Would you buy your own company today?

For those who have not read, I leave here a brief reintroduction. I am Rodrigo Fiszman, a partner and president of the Council of. Over the past few years, I have been dedicated to the construction of a more affordable capital market in Brazil, focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). But first of all, I’m also in love with surfing.

Both in the sea and in business, it is not enough to wait for the right wave: You have to be ready when it comes. A preparation This is what separates those who surf the wave from the life of those who just watch the movie pass from the sand.

I see this scenario repeat daily: most small and medium -sized companies, even with huge potential, are not ready to take advantage of the great opportunities. Whether to raise resources, attract strategic partners or merge, the lack of structure prevents the next step.

According to Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs – Oecd Scoreboard, about they are intended for PMES. This reveals that while accessing traditional credit, many of these companies have not yet developed the maturity necessary to attract strategic investors or participate in M&A processes. Lack of governance, internal controls, reliable accounting – and, above all, preparation to grow in a structured and professional way. Reports such as the AD highlight that medium -sized companies grow fasterbut many still lack governance, audit and compliance processes.

And this leads us to the reflections that should be the most important.

The decisions we make every day

Every day you don’t sell your business, you are in practice repurchanging-a.

Think about it for a moment. If your company was a stock stock today, you, as an investor, would buy it? And would you buy with the conviction that it is the best possible investment for your capital?

Investors evaluate results, margins, sectors, governance, the team ahead of the business – and perform rigorous analysis. Now reverse logic: would your company resist this analysis?

For most businessmen, SME owners – especially family businesses – the sincere answer would probably be “no.” And when I say this is not a criticism, but a finding, because you will not be the first and the last to rethink various aspects of your business after stopping to make this reflection.

A true wake-up call For those who want to be prepared to take a sales opportunity when (and if) it comes up.

Remembering that this preparation is not just for those who want to sell 100% of the business. It is for those who want to capture a cheaper debt, have the option of bringing an investment fund, a strategic partner, or simply having a more valuable and resilient business to thrive for generations.

The cost of not being prepared: the opportunity that passes

The opportunity does not mark time on the agenda. She simply appears.

It’s like dreaming of surfing in Hawaii. One day Gabriel Medina invites you to a week with him in Pipeline. But you never climbed on a board, you don’t know how to swim and don’t even have a rubber outfit. The opportunity passes – and you stay.

In the business world, a fund can knock on your door, a competitor can propose a merger, a customer may want to become a partner. If the house is not in order, you not just loses The opportunity, as it also leaves value at the table.

It is necessary Deliver results with structure. Show operational maturity, solid governance and reliable controls, capable of going through the diligence of lawyers, auditors and professional investors.

And before you think, “This is not for me, this is expensive, this is just for big companies”, I tell you with total security: The essential is simpler and more accessible than it seems.

The well done basics is worth gold (and attracts capital)

Structure is not bureaucracy. It is the language that the market understands. It starts with the basics:

• Reliable accounting: Your balance needs to talk to your management spreadsheet and bank statement. And the inspector, with the reality of the business.
• Independent audit: Hear your financial statements: Choose an independent auditor registered with the CVM. Audit is investment, and is not just to show others – it is first and foremost an internal discipline tool. An anchor that helps keep controls in place.
• Corporate structure: Consider turning your business into a Corporation (SA). The rules evolved. There are simplified regimes with affordable costs. Having sau organization signals maturity, facilitates succession, offers tax advantages and creates a layer of protection and governance that the market values.
• These measures not only prepare your business for any sale. They facilitate access to credit and support growth in a solid way. Even if you decide not have members, raising funds through debt will become easier and cheaper. The market will see your business with other eyes.

Structure is freedom of choice

Strategic preparation is not exclusive to large companies, It is a real competitive advantage for any entrepreneur who plays the long -term game.

Doing the basics well done, gives you freedom to:

• Repurchase your company every day with convictionknowing she is stronger and more valuable.
• Access credit more easily and at the lowest cost – Banks and investors will see a more reliable and less risk company.
• Sell your business, partially or totallywith recognized value, validated structure and open doors for the next cycle.

I hope that, after reading this article, you, a businessman who knows the value of what she builds every day, does not postpone the preparation of your company, even without the intention of selling it. Opportunities are drawing now, and who prepare first. Do not risk seeing the wave pass. Who prepares has options and can choose the best time to surf.