Preparing for a sale — even if you have no plans to sell

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Abstract: Even when retirement is the last thing on a business owner’s mind, it’s never too early to start planning to sell. This article suggests that all businesses should conduct a periodic self-assessment to identify their strengths and weaknesses. The information gathered can help owners focus on the most promising aspects of the business and address any issues that may be hindering profitability — and might discourage potential buyers. A sidebar makes the case for performing a “soft” assessment of cultural assets.