Do You Treat Your Business Like A Farm or a School?

Well, come on, honestly, do you treat you business like a farm or a school?

Well known author, stephen Covey, develops an excellent metaphor around “cramming” (school) and “farming” (farm). He says that for long term benefit or to give things longevity then they need to be treated like a farm. For example, business relationships or  relationships of any kind, need to be treated like farming if you want them to be successful over time. By farming he means you need to be working on them all the time. Nurturing, developing and looking after them – long term.

On the other end of the scale you have what happens in schools and particular colleges and universities where students often leave everything until the last minute
and then cram for an exam. This gets he student a certificate but NOT an education, according to Covey. To become educated takes time – in otherwords, it’s farming.

What does this have to do with business, you ask? No, I’m not geting in to selling farms and schools!

To build a business “ready for sale” requires farming! It is a long term exercise if you want to sell for the best possible price and quickly and easily. Many aspects of a business which affect its value and saleability need to have a track record of consistency over a longish period of time. Usually a minimum of three years. A good track record of growth and profitability over a period of time are paramount – just to mention one aspect.

As I am committed to helping business owners realise their dreams through buying and selling businesses I am running some half day workshops on “The 7 Key Steps To Preparing A Business Ready Sale”. If you are interested in attending a workshop, or know someone who would like to attend just CLICK HERE for the details. If there isn’t a workshop in your area, just use the CONTACT US tab on the web site to request one! When there is enough demand I’m willing to go anywhere (well almost!).

Until the next time – remember, treat your business like “farming” and not a “school” – and like a well run farm it wil sustain you for a very long time.

Until the next post!

Regards
John