You need to begin with a goal in mind and build from there - regardless of whether it's a family member or third party sale
Cash flow is the life blood of every business - without it you are dead
All businesses can always be run better - ensure you are focused on what gives you the most bang for your buck
Ensure there is the right mix between short-term and long-term financing. Are loans or equity the right choice?
If borrowing money, your lender relationship needs to be solid as this is usually your most important supplier
Ensure reporting is timely and meaningful and focus on the most important Key Performance Indicators ("KPI")
Ensure you understand the risks in your business and then mitigate the critical/important ones
Ensure your systems support your business and are able to adjust as your business changes
If not have a plan to address this as soon as possible
Ensure timelines are realistic and measure to determine where you are and whether you're still on track
Don't lose focus on things that are not your core competencies
Tax planning and legal should always be outsourced to get the best advice - seldom is this expertise in-house
Ensure your business is compliant with all regulatory requirements
Failure to do so can cause a business interruption
Janmar - Compliance - Article (pdf)
Download