“Selling, Scaling, or Passing It On? Why Every Business Needs an Exit Strategy”

Introduction: Why Planning for Your Exit Matters.

When you started your business, you likely focused on growth, profitability, and making an impact. But have you thought about how you’ll eventually step away? Whether you want to sell, pass it on, or simply close, having a clear exit strategy is just as important as having a plan to grow.

Many business owners make the mistake of waiting until they’re ready to leave before thinking about an exit. By then, it’s often too late to maximise the value of the business, find the right buyer, or ensure a smooth transition. The best exits don’t happen by chance—they happen through careful planning, preparation, and execution.

A well-structured exit strategy ensures that:

✅ You maximise the financial value of your business when you sell.
✅ The transition is smooth, whether to a buyer, family member, or management team.
✅ Your business is attractive to buyers or investors, making it easier to sell or transfer.
✅ You protect your legacy and ensure the business continues to thrive.

Why Start Planning Early?

Exit planning isn’t something you do at the last minute. The earlier you start, the more control you have over the process. By planning in advance, you can:

• Increase Business Value – Buyers and investors want a business that runs efficiently, generates profits, and has strong future potential. A well-planned business is more valuable than one that’s unorganised or dependent on the owner.
• Improve Financials – A solid exit plan helps you optimise revenue, reduce unnecessary costs, and ensure your books are in order, making the sale process smoother.
• Ensure a Seamless Handover – Whether you’re selling, merging, or passing the business on, a clear transition plan keeps operations running smoothly without disruption.
• Avoid Forced Decisions – Many business owners exit due to burnout, financial struggles, or unexpected circumstances. 

“Having a plan in place gives you flexibility and prevents rushed, low-value exits.”

The reality is, that whether you plan for it or not, you will eventually exit your business. The question is: will you be ready? By taking steps now, you can ensure that your business is built to sell, transition, or scale—on your own terms.

The Different Types of Business Exits.

At some point, every business owner faces the question: What happens next? Whether you want to sell, pass your business to someone else, or simply close up shop, your exit strategy plays a big role in your financial future and the legacy of your company.

Here are the main ways you can exit your business, along with what each option means for you.

1. Selling to a Third Party.

One of the most common ways to exit a business is by selling it to someone else. This could be an individual buyer, a private equity firm, or even a competitor. If you choose this path, your goal is to make your business as attractive as possible to potential buyers. That means having solid financial records, efficient operations, and a strong customer base.

✅ Best for: Owners who want to cash out and move on.
❌ Challenges: Finding the right buyer and negotiating a fair price.

Example: You own a marketing agency and decide to sell it to another agency looking to expand. Ideally you get paid based on the company’s value and can step away once the sale is complete.

2. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A).

Instead of selling to an individual, you might merge with or be acquired by another company. A merger means two companies join together as one, while an acquisition means one company buys another.

This type of exit can often bring a higher valuation because the buyer sees strategic value in combining your business with theirs. It’s common in industries where bigger companies want to absorb smaller ones to grow their market share.

✅ Best for: Owners looking for a high-value exit or strategic partnerships.
❌ Challenges: It can take longer to negotiate, and you may have to stay involved for a while.

Example: A small software company merges with a larger tech firm to offer a wider range of services and reach more customers.

3. Passing the Business to a Successor.

Maybe you don’t want to sell your business to a stranger. Instead, you can pass it down to a family member or a key employee who has been with you for years.

This can be a great way to preserve your legacy while ensuring the business continues to operate successfully. However, it requires careful planning to make sure your successor is ready to lead.

✅ Best for: Owners who want to keep the business in trusted hands.
❌ Challenges: Training and preparing the successor, family conflicts, and potential financial risks.

Example: A bakery owner trains their daughter for years before officially handing over ownership, ensuring a smooth transition.

4. Management Buyout (MBO).

In a management buyout, your existing management team buys the business from you. This is a great option if your team already knows how to run the company and wants to take over.

To make this work, the management team might use their own money, take out loans, or bring in investors to fund the purchase.

✅ Best for: Owners who want a smooth transition and to reward loyal employees.
❌ Challenges: The management team may need financial help to afford the buyout.

Example: The long-time managers of a successful construction company pool their resources to buy out the retiring owner and continue running the business.

5. Initial Public Offering (IPO).

If your company is big enough, you might take it public by selling shares on the stock market. This is called an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and can bring in a huge financial payout for you and your investors.

However, going public is a complex process that requires strict financial reporting and ongoing management. Most small businesses don’t take this route, but for high-growth startups, it can be a way to scale even bigger.

✅ Best for: High-growth businesses that want major expansion.
❌ Challenges: Costly, complex, and requires ongoing public reporting.

Example: A fast-growing tech startup raises millions by selling shares on the stock market, allowing the founders to step back while the company keeps expanding.

6. Liquidation (Closing the Business).

If none of the above options work, you may close the business and sell off its assets—this is called liquidation. It’s often the last resort for owners who can’t find a buyer or successor.

While this method can give you some cash, it rarely brings the highest return, as assets like equipment, inventory, and property are usually sold for less than they were worth when the business was running.

✅ Best for: Owners who have no other exit options.
❌ Challenges: Usually results in lower financial returns and may leave employees without jobs.

Example: A struggling restaurant owner decides to shut down, selling off kitchen equipment and furniture to recoup some of the costs.

Which Exit Strategy is Right for You?

Your exit strategy depends on your business goals, financial needs, and personal preferences. The best exits are those that are planned well in advance, so you have time to prepare, increase the value of your business, and ensure a smooth transition.

A well-planned exit isn’t just about walking away—it’s about making sure you maximise value, protect your legacy, and set yourself up for the next chapter of your life.

Why Business Planning is Key to a Successful Exit.

Exiting your business isn’t just about finding a buyer or handing over the keys—it’s about making sure your business is in the best possible shape to attract the right buyer, command the highest valuation, and transition smoothly. A business that is well-planned, well-documented, and operationally sound is far more appealing to potential buyers, investors, or successors.

Here’s why business planning is essential for a successful, profitable, and stress-free exit:

1. Financial Preparation – Maximising Business Valuation.

One of the first things a buyer or investor will look at is your financial health. They want to see strong revenue, steady profitability, and predictable cash flow. If your financials are disorganised or your profits are inconsistent, you’ll struggle to get the best price for your business.

✅ What Buyers Look For:

• Clean, accurate financial records (income statements, profit & loss, cash flow statements).
• Consistent revenue growth and profitability.
• Predictable cash flow that shows financial stability.

📌 How Business Planning Helps:

• Regular financial planning ensures your business is in a healthy financial position before selling.
• Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) helps you identify areas to improve profitability before putting your business on the market.
• Strong financial documentation speeds up the due diligence process, making the sale smoother and increasing buyer confidence.

Example: A consulting firm looking to sell starts cutting unnecessary expenses and improving monthly cash flow tracking a year before putting the business on the market. This results in a higher valuation and a faster sale.

2. Operational Efficiency – Reducing Dependency on the Owner.

Many small businesses are built around their owners. But if your business cannot run without you, it will be much harder to sell or transition. A buyer wants a business that can continue generating profits without your daily involvement.

✅ What Buyers Look For:

• A business that operates efficiently without relying on the owner for key decisions.
• A well-trained team that can continue running the business after the sale.
• Clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure smooth operations.

📌 How Business Planning Helps:

• Delegating key responsibilities to managers or employees makes your business more attractive to buyers.
• Creating a clear chain of command ensures the business runs smoothly, even after you step away.
• Regular planning ensures you optimise workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall business performance.

Example: A manufacturing business owner steps back from daily operations one year before selling, allowing the management team to take over key functions. When a buyer arrives, they see a business that can function independently—making it a low-risk, high-value investment.

3. Documented Systems & Processes – Making the Business Transferable.

A business without documented systems and processes is like a car without a manual—no one knows how to drive it except the owner. If everything is in your head, a buyer will see risk instead of value.

✅ What Buyers Look For:

• A business with clearly documented processes that make it easy to run.
• SOPs for daily operations, customer service, marketing, and finance.
• A smooth onboarding process for new employees or owners.

📌 How Business Planning Helps:

• Documenting customer relationships, workflows, and operational procedures ensures the business is easily transferable to a new owner.
• A detailed business playbook gives buyers confidence that they can take over without disruptions.
• Planning helps you streamline and refine processes, making the business more efficient and scalable.

Example: A digital marketing agency documents its client management process and automation tools before selling. This reduces uncertainty for buyers, increasing the agency’s sellability and purchase price.

4. Scalability & Growth Potential – Making Your Business an Attractive Investment.

A buyer isn’t just looking at what your business is today—they want to know what it could be tomorrow. A business with strong growth potential is far more valuable than one that has already peaked.

✅ What Buyers Look For:

• A business with opportunities for expansion (new products, markets, or customers).
• A scalable business model that doesn’t require massive new investments to grow.
• Predictable revenue streams and recurring income models (e.g., subscriptions, contracts).

📌 How Business Planning Helps:

• A 365/90 planning approach helps you identify long-term growth opportunities that will make your business more valuable.
• Strategic planning ensures you develop new revenue streams, making your business more appealing to investors.
• A solid marketing and customer acquisition plan shows potential buyers how they can continue growing the business after purchase.

Example: A software company builds a recurring revenue model (subscription service) two years before selling. This increases valuation significantly because buyers see a predictable cash flow and future scalability.

5. Legal & Compliance Readiness – Avoiding Deal-Breaking Issues.

Many business deals fall apart because of legal and compliance issues. Buyers don’t want to inherit legal risks, unclear contracts, or unresolved liabilities. Preparing legally ensures a smooth, issue-free transition.

✅ What Buyers Look For:

• Clear ownership structure and properly documented business agreements.
• No outstanding legal disputes or compliance issues.
• Well-organised contracts with vendors, clients, and employees.

📌 How Business Planning Helps:

• Regularly reviewing contracts, partnerships, and legal agreements ensures there are no red flags before selling.
• Having a clear business structure and tax planning strategy prevents surprises during the sale.
• Proper planning ensures a seamless transition by addressing any regulatory or licensing requirements.

Example: A medical practice planning to sell ensures all patient confidentiality agreements and licensing paperwork are in order years before the transition. This makes it easy for a new owner to step in without regulatory delays.

The Bottom Line: A Well-Planned Business is a Sellable Business.

A strong business exit strategy isn’t just about timing—it’s about preparation. Buyers and investors want a business that is financially stable, operationally efficient, and legally sound.

The earlier you start planning, the more valuable and attractive your business will be. Whether you plan to sell in two years or ten years, a structured 365/90 business plan helps you make the right moves today for a profitable exit in the future.

3. The Role of 365/90 Business Planning in Exit Strategies.

Exiting your business is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you plan to sell, pass it down, or merge with another company, your exit strategy needs careful planning to ensure a smooth transition and maximise the value of your business.

This is where the 365/90 Business Planning Process comes in. By breaking down long-term exit goals into structured, actionable steps, this method ensures that you’re always working toward a strong, profitable, and transferable business. Instead of waiting until the last minute to figure out how to exit, you can build a business that’s ready to sell at any time.

How the 365/90 Approach Prepares You for a Successful Exit.

The 365/90 Business Planning Process works by focusing on:
✅ Long-term goals (365 Days) – Your ultimate exit vision.
✅ Short-term milestones (90 Days) – The key steps to improve valuation and make your business more attractive.
✅ Regular reviews & adjustments – Ensuring your plan evolves as conditions change.

1. 365-Day Planning: Setting Your Exit Goals.

The first step in any exit strategy is defining your ideal outcome. You need to ask yourself:

• Do I want to sell my business for maximum value?
• Do I plan to pass it on to a family member or employee?
• Do I want to merge with another company to scale further?
• Do I need to prepare financials and legal documents for a smooth transition?

With these answers, your 365-day goal becomes clear. Instead of just running the business, you’ll begin building a business that someone else would want to buy or take over.

✅ Example 365-Day Exit Goal:
“In one year, I want my business to be fully prepared for a profitable sale, with all financials in order, documented processes in place, and a management team that can run the business without me.”

By setting this big-picture goal, you give yourself enough time to make structured improvements that increase your business’s value and ensure a smooth transition.

2. 90-Day Milestones: Making Your Business More Sellable.

A year can feel like a long time, which is why we break it into 90-day execution cycles. Every quarter, you focus on specific actions that bring you closer to your exit.

Here’s how the 90-day process might look in preparation for a sale:

First 90 Days: Financial & Legal Readiness.

📌 Goals:

• Organise financial statements, tax records, and cash flow reports.
• Identify and resolve any outstanding legal or compliance issues.
• Work with an accountant or financial advisor to assess business valuation.

✅ Outcome: Your business now has clear, well-documented financials, making it more attractive to buyers.

Second 90 Days: Operational & Process Efficiency.

📌 Goals:

• Document all business operations, customer processes, and internal workflows.
• Identify areas where the business depends too much on you (the owner) and delegate responsibilities.
• Develop an employee or management team transition plan.

✅ Outcome: Your business can run independently, making it easier for a buyer to take over without disruptions.

Third 90 Days: Business Growth & Scalability.

📌 Goals:

• Identify and implement new revenue streams to boost growth potential.
• Strengthen customer retention strategies (long-term contracts, subscription models, etc.).
• Improve branding and marketing to increase business visibility and desirability.

✅ Outcome: Your business now has a growth story that appeals to buyers, increasing its valuation.

Final 90 Days: Preparing for Transition & Sale

📌 Goals:

• Work with a business broker or exit advisor to identify potential buyers.
• Create an exit timeline and negotiate sale terms.
• Finalise all transition plans to ensure a smooth handover.

✅ Outcome: Your business is ready for sale, with a strong valuation, a seamless transition plan, and a list of potential buyers.

3. Regular Reviews & Adjustments: Keeping Your Exit Plan on Track.

One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is setting an exit goal but never checking in on progress. The 365/90 Business Planning Process builds in regular reviews to make sure you stay on track.

🔹 Monthly Check-Ins: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to financials, operations, and scalability.
🔹 Quarterly Adjustments: Adjust your 90-day plan based on what’s working and what needs improvement.
🔹 Annual Evaluation: Assess whether you’re on schedule for your exit timeline and adjust as needed.

A regular review process ensures that you don’t just plan your exit—you actively work toward making it as profitable and smooth as possible.

How the 365/90 Plan Increases Your Business Valuation.

A buyer or investor doesn’t just buy your business—they buy its potential. By using the 365/90 framework, you:

✅ Create a high-value, low-risk business that’s attractive to buyers.
✅ Ensure smooth operations so the business runs without depending on you.
✅ Maximise profits and financial clarity to command the best sale price.
✅ Proactively identify and fix weaknesses before they become deal-breakers.
✅ Position your business for growth so buyers see future opportunities.

The best business exits happen when a business is strategically built to sell. The 365/90 Business Planning Process gives you a roadmap for turning your business into a highly desirable asset—one that buyers are willing to pay top dollar for.

Your Exit Startegy is a Process, Not an Event.

Many business owners think of their exit as a one-time event, but the truth is, that a great exit takes years of smart planning. By starting today with a 365/90 structured approach, you ensure that when the time comes, your business is ready, valuable, and set up for a seamless transition.

4. Case Studies: Planning for a Profitable Exit.

A well-planned business exit doesn’t happen overnight. The most successful exits are strategic, well-timed, and based on careful preparation. Below are three real-world examples of business owners who used structured planning to increase their business value, ensure a smooth transition, and achieve a successful exit.

Case Study 1: Selling to a Competitor – How Planning Increased Business Valuation.

The Challenge:

David owned a speciality manufacturing company that had been successful for over 15 years. He was ready to retire but didn’t have an exit strategy in place. Initially, he received low-ball offers from competitors, and he feared that his business wasn’t valued as highly as it should be.

The Strategy: Using a 365/90 Business Planning Process, David took one year to increase his business valuation before selling:

✅ First 90 Days: Cleaned up financial records, improved cash flow, and eliminated unnecessary expenses.
✅ Second 90 Days: Documented all business operations, ensuring a smooth transition for a potential buyer.
✅ Third 90 Days: Strengthened relationships with key customers to create long-term contracts, making the business more attractive.
✅ Final 90 Days: Worked with a business broker to find a strategic buyer who valued the company’s market position.

The Outcome:

Instead of accepting a low offer, David’s preparation led to a 35% higher sale price. The competitor who purchased the company saw value in the strong customer contracts, well-documented processes, and financial clarity.

Lesson Learned: Taking time to optimise financials, operations, and customer retention before selling can significantly increase business valuation.

Case Study 2: Family Succession – Ensuring a Smooth Transition to the Next Generation.

The Challenge:

Maria had built a successful retail business and wanted to pass it down to her daughter. However, she realised that much of the business depended on her personal knowledge and experience. Without a structured transition plan, her daughter might struggle to run it effectively.

The Strategy: Maria used a 365/90 approach over two years to prepare for the handover and reduce dependency on her role:

✅ First 90 Days: Identified key processes that only Maria handled and documented them into standard operating procedures (SOPs).
✅ Second 90 Days: Gradually trained her daughter in financial management, inventory control, and customer relationships.
✅ Third 90 Days: Introduced her daughter to suppliers and key clients to strengthen business relationships.
✅ Final 90 Days: Officially transitioned ownership while staying involved as a mentor for an additional six months.

The Outcome:

The structured handover process ensured that the business remained profitable, stable, and successful. Customers and employees adapted easily to the leadership change because it was planned, not abrupt.

Lesson Learned: Even when passing a business to a family member, documenting operations and creating a transition plan is crucial for long-term success.

Case Study 3: Management Buyout (MBO) – Selling to Employees for a Seamless Transition.

The Challenge:

Tom owned a successful consulting firm but wanted to retire. Instead of selling to an outside buyer, he preferred that his existing management team take over the company. However, they lacked the funds to purchase the business outright.

The Strategy: Tom structured a gradual exit plan over 18 months using the 365/90 method:

✅ First 90 Days: Evaluated the company’s financial health and ensured profitability was strong.
✅ Second 90 Days: Set up a profit-sharing model to allow managers to reinvest earnings toward buying ownership.
✅ Third 90 Days: Documented all client relationships, operational systems, and financial controls.
✅ Final 90 Days: Finalised a structured buyout plan, allowing managers to acquire shares in phases.

The Outcome:

The structured buyout process ensured the business transitioned smoothly, without disruptions. Tom received a fair payout over time, and his employees successfully continued running the company.

Lesson Learned: Selling to management works best when financial planning, ownership transition, and operational handovers are carefully structured.

Key Takeaways from These Exit Strategies.

✅ Start Early – A successful exit isn’t rushed; it’s carefully planned years in advance.
✅ Optimise Business Value – Whether selling or transitioning, a business with clean financials, strong operations, and clear documentation is far more valuable.
✅ Plan for a Smooth Handover – The more structured your transition process, the easier it is for the new owner to continue running the business successfully.
✅ Flexibility Matters – Every business exit is unique. Having a structured 365/90 plan allows you to adjust and refine your strategy as needed.

A Well-Planned Exit Pays Off.

If you’re thinking about exiting your business—whether through selling, passing it down, or a buyout—the time to start planning is now. A 365/90 Business Planning approach helps you create a clear, structured roadmap for your exit, ensuring you get the best financial return and a smooth transition.

Steps to Start Your Exit Plan Today.

Exiting your business is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re planning to sell, pass it on, or merge with another company, a well-structured exit strategy ensures you maximise value, reduce risk, and transition smoothly.

The mistake many business owners make is waiting too long to start planning. The earlier you prepare, the more options you’ll have, and the higher the value of your business will be when it’s time to exit.

Here’s how to start planning your business exit today using a structured, step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Define Your Exit Goals and Timeline.

Before making any major decisions, ask yourself:

✅ What is my ideal exit strategy? (Selling, passing it down, merging, etc.)
✅ When do I want to exit? (In 1 year, 3 years, or 10 years?)
✅ How much money do I need from the exit to retire or move on to my next venture?

Pro Tip: If you don’t have an exact timeline, plan as if you could sell at any time. This ensures your business is always sale-ready and valuable.

Example: A business owner planning to retire in three years begins structuring the company to run without their daily involvement, making it more attractive to buyers.

Step 2: Identify Areas to Improve Business Value.

A buyer or investor will look at your business through one key question:
📌 “What makes this business valuable without the owner?”

To maximise value, focus on:

✅ Financial Health: Increase profitability, clean up financial records, and ensure consistent revenue streams.
✅ Operational Efficiency: Document workflows, automate key tasks and reduce dependence on you.
✅ Customer Retention: Long-term contracts and recurring revenue models increase buyer confidence.
✅ Competitive Advantage: Identify what makes your business unique and strengthen it.

Pro Tip: Conduct a business valuation now, so you know what your business is worth and where to improve.

Example: A restaurant owner planning to sell starts shifting from daily operations to strategic oversight, ensuring the business can run independently.

Step 3: Implement a 365/90 Business Planning Approach.

Breaking your exit strategy into manageable 90-day goals ensures consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s how to structure your first year of exit planning:

First 90 Days: Organise Financials & Legal Readiness

📌 Goals:

• Review financial records, tax filings, and cash flow reports.
• Identify any legal or compliance issues that need resolution.
• Work with an accountant to increase profitability.

✅ Outcome: A well-documented, profitable business ready for due diligence.

Second 90 Days: Optimise Operations & Reduce Owner Dependency

📌 Goals:

• Document standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Delegate key responsibilities to management or employees.
• Streamline internal processes to improve efficiency.

✅ Outcome: A business that runs smoothly without daily involvement from the owner.

Third 90 Days: Strengthen Business Growth & Scalability

📌 Goals:

• Identify new revenue streams (subscriptions, contracts, partnerships).
• Improve branding and customer acquisition strategies.
• Develop a transition plan for key employees.

✅ Outcome: A growth-ready business that attracts higher valuations.

Final 90 Days: Prepare for Sale or Transition

📌 Goals:

• Identify potential buyers or successors.
• Finalise transition plans with legal and financial advisors.
• Negotiate exit terms and structure the handover process.

✅ Outcome: A structured, well-executed exit with maximum financial return.

Pro Tip: Revisiting your 365-day plan quarterly ensures you stay on track and adapt as needed.

Step 4: Seek Expert Guidance on Financial, Legal, and Operational Readiness.

Exiting a business involves multiple complex financial and legal considerations. Working with experts helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures the process runs smoothly.

📌 Key Advisors to Consult:

✅ Business Broker or M&A Advisor: Helps identify buyers and negotiate the best deal.
✅ Accountant or CFO: Ensures financial readiness and tax efficiency.
✅ Solicitor: Reviews contracts, legal obligations, and compliance issues.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a family succession or management buyout, an advisor can help structure the deal in a way that protects your financial interests.

Example: A consulting firm owner hires a business broker one year before selling, ensuring they get multiple competitive offers.

Step 5: Execute and Adjust as Needed.

Even with a solid exit plan, things may change. That’s why regularly reviewing and adjusting your strategy is critical.

Ongoing Adjustments to Make:

✅ Monitor market conditions: If the industry is booming, you may exit sooner; if it slows down, you might wait.
✅ Refine financials: Keep increasing profitability and cutting unnecessary expenses.
✅ Stay flexible: If one exit option (e.g., selling) becomes less viable, explore alternatives (e.g., mergers or management buyouts).

Pro Tip: Treat your exit strategy like a living document. Just like business growth, your exit should evolve with new insights, opportunities, and challenges.

Example: A SaaS company planned an IPO but pivoted to a private acquisition after a better opportunity emerged.

The Best Exits Are Planned, Not Rushed.

Whether you’re selling, merging, or transitioning your business, the earlier you start exit planning, the better your outcome will be. A rushed exit often results in lower valuations, legal issues, and operational disruptions. A well-structured plan, however, ensures:

✅ Maximum financial return when selling or transitioning.
✅ A smooth transition that keeps employees, customers, and operations stable.
✅ The ability to exit on your own terms, instead of being forced into a rushed decision.

Are you ready to take control of your exit strategy? Download our Exit Strategy Checklist or book a free consultation today!

Final Word: Build a Business That’s Ready to Exit.

Every business owner will eventually face an exit—whether by choice or necessity. The question is: will you be prepared?

The most successful exits don’t happen overnight. They are the result of careful planning, strategic decisions, and a structured approach to making your business as valuable and transferable as possible. Whether you plan to sell, merge, pass it on, or step away, the key to maximising your financial return and ensuring a smooth transition is to start planning early.

Why Exit Planning Matters.

Most business owners focus on day-to-day operations, assuming they will “figure out” an exit strategy when the time comes. But waiting too long can lead to:

❌ Lower business valuation because of disorganized financials and inefficient processes.
❌ Limited buyer interest if the business depends too much on the owner.
❌ Legal and financial roadblocks that delay or even prevent a successful sale or transition.
❌ Stress and rushed decisions that force you to accept less favourable terms.

On the other hand, a well-planned exit strategy:

✅ Increases business value, ensuring you get the highest possible price.
✅ Attracts serious buyers or investors, making the transition smooth.
✅ Reduces risk and uncertainty, protecting your financial future.
✅ Gives you control over your timeline, so you can exit on your terms.

A Simple Yet Powerful Approach: The 365/90 Business Planning Process.

The 365/90 Business Planning Process ensures that you don’t just run a business—you build one that’s ready for a profitable, seamless exit. By setting long-term goals (365 days) and breaking them down into 90-day execution cycles, you create a structured, step-by-step plan to improve your business’s value and make it more attractive to buyers, investors, or successors.

Start today by:

📌 Defining your ideal exit strategy and timeline
📌 Identifying key areas for improvement (financials, operations, scalability)
📌 Implementing 90-day action plans to increase value
📌 Seeking expert guidance to ensure legal and financial readiness

The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have, and the better positioned you’ll be for a successful, profitable, and stress-free exit.