The strategic process is a roadmap of specific objectives that will help meet the future goals of your business.   While you may have no plan to sell – operating and growing your business as if you are getting ready for an acquirer will help add considerable value whatever stage your business is in.  In order to do this entrepreneurs must solidify key strategic objectives and figure out how to get them done. Working with new partners, cleaning up your data room and finances, preparing for the psychological impact of disassociating yourself from daily operations, selecting your advisors, determining what potential buyers or investors will want to see in your business are all challenging steps of the entrepreneur journey.  There is no set process that works for every business so at the end of the day, it is up to the business owner to make the tough decisions and ensure the work is completed.  Hear from one entrepreneur to another considerations that can help prepare you for the ups and downs of business growth and transition such as: 

• The psychology and human impact of the strategic process (whether it be for growth or transition) 
• Identifying key barriers in your operations and processes that may be depleting value and need cleaning up (data room, shareholder loans, contracts, etc) 

• How to find a buyer and determine what they will be looking for  
• What it’s really like working with new partners