Bruce Laning

Entrepreneurs who poured their hearts and souls into their businesses eventually find themselves near retirement, realizing they should sell before health problems or other matters force the issue. Although many are well-prepared for the sale itself, few are ready for the next step: managing a large sum of money from the proceeds. Most don't want to “jinx” the deal before it's final or are still are too busy running the business. But the reality is, this will be one of the owner's most critical – and emotional – business decisions.