In Enid, succession planning is important for the stability and future growth of our local businesses. It’s particularly important for family-owned or small businesses, which form the core of our community’s economy. Succession planning is the process of preparing for the transfer of business leadership so companies continue to thrive even after the current leader has stepped down.

In a broad sense, it means preparing the next generation for the business challenges they will face so your company doesn’t flounder while the new leader gets their footing. Succession planning involves a lot of careful considerations and a little bit of legal advice. If you are considering passing your business to the next generation, call Outhier & Caruthers, PLLC, for personalized solutions that meet your needs.

Understanding Succession Planning

Succession planning is identifying and training someone to take over your business. This person could be a family member, a long-time employee, or an outside hire well-suited for the role. The goal is to have this individual learn all aspects of the business and ensure a seamless transition when the time comes. The benefits of succession planning include:

• Keeping the Business Consistent: Although growth and new ideas are crucial to any business model, customers and clients always respond well to consistency. By preparing someone to run things the way you do, you ensure no loss in quality or reliability. This makes things easier for the new leader because it gives them a plan to follow if things go wrong. Throughout your time as a leader, you may have seen many issues and complications that could hurt your final product. Sharing these with your successor better prepares them for the role.

• Protecting Your Legacy: The reason you started your business in the first place was to make an impact on the world around you. You saw a need in the community, and you filled it with your hard work and sacrifice. When it comes time to retire, you’ll want to make sure the business not only continues but also retains your ideals, morals, and integrity. Imparting these principles to your successor helps you promote the consistency we discussed above.

• Boosting Employee Morale: Employees want to know that their jobs are secure, and a succession plan will give them someone to trust when they’re no longer involved. Knowing the new boss expects the same consistency and output keeps them feeling secure about their job’s future.

• Strengthening the Local Economy: Enid needs your business to thrive to add to our local economy and culture. Companies that spring up, last a few years, and then go under when the founder retires offer little to our city’s goals. Long-lasting local businesses strengthen our economy and provide long-term jobs. Both of these contributions make our city larger and more prosperous.

Partnering with Outhier & Caruthers PLLC

Succession planning is more than a business strategy. It’s a commitment to the future of Enid’s economy. By effectively planning for the next generation of leadership, business owners in Enid can ensure their legacy continues and the local economy remains strong. Outhier & Caruthers PLLC can be a valuable partner in this journey, so call our office today at (580) 234-6600. We can answer any questions you might have and help you plan for your business’s future.