How Do I Get Prepared For…?

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” – Marie Forleo, entrepreneur, writer and philanthropist

While I believe in this idea and am a big fan of consistency, there’s an important element missing: direction. Consistently working on all the wrong things in your business – the easiest tasks to accomplish, the most urgent issues, a team member who is causing trouble – won’t get you where you want to go.

Pursuing a specific direction means…

…being intentional, planning ahead, and outlining your priorities.

After writing almost 100 original long-form articles, I noticed some patterns in the questions women business owners are asking me.

Many women don’t think they can sell their company and will have to settle for closing the doors someday. If that’s your thinking, you’re missing out on building wealth and leaving a legacy. If you’re not even thinking about your business exit, it is highly unlikely you can make it happen!

I am posing real questions from real women and highlighting the articles that address that question.

Today’s BlockbustHER BrainteasHER:

Michelle owns a very successful psychology practice and asks: “How do I get prepared for exiting my business?”

A reminder: You too can ask me a business question and have it answered in these articles. I pose real questions from real women and highlight the articles that address that question.

Please submit questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Let me know if you prefer I not use your name in the article.

Here’s the Twist . . .

You have an overall strategy for your business – maybe several specific strategies for growing your company. Every business owner does.

But do you have a strategy for successfully exiting your business? Very, very few business owners do!

So Michelle’s question is super important: “How do I get prepared for exiting my business?”

This is a complex, multi-faceted (multi-strategy) question, with no simple answer.

First, you need to define what ‘exiting’ means for you. Do you want to sell your business to another business? Perhaps sell to a key employee? Maybe pass the company to a family member?

Next, you need to determine what you want before, during and after your exit. Is there a dollar amount you want to achieve? Do you feel strongly about taking care of your staff and clients? Do you have a potential type of buyer in mind?

And that is just the beginning of the exiting process. You can learn more from these articles:

• What does it mean to be exit-ready?
• How can you build real business value?
• Does your business have legs?

Now What?

Are you stuck in your Second Act?

Have you built a profitable and valuable business but instead of feeling like there's something missing, you’re feeling like there's something more?

If you’ve built an accounting firm, a law firm, a financial services firm, a psychology practice, or a specialty consulting firm that is generating $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue, you are in a prime market.

Larger firms and companies are growing by buying other firms. This has long been the case, but we’re seeing a higher rate than ever.

I wish it wasn’t the case, but I see too many women who actually lose their company instead of exiting on their own terms. The exit process is filled with pitfalls and complex issues – especially for women.

I’ve built my business as an advocate, and I specialize in helping women founders transition to their Third Act – when you’re ready to do the work you’ve always longed to do.

Work that lights you up… work that is your purpose instead of just a paycheck.

Often, to get to your Third Act, you need to exit from your Second Act, preferably with funds from a sale that turns your business into a wealth-building tool.

As your advocate, by definition, I’m looking out for your best interests. I am not taking a brokerage fee, commission, or equity. I am not motivated by how quickly the exit moves or the final dollar amounts. I want what you want – and will help you get it.

In my experience, women don't retire; they transition into a new stage of purpose and impact. Whether you are 40 or 60, the idea of retirement may not appeal to you. Just because you can retire doesn’t mean you’ll want to.

We can redefine ‘retirement’ and think of your eventual business exit as a ‘purposeful transition’.

Are you ready to leap into your Third Act and grab the whole cookie?

That requires a new way of thinking, new skills, a simple and elegant design, and an advocate by your side. Contact me to learn more. 

How exit-ready are you? Find out at: http://she-exits.com/