Question
Hi,
I'm in a bit of a unique position. I built a lead generation website in a very boring local service niche that does very well and beats out 95% of the competition in Google for the biggest metro area in the US (New York). I charge per qualified phone call to the client who pays weekly.
My position is this: I do not want to operate as a lead generator (middle man) any more as I feel this is not a stable business model for the future.
So that being said I've decided I want to become owner or part-owner or sell it off and move on. Based on loose math I've done it could be a nice payout based on 1 years's worth of revenue it brings into the client if I were to sell it.
Though, I'm wondering if you were in the position of getting hundreds of phone call leads per month for an industry you had zero passion for if you would stick with it and build it into a bigger/higher quality operation or sell it off to the client and move on to new projects that may be more in line with your passions and personal interests.
I know this is a very subjective question and there probably isn't a 'right' answer.
I feel that if I were to sell it I might wonder if I missed out on a stable business for the future (if I were to build it out) and if I didn't sell it I would be working in an industry that I don't care about and does not fulfill me.
Thanks!
Answer
This is a personal development question more than anything else, I think. Could you find passion in growing the business and selling it off to a higher price? How about hiring someone to run it, and develop them into running it for you, so you can concentrate on other things? Is there any dimension in the lead generation business, that could make you find your passion?
If yes, build the business focusing on that challenge, and enjoy that you are developing on top of a successful concept. If no, find someone who is passionate about running the business, and pay you the price you want. And instead invent a new business, that you are actually passionate about building - perhaps using some of the proceeds from your sale.
Should you need someone to help you clarify your thoughts on this, I will be happy to talk to you in a call at some point.
Good luck finding your passion. That is the most important thing.
Best regards
Kenneth
