That should tell you that a business that earns $80,000 per year in profit might actually be a better investment than a business that makes $100,000 per year, if the latter has significantly less realizable value at the time of exit. If the plan is succession to family members, then again, the value of the asset to be transferred is of paramount importance, and not just the annual income.

Of course the timing of exit or liquidation will carry significant weight, and it’s not always in our control. Gilligan’s partnership share of Skipper’s Cruise Lines would have been much more valuable before he met Thurston and Lovey. That would indicate that we shouldn’t put the hen’s product all in one wicker carry case. The consideration should include both ongoing profitability, as well as ultimate asset value at the planned time of exit.

The value of planning can’t be overstated. The Allies didn’t just decide to go for a boat ride across the English Channel to Normandy one sunny afternoon. The Miami Dolphins didn’t win three Super Bowls in a row in the 1970’s because they won the coin toss. They even withstood the infamous Garo Ypremian foibles, because their plan was tight and well executed.

It certainly makes sense that a tight, and well executed, business plan would include both the profitability of the venture, and also the ultimate cash value at the end of the rainbow. The Franchisor should be able to provide you with pertinent information about asset growth, and the factors that will affect transition. If they are unwilling to discuss the matter, the solution is simple – run!

All good Franchisors should be looking for Franchisees that wish to maximize the value of their business with a well laid out plan. That will only enhance the value of the Franchise system as a whole, which increases value for each individual stakeholder. For the Franchisee, it really should be a significant attraction to become involved in the business in the first place.

The 21st century businessperson is the spawn of corporate hijinks and technological advancements in today’s global marketplace. What mattered in the past is not important now, including individual employees, whole departments, and entire processes. The new entrepreneur needs to control their own destiny, and will not place their fate in the hands of others. They will not risk Mr. Dithers handing them a pink slip. They believe that assessable risk is required to earn financial freedom. They also understand that the proper equation to assess risk includes both current profitability plus long-term asset creation.