You must step back and evaluate your company and its future potential from an investor's perspective. Public companies that are successful invite investor confidence, have the "right stuff" and structure to provide for profitable growth, and have a solid core business to generate shareholder value over the longer term.
Assess how the markets will receive the offering. The timing of the offering is critical. Timing decisions depend on economic factors, market conditions, and pricing considerations—right up to the day the securities are offered for sale. Your underwriters will play a vital role in advising you on market readiness.
Before going public, assess the impact that this change will have on you and your company's infrastructure, and decide whether you are ready to make the necessary commitment-before, during, and after the IPO process.