Saying goodbye to a small business can be a challenging and tear-jerking time.
Letting go of a dream is a huge thing to do. Am I doing the right thing or should I continue?. Unfortunately, self-doubt can overcome your decision-making.
Starting a small business often involves a significant amount of passion and dedication. Saying goodbye to my business means acknowledging that the dream you once had for my business is ending. It can be challenging to accept that the goals you worked towards may not be achieved or life will be different on the flip side.
Emotional attachment of saying goodbye to your business
Small businesses often become a significant part of an owner’s identity. Saying goodbye to something you have poured your heart and soul into can bring a deep sense of loss and grief. Acknowledging and processing these emotions as part of the closure process is essential.
You will have feelings of elation, relief, sorrow and hesitation. Reach out to those around you as you work through this journey. From watching others, a couple of things help. First, think of the dollars and the stress relief. Set up your home office so you still have a sanctuary and, importantly, do something special to celebrate this milestone in your life, 1e a farewell party/dinner and long-awaited trip or get into the garden or golf.
Everything has an end date.
Closing a business can sometimes be seen as a failure, even though it is inevitable in entrepreneurial life. It’s natural to feel a sense of disappointment, self-doubt, and worry about how others may perceive your decision. Overcoming the fear of judgment and recognizing that business closures are a normal part of the entrepreneurial journey can be tricky. However, advisers like exit planners and accountants can help you vindicate your decision and support you here.
Employee and customer relationships – it aint easy.
Saying goodbye to a small business also means saying goodbye to the people who have been part of your journey, including employees and loyal customers. This can be particularly challenging if you have developed close relationships with your team or built a solid customer base. Letting go of these connections can be emotionally draining.
While saying goodbye to a small business can be challenging, it’s essential to remember that it’s a new chapter in your life. So take the time to reflect on the lessons learned, seek support from friends, family, or a business community, and explore new opportunities that may arise from this experience. Then, treat it as a celebration, and you may just live happily ever after.
Geoff Gartly is a CEPA and ValueBuilder Adviser and can assist you with tools and strategies to help you work through your journey. Reach out if you need support in this area.
