Using Life Insurance To Protect Your Key Employees
Most businesses rely on the work, experience and skills of a few valued employees who are key to the efficient running and profitability of the company. Whether a chairman, director or talented technician, the loss of such a crucial staff member could and often does result in lost revenue and even closure in some cases.
Many employers spend time and money protecting their tangible business assets such as buildings and machinery with traditional business insurance policies but, are often unaware of the potentially far greater risks due to the reliance on a few key employees.
Take a moment to think about the staff members who your everyday operation relies upon. Do you have a sales director or salesman who is responsible for generating the majority of your orders? Do you have any contingency plans to ensure normal working practices continue should your operations director or chairman die or be unable to work due to illness or injury? The reality is that many businesses are so busy working in the business to step back and consider the threats to it’s continued operation and profitability.
Another question to ask yourself is how easy would it be to find a replacement for a key employee and what would the cost of recruitment and training be? Does your business have any plans for this eventuality and where would the money to fund such an operation come from? You also have to factor in any potential loss in revenue from the temporary or permanent loss of a key member of staff.
Thankfully, part of the solution can be provided by a simple life insurance policy owned by the company which insure’s the life of the employee. If the employee were to die during the plan term, the company would receive a cash lump sum to fund the costs of finding a replacement and any loss of revenue. Many key man policies have a term matching the employees expected retirement date. Another risk to consider is the potential critical illness of a key employee causing lengthy absence or permanent loss. The statistics show that the chances of being diagnosed with a critical illness are greater than dying before age 65 so the risk to the company can also be greater. Adding critical illness insurance to a key man policy can ensure this risk is also covered and the cash lump sum also paid if the employee is diagnosed with an illness covered by the policy.
Whichever type of cover you choose, it’s important to shop around and compare policy features and premiums from as many insurers as possible. If you are in any doubt about buying life insurance for a key employee, it’s important take professional advice from an independent financial adviser. However, if you know what cover you need, go online and use a quote comparison site and look out for discount life insurance brokers who could save you as much as 40% by sacrificing some or all of their earnings to reduce the premiums you pay.
Getting Out of Business is a Process
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Getting out of business is a process. The length of time required to complete the process is directly related to the complexity of the business, and the circumstances underlying the decision to get out. Planning how you exit your business is just as important as how you started it.
The exit process, timing of events; and tasks associated need to be tailored to the type and complexity of the business. Each case is individual because reasons for dissolution differ, and problems that arise are unique to each circumstance. The following checklist contains key elements that should be evaluated as early in the exit process as possible to eliminate pitfalls later on.
The process for exiting a business should include evaluation of the following points:
1. Engage Professionals & Consultants as Team Members.
2. Prepare a List of Assets & Perform a Physical Inventory.
3. Perform a Valuation of the Business.
4. Prepare Detailed Plan & Assign Responsibilities.
5. Release Announcements & Notices.
6. Conclude or Transfer Contract Obligations.
7. Dispose of & Transfer Assets.
8. Settle Accounts Payable & Debt Obligations.
9. Prepare Final Financial Statements & Tax Returns
10. File Articles of Dissolution.
11. Prepare & Issue Special Filings, Notices, Informational Returns, & Taxes.
12. Receive Tax Clearance Notice.
13. Close Bank Account.
14. Store Business Records
The process for successfully exiting a business requires the same amount if not even more planning as starting the business. While the process may be easier, it is likely to be less enjoyable and more stressful. The best advice for business owners is to incorporate potential exit strategies in the early stages of setting up their business. Vigilance and diligent managerial oversight is needed to ensure that complications and problems which could affect dissolution, and net value, do not develop into roadblocks. When the time comes to divest or sell the business, be sure to engage the relevant expertise needed, and prepare an action plan.
We Buy Your Business enables clients an opportunity to sell businesses and business assets fast for cash. If your exit strategy requires a quick divesture option Contact WBYB for cash offer NOW. Website: www.WeBuyYourBusiness.com
Liquidating your Business Assets Can be an Efficient and Prudent Exit Strategy
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In today’s dynamic business environment you’re either Growing or Going…out of business that is! If you’re part of the latter contingent and have made the decision to get out of a business but are unable to transition your business internally or sell it as an intact entity, full or partial liquidation of assets may be an appropriate exit strategy. Asset liquidation can provide quick cash and assist in diversifying equity. However, before you terminate your lease, sell a key piece of equipment, or disconnect your utilities, make sure you have a well-thought-out plan.
Getting out of business successfully requires careful planning from start to finish. If you are looking at asset liquidation as a part of your exit strategy, consider incorporating the following recommendations into your plan to increase your chances for success.
1. Talk to your lawyer and accountant.
2. Establish the liquidation value of your assets; remember liquidation vs. retail value can differ substantially.
3. Identify the best venue and timetable to sell your assets.
4. Arrange the sale at the most appropriate location with an expert.
5. Use a non-recourse bill of sale.
Understanding and incorporating these steps into your exit plan will not only help you recover as much money as possible, they may also help you achieve the freedom needed to pursue new endeavors.
It is important to note that the recommendations discussed above are intended to serve as a general overview to assist with the asset liquidation process. It is not a substitute for case-specific advice that only your lawyer and/or accountant can provide. Also, depending on the situation and necessity of business divesture, the cooperation of creditors may need to be considered. Cover your bases and talk to the experts before liquidating any assets that may be in question.
Initiate the process by preparing a current inventory of your business assets. Include photographs, serial numbers and a brief description of the condition of each item if possible. A thorough inventory will save considerable time and expense as you navigate the sale process and can be invaluable if you are asked to provide documentation for creditors or the Internal Revenue Service.
Next, start preparing your assets for sale. To elicit the best offers, take care that you do not diminish the appeal of your most marketable items by lumping them in with outdated or worn-out equipment, furniture or inventory. In most cases the most lucrative value of these lesser items may be in the form of a tax deduction, so why not donate them to an appropriate charity?
Finally, don’t overlook your intangible assets. For example, is your lease assignable? Are the business licenses, permits, patents or trademarks that you hold in demand? Can they be transferred? Is there a market for your customer list, contract rights or accounts? You may need to check with your attorney or accountant to determine what information and agreements are transferable but once cleared these types of assets can also provide a substantial return.
We Buy Your Business (WBYB) provides cash offers for all assets in order to assist in the liquidation process. Please contact your WBYB representative for more information at www.WeBuyYourBusiness.com