Monday, May 7, 2018

Attributes of a Lifestyle Business or an Equity Value Business?




[Editor's Note: In the last Issues for Growth, "Which do you have - a Lifestyle Business or an Equity Value Business" we outlined the major differences between a lifestyle business and an equity value business and why it was important to be clear about the "purpose" or intent of your business because the way a business owners  approaches building a business must be very different depending on how you will define success. A number of you who have heard me speak about this issue asked me to publish the matrix of attributes comparing a lifestyle vs equity value business. So, here it is below. I hope you find it helpful.           - DPM]
 


Lifestyle Vs Equity Value Attributes Matrix 
Attribute
Lifestyle
Equity Value
Focus
Short-term Lifestyle; Run for Owner's compensation
Long-term Equity Value; sacrifice short -term comp
Pace
Owner's pace
Dictated by desired outcome
Management style
Command & Control; Centralized
Decentralized; individual decision-making
Owner Management
Can tend to be viewed as inconsistent, capricious and changing
Consistent with overall strategy and core values
Expense Control/ Spending decisions
Tightly controlled at top
Managed through approved dept budgets and policies
Outside Capital
Debt; Investors not interested; Growth may be restricted due to availability of capital
Equity investors
Empowerment
Limited; Loyalty Rewarded; Small circle of trust
Expansive; Performance rewarded; Systems to enhance empowerment
Objectives
May change at owner whim
Clearly outlined; transparent
Employee Equity
No
Yes; equity awarded
Career Development
Limited upside
Significant upside
Employee Capability
"Steady Eddies" Thrive here
High performers thrive here
Sale of Business
Usually only to Employees or Family
To third-party Buyers (Strategic or Financial)