Do you have a desire to diversify your net worth and access a liquidity event in a certain time frame?
If so, what is that time frame?
Where do you want to spend your time and energy in the next few years, running a business day to day or advising at a higher level?
What chair do you want to be in?
How do you think about the growth trajectory of the business?
Do you see it growing geographically into new markets, expanding end markets, growing through acquisition or organically or both?
What does success look like in your vision?
Do you want a partner to assist in forming strategic growth plans and recruiting top management talent?
Do you want a collaborative partner who helps you set the direction relating to your company's operations, systems, sales and marketing, finance, or strategic pricing?
Do you need help evaluating organic growth and acquisition opportunities?
As a business owner, you need to fully understand the implications of the structure and whether it will meet your needs, but also understand what it will be like to work with the firm for the next five years or more.
All of these questions will be key in identifying the right partners in a potential transaction.