Learning Family Business

The authors explore how effective planning and communication helps business families around the world address growth challenges as they strive to become high performing multi-generation family enterprises. This book shows family businesses working together at their best.

One of the key factors in maintaining the legacy of your family business is a good program of family education. Inevitably, wise business-owning families see the necessity of launching some form of education for family members. It establishes an interest and a connection with the business among members of the younger generations. When done well, a program of family education offers many benefits including: * helping future owners prepare for their roles and responsibilities in the business and in the family * providing a way to express interest in each individual * providing a way to earn loyalty from family members; * strengthening bonds among family members. In Family Education the authors aim to inspire you and your family to initiate a family education program that is suited to the needs of your family.

The Soul of Family Business by Tom Hubler takes readers on a journey throught the heart and soul of family business. Using case studies from his more than thirty-five-years as a family business consultant, Hubler explores what it takes to run a successful family business, illustrating how love is the foundation and family values are the secret sauce for success.

Family education is a both a learning and team-building process. This book guides owners through the education process - from determining when to bring your family into the business, and how to train them, to what they could and should do outside the firm first - so they can bring outside experience into the family firm.

Family businesses find many different paths to success. Some, like Wal-Mart become among the world s largest businesses. Others, happily serve a limited market. Whether a business remains small or grows large, every family business at some time or other is faced with issues that center around growth. If you are a member of a business owning family, you may ask such questions as: Do we want this business to grow? Why should we grow it? Is it capable of growing? What sacrifices will growth require? What sacrifices will we make if we don t grow? Healthy Growth for the Family Business will help you answer those questions. When leaders of family firms think about growth, they take into consideration not just the business but also how the business growth will affect the family. You will learn that growth can mean different things to different people, and not just in terms of increases in sales and profits. The way some family business owners look at growth will offer inspiration and spur creativity as you seek answers for your own company. Family shareholders and board members will learn a great deal from this book. When they have a better understanding of the issues involved in growth, these family members can support you in moving the family business in the direction it needs to go. Healthy Growth for the Family Business will provide you with practical knowledge. It will help you decide whether to grow and, if so, what type and amount of growth you want. You will learn to avoid the dangers of overestimating your company s ability to grow or under anticipating the company s need for growth.

The purpose of this book is to provide readers with an introductory overview of family business, the most prevalent form of business in the world. The differences between family and nonfamily businesses are emphasized in this book. There are several key audiences: As a supplemental text for university undergraduate or graduate level courses such as small business management, introduction to business, entrepreneurship, or family studies. Members of family businesses will benefit from the book as an introduction to the unique nature of family businesses. Professional advisors to family firms such as accountants, attorneys, bankers, insurance providers, and financial services professionals may develop a better understanding of their clients. Suppliers to family businesses will gain insight to this important business customer. Much of the literature on family business is from the United States; an attempt has been made to present relevant international information, as well. Chapter one defines a family business and provides an overview of family business. Chapter two explores the many differences between a family owned business and a nonfamily owned business. Chapter three explores the major family business theories. Chapter four discusses how family firms make business decisions. Chapter five explores the significant issues prevalent in a family firm. Chapter six explores the most problematic issue in family firms: succession or the transfer of ownership to the next generation. Chapter seven explores the many differences among the generations of a family firm. Chapter eight presents information on family business strategic planning. Chapter nine focuses on effective family business governance and use of advisors and boards. Chapter ten explores key success tips for long lasting family firms. Chapter eleven discusses trends in family business. Chapter twelve contains key points for family business professionals and suppliers who target or service family firms. Chapter thirteen presents areas for future research to advance the study of family business.

This BDO Stoy Hayward Guide to the Family Buisness is intended as a guide for those involved in family business, or those contemplating joining one, to help them identify and resolve the family-related issues that are potentially so destructive.