Infographic: Top Family Business Statistics You Need to KnowAugust 16, 2013

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Information graphics, aka “infographics,” are used to visually present statistical information in a compelling and easy-to-understand manner.  For family businesses, infographics are useful primarily for the overall impact they may have – especially if they encourage the pursuit of further knowledge or action.  There are family business-specific sources that bring these statistics to life, and …

Why All Family Businesses Should Start Succession Planning TodayAugust 9, 2013

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Succession planning is likely the most common topic presented by family business advisors and other experts, but for good reason.  It is something every family business should do, yet less than 70% of them make it to the second generation, in part due to lack of a plan.  Succession planning may seem overwhelming and too …

Preventing Fraud in the Family BusinessAugust 6, 2013

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We’ve all read about business fraud, perhaps even in our local region.  A trusted employee is discovered to have diverted company funds to themselves for years – the results being a loss of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, the former employee facing at least public humiliation for the crime, if not jail time, …

Five Common Causes of Family Business Feuding and How to Avoid ThemJune 28, 2013

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Family Feud the game is fun to watch.  Family feud in the family business is like watching a train wreck.  It’s hard to put a good spin on the word “feud.”  It implies more than just a disagreement, but rather a longstanding and deeply-rooted standoff.  It would be unrealistic to expect all family members to …

Financial Considerations for Family Businesses with Aging OwnershipJune 6, 2013

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An issue that family businesses inevitably face is having an owner who is heading to retirement (or planning on working until “the end.”) At this time, the “what ifs” begin to surface. What if the owner passes unexpectedly? What if there is no successor already chosen? What if no one else in the family knows …