🚩 1. Delaying the Planning Process

Many owners wait until they’re emotionally or financially ready to exit—but by then, it’s often too late to optimize the business’s value. Ideally, exit planning should start 3–5 years in advance.

🚩 2. Not Knowing What the Business Is Worth

Skipping a professional valuation can lead to unrealistic expectations or leaving money on the table. A third-party valuation helps anchor your strategy in reality.

🚩 3. Poor Financial Documentation

Messy or incomplete financials scare off buyers. Clean, well-organized records build trust and speed up due diligence.

🚩 4. Ignoring Tax Implications

A poorly structured exit can result in a hefty tax bill. Planning with a tax advisor can help you keep more of your hard-earned equity.

🚩 5. No Plan for Life After Exit

Some owners sell and then feel lost. Having a personal post-exit plan—whether it’s retirement, a new venture, or philanthropy—can make the transition smoother.

🚩 6. Overestimating Market Timing

Trying to “time the market” can backfire. Instead, focus on building a business that’s always ready to sell, regardless of external conditions.

🚩 7. Failing to Delegate

If the business can’t run without you, it’s not attractive to buyers. Building a strong management team is key to a successful exit.

If you’d like, I can help you turn this into a checklist or a blog post for your site. Want to run with that?