Since there are no two companies alike, there are many reasons why companies can get into trouble. The numbers of variables involved in operating a company are endless. However, there are a handful of reasons why companies fall on hard times.
Lacking Focus
Companies lacking focus can run into significant trouble. A company needs to understand their customers and what they need or want. It is vital that companies evaluate who their customers are and whether or not they are properly servicing their needs.
Management Problems
Many companies run into trouble because of poor management. Management problems take a variety of forms. Management that is incompetent, that isn’t focused, or just doesn’t care about the business. This can translate into a business’s premature demise. Also included under management problems are poor financial controls, quality control problems, operational issues, and not keeping up with technological advancements.
Loss of Key Employees or Clients
No management team can predict every loss of a key employee or client. However, management does bear at least some of the blame if there is no plan for replacement. The savvy companies take steps to ensure that there are ways to replace the most important employees and clients.
Failure to Compete
More than one business has failed to see a new wave of competition coming. Sometimes market forces are so aligned against a business that survival is almost impossible. However, that is normally not the case for most businesses on a year-to-year basis. A competent management team can see the competition out there. At minimum, they have an emergency plan in the event that the competition becomes more intense.
Often, by the time a business realizes that it is in trouble, it is already too late. If you can’t fix the problems, it may be time to consider selling the business. This decision must be made quickly in order to prevent additional problems.
Optimally, you sell a business while it is doing well. An M&A advisor can be an invaluable ally in helping a business reach its full potential, whether the business is thriving or experiencing difficulties.