Why Selling Your Brand Could Be The Smartest Thing You Ever Did
Sometimes it's good to say goodbye, especially in the franchise industry.
I was watching a TV segment featuring the founder of Smoke’s Poutine. He said something about having a lot of energy to still grow at his pace, so why sell? Perhaps that is the point entrepreneurs need to circle on their brand’s life cycle – the day the steam runs out.
I also think about strapped for cash start-ups. What is the value of them partnering? Access to dollars and knowledge, perhaps. Is owning 100 percent of a small brand better than owning 30 percent of a giant brand? Can the founder move enough out of the way to let the new group see what happens when they get their hands dirty?
I have seen firsthand some great concepts turn into great brands through a successful partnership. I have also seen many buy into the tall tales of partners and fall down a hole that ultimately sunk their idea. No matter what you decide when selling 100 percent or 10 percent, it will always be a crapshoot. There are no guarantees in partnership, just as there are no guarantees in life.
So, could selling your brand be the smartest thing you ever did? I think that will depend on whether you have gas left in the tank, if the new group really has the horsepower to win and if your concept truly has legs to be legendary.
As No Limit Agency moves into the future, who knows what will happen? For now, I have a lot of gas (no need to cover your nose). Selling is not right for me yet. But if I were to ever become a liability for the potential success of my company, adjustments would have to be made. For now, I think we will look to partner or acquire other agencies on a similar mission. We will be the buyers for now.
*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.