also created uncertainty, given the lengthy negotiation timeframe and the fact that it is yet to be formally enacted.  In addition, ongoing trade discussions between the US and China and the friction associated with the detainment of a Huawei executive have left many countries wondering what the outcome will be, along with uncertainty associated with Brexit, the European Union, and turmoil in Venezuela.  This state of flux impacts critical areas such as business investment and growth strategies, as well as financial performance, when unexpected tariffs and trade bans come into play (the case of Canadian canola imports being halted by China is a recent example).

Ally uncertainty.  For those of us who have been on this Earth for a while, there has been relative consistency in terms of who are considered to be global allies and those who are foes to be regarded with caution.  In challenging times, it has been a given that countries such as Canada and the United States would work together with allies in Europe and the rest of the Commonwealth to protect interests and combat potential harm.  In recent years, traditional alliances have become less certain, with US leadership effectively reducing its global profile and “making nice” with questionable regimes.  Besides the obvious “headline” appeal, the reality is that economic circumstances tend to follow relationships, and when uncertainty occurs, it could translate into business risks, and sometimes, opportunities, if the situation is approached effectively.  Regardless, companies are impacted by these developments, even if they occur in faraway places (think about the realities faced by farmers and everyone who counts them as customers, when Canadian canola shipments are turned away by China).

Financial matters.  In addition to how trade, alliance, and global economic factors could impact a company, there are also matters closer to home that contribute to changing times.  Consider areas such as increasing interest rates, changes in tax legislation, and the challenges associated with access to capital.  Canadian businesses have seen significant tax changes in recent years, some proposed, some enacted.  In addition to the real life implications, business leaders have had to seek specialized advice to understand areas such as income splitting and potential clawback of the small business deduction.  Potential successors are challenged to procure the necessary capital in order to undertake a business transaction, in an investment and financing environment that has become increasingly competitive and complex, as financial partners also monitor global developments.

The bottom line is that a company must have the ability to demonstrate marketplace relevance well into the future; in the absence of doing so, there is no basis to achieve ongoing successful operations, making transition irrelevant.  Leaders of tomorrow must be able to demonstrate a viable business model, strategy, and plan to make their time at the helm worthwhile, but also to secure the necessary capital to complete a succession transaction.  Current and future family business leaders can (and should) take action now by reading Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb.  A world of opportunity (and risk) awaits!

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February 19, 2019  by

At the Speed of Fright (I Mean, Light)

This article was published by CMC Canada.

The pace at which our world is evolving is one of those things that has become so common, we don’t always take the time to think about its impact.  Phones that are used to watch broadcast media, cars that don’t need gas or a driver to operate, personal “assistants” that can place orders on command, rockets that can essentially land themselves, mapping applications that make logistics a snap; these are phenomenal developments.  While these technologies and many others have made our lives easier, they have also presented significant challenges to the business community.  Consider the following:

  • Business model blow up.  The manner in which companies make money has changed dramatically in many cases, which cuts to the very heart of business; this is easily illustrated by the retail industry.  While stores used to be the primary shopping option, consumers now have access to a range of methods, including online, rapid delivery, subscription models, and mass media e-tailers.  Consumers have, in fact, come to demand these options, leaving companies to struggle to meet the pace of change, with many finding themselves in a too little, too late situation, unable to survive.  This disruption scenario is true in almost any industry.
  • Strategy break down.  In order to migrate a company through significant change, a key requirement is having a strategy that is proactive, comprehensive, and relevant.  These attributes are driven by having a thorough and timely understanding of the changes that are occurring in the external environment, including industry trends, technologies, and marketplace developments.  Too often, business leaders focus primarily on what’s occurring inside of their company, with a “they need us” mentality when it comes to customers.  This mindset is one that greatly jeopardizes the future of a company.
  • Resource reckoning.  New business models utilize resources differently; examples include the need for fewer people, different skillsets, roles that are held by technology, and utilizing strategic partnerships.  Each of these bring changes in workflow design, systems, processes, and costs (remember that costs directly impact pricing!).  Companies that do not proactively pursue the need to change how they work tend to get left behind at the worst of times, when more savvy competitors have implemented these methods, making it impossible for others to catch up and compete; which leads to this last point.
  • Financial shortfall.  Integral to a successful business is the ability to generate at least good financial performance (strong results are, of course, better), thereby creating the fuel to invest, grow, and sustain over the long term. When a company does not have the right business model, it isn’t in a position to build the appropriate strategies to utilize resources well and be competitive over the long term, which leads to poor financial results; it’s all connected.  Companies in this situation lack market relevance and are, too often, left without a future.  Think about what this means to a business leader who is depending on the transition of their company to someone else, as the basis to fund their retirement.

The reality is that many of the advancements that we live with today represent technologies that much of society could not have imagined even five years ago.  What will the next five years bring?  The next 10 years?  As technological advancement continues to accelerate, even the next two to three years will be highly significant.  Is your company ready to face this challenge?

Remember that challenge also brings opportunity, but only for those who are well positioned to approach it.  Learn more about the profound impact of disruption in the external environment, as well as how to take control and benefit from it by reading Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb.  The future of any company is based on its ability to continue to be relevant to the marketplace over the long term.  In today’s world, this is anything but a given.

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February 11, 2019  by

MEDIA: Appearance on SET for Success (680 CJOB Radio)

Pleased to have appeared on SET for Success on 680 CJOB with Richard Lannon discussing my new book, Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb.  Since many business leaders expect that their company will be sold at some point in time, often to fund their retirement, it is critical to understand the many challenges that could stand in the way of this goal, some of which might be surprising.  Business leaders tend to not fully appreciate potential problem areas, failing to realize just how high the likelihood is that their company will be impacted, putting their future plans at significant risk in the process.  Some hold the view that they “have it all figured out” or “don’t need to address those issues”, bringing a false sense of security and trouble at the worst possible time.  These scenarios are, unfortunately, all too familiar in the case of family business.

While it is typical for many family businesses to experience the “aches and pains” that are associated with members of a company having longstanding, personal relationships with one another (think conflict, role uncertainty, and the strife that comes with life developments such as divorce, illness, and death), there are other challenges that are just as important.  The world in which we live includes a number of external factors that make these days like no other, including:

  • Demographic factors: aging Baby Boomer business owners have a limited number of potential successors.  Do they know it?
  • Disruption of key industries: new and complex business models and rapid digital/technological advancement could reduce expected valuations and make transition to new owners either irrelevant or much more costly.  Is the company of relevance to customers, now and in the future?
  • Dramatic change in the global economy: making strategic planning difficult, increasing competition, and escalating the cost of doing business, thereby shrinking profit margins.  Can the company compete on a profitable basis?
  • Uncertain tax rules: new and complex tax changes, restrictions to family income sprinkling, and a clawback of the small business deduction all impact profitability, investment opportunities, and access to capital. This challenge could be especially difficult for young entrepreneurs or successors who want to scale up the business for the future.  Is the company getting the right advice?

Take a moment and think about each of these significant developments.  Any of these areas is a lot to deal with on its own, but when combined, these factors have the potential to stop a company in its tracks, making succession or sale of the business unattainable.  Consider what the impact of this discovery could mean to a business leader, their retirement, the future of the company, and the family.

This book helps business leaders to understand the areas that need to be addressed, now, including practical guidelines for facilitating important conversations with key advisors.  Doing so not only helps to improve how a company operates today, but can also address the issues of tomorrow, including succession, sale of business, strategic partnerships, and seeking investment capital.  These areas are also of key relevance to entrepreneurs and potential successors, who face unique challenges of their own.

You can listen to our conversation here.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help; your company, family, and peace of mind will be better for it.

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January 31, 2019  by

Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb: 4 Important Threats to Understand, Now!

This article was published by CMC-Canada in the Winter, 2019 edition of Consult


The Top 4 Threats to your Family Business in 2019
Many of us are familiar with family business leaders in our community; perhaps, you were raised in this environment or are managing a company yourself.  Family businesses represent a considerable segment of the Canadian economy and have the potential to be unstoppable; where everyone works together to move forward with common purpose.  Family businesses, however, can also be plagued with the conflict and strife that tend to be associated with relationships that are close, personal, and longstanding; this reflects the other side of the coin.  By their very nature, family businesses can be tricky.

There is something more, however, that business leaders need to be concerned about; something that could impact the future of both their company and their family’s wealth, and it is simply this: Family businesses are facing the most explosive challenge in a generation.  The reason?  Seldom have so many potential threats been evident in our external environment, many of which make headlines on a daily basis.  Consider the following:

  • Demographic factors.  Experienced advisors know that the majority of aging business owners do not have a succession plan and research has supported this finding over the years.  They also do not fully appreciate the reality that there are a limited number of potential successors, in terms of those who have the necessary skills, interest, and capital to take over a company.  This fact alone has the potential to halt business transition in its tracks.
  • Disruption of key industries.  The manner in which we live has, and continues, to change.  Consumers and companies procure goods and services differently than in the past, resulting in the need for new and complex business models, many of which are supported by rapid digital and technological advancement.  Companies that do not keep up with marketplace expectations not only face declining demand, but also the risk of obsolescence, in terms of transition to someone else.  This can be a sobering and disappointing reality for many business leaders.
  • Significant change in the global economy.  The daily headlines in our world are often characterized by widespread change, including in areas such as trade, tariffs, political alliances, and business requirements.  This ongoing evolution brings uncertainty, with the potential to significantly impact a company’s planning efforts, financial results, and valuation upon transition.
  • Uncertain financial times.  Recent tax changes in a number of areas have generated many questions from family business leaders, impacting areas such as income distribution and investment opportunities.  When coupled with increasing interest rates, accessing the capital that is so integral to business growth and transition strategies could become increasingly difficult, a challenge that especially impacts young entrepreneurs and potential successors.

Any one of these developments can have a significant impact, but when combined, it could create a situation that is impossible for an unprepared company to overcome.  When these areas are considered in the context of typical family business problems, the stage is set for unprecedented challenge; one that impacts families, companies, and Canada’s business community as a whole.

The reality, however, is that many business leaders are unaware of the degree to which these factors have developed, often as a result of not spending a sufficient amount of time to fully understand the external environment, including industry and market trends and developments.  Since this is clearly a critical time for business leaders and their families, Evelyn Jacks and I decided to write our latest book, Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb.  This isn’t just another “family business book”; rather, it brings a common-sense approach to addressing the many challenges that are associated with building a company that has the potential to be sold to someone else in the future, all during highly uncertain times.

Here’s a final thought: As business leaders in great numbers face retirement, it is only the well managed and strategically positioned companies that will have relevance in the future, enabling them to be transitioned to someone else for a “good to great” level of value.  This stark reality is something that must be recognized by both founders and successors alike.

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January 21, 2019  by

Escaping the Demographic Trap

Many family business leaders have the expectation that their company will eventually be passed to the next generation and maybe even to the one after that.  Perhaps this is why they established the company in the first place: to provide for the family’s financial needs over the long term, building wealth and security in the process.  Having possession and control of this type of “economic engine” brings with it the power of options and the benefits that are associated with not having to rely on others to earn an income.  Achieving longevity isn’t so easy, however, as research indicates that successful passage of a company to future generations is not typical.

The current environment in which we live is characterized by a number of important realities that impact long term business survival: many companies are led by aging business leaders, most do not have a formal succession plan, and the next generation is getting restless.  Couple this with a backdrop of significant disruption, in terms of technological, economic, political, and social factors and it’s easy to recognize that these days are like no other.

Let’s briefly consider what the current demographic environment means, in the context of family businesses:

  • Business leaders are remaining engaged with their companies for a longer period of time, as traditional retirement has become less of a rite of passage and people are more inclined to lead an active life that includes work.  The other side of this trend includes realities such as needing to work longer to support lifestyle expenditures and indecision around how a company should be transitioned (and family squabbling doesn’t help).
  • Potential successors are seeing little advancement in terms of succession, resulting in the decision to consider other options, beyond that of the family business.  As successors themselves get older, this is understandable, however, it can blindside a founder, leaving them to wonder how their “succession plan” could have gotten away.  This could have serious implications for the future of a company, leaving the business leader to revisit the issue of succession entirely or little in the way of viable transition options.
  • The number of potential successors is limited, in that the next leader is only a realistic option if they have the necessary skills, interest, and capital to undertake a transaction.  This group is further reduced by family members who have moved on to pursue other opportunities, in a demographic group that is already smaller than the generations ahead of it.

When it comes to demographics, you can run, but you can’t hide.  At some point in time, all companies will require new leadership if they are to continue to operate, and the extent to which this can be done successfully is largely dependent on one thing: thoughtful and formal transition planning.  As simple as it might sound, research has shown that the vast majority of business leaders do not do this.

Learn more about the implications of demographics and how you can avoid the “trap” by reading Defusing the Family Business Time Bomb.   Use promo code familybusiness to save on the price of multiple copies, and pay no taxes and shipping costs on all purchases of our book, through January 27, 2019!  The future of your company and family’s income stream will thank you for it.

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