Key takeaways from the “always ready to sell” webinar: insights from industry experts on proactive business preparation.
November’s webinar brought together leading voices to discuss the importance of proactive readiness for business transitions. Rich Tobin (Midaxo), Ken Wiesenfeld (Wise Financial Consulting), and John Mackey (The Mackey Group) came together for a live Q&A. Their combined experiences illuminated several recurring themes that are vital for business owners preparing for growth, investment, or eventual sale. If you missed the session you can watch it on demand, or read some of the highlights below.
The value of proactivity
One of the central messages was the necessity for business owners to be proactive, not just reactive, in preparing their companies for potential sale or transition. Ken Wiesenfeld shared firsthand how a lack of readiness during a major transaction led to a painful, high-pressure diligence process. This experience fueled his passion for helping others avoid similar pitfalls by embedding readiness into their long-term strategy.
Working on the business, not just in it
Both Ken and John emphasized the importance of dedicating time to strategic planning—working “on the business”, not just in the daily operations. This shift in focus allows owners to build value. It’s important to take time to identify risks and ensure the company is attractive to future buyers or investors. Structured planning and accountability, especially over a multi-year horizon, can make a substantial difference when the time for transition arrives.
Growth as a continuous process
John Mackey broadened the discussion by equating “always ready to sell” with “always ready to grow.” He noted that growth is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Engaging advisors and starting preparation six, twelve, or even thirty-six months in advance opens up more options for owners. It also positions their businesses for the best possible outcomes—whether that means selling, transitioning to other family ownership, or bringing in new investors.
Lessons from real-world transactions
The panelists shared stories of their own and of clients who’s lack of preparation led to chaos and missed opportunities. Conversely, when owners take the time to clean up financials, streamline operations, and shore up recurring revenue streams, their businesses become more valuable and transitions go more smoothly. These examples reinforced the idea that readiness reduces stress and maximizes value when the opportunity arises.
Conclusion
The “Always Ready to Sell” webinar underscored that business readiness is not just about selling, but about building a resilient, valuable enterprise ready for whatever the future holds. The actionable advice and real-life stories from these industry experts provide a compelling blueprint for owners who want to ensure they’re never caught off guard, and always positioned for success.
