Successful offerings are the result of solid planning and preparation.
Ideally, a public offering should be part of a strategic plan that is implemented over the course of three to five years, although offerings can and do happen within a shorter time frame. The Guide to Going Public provides information on the three distinct stages of an initial public offering. It also includes a section describing the process of going public in the United States . The first stage of going public is deciding whether it's the right move for your company. Since the process requires a great deal of planning and financial and human resources, you should ensure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.