Good Intentions, Empty Promises

As a business owner, your employees put added stock into the things you say, how you say them, and when you say them. This is why it’s extremely important to avoid making empty promises based on good intentions.    Let’s look at some ways that you can position yourself to minimize communication risks within your business.   Write Everything […]

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The Hidden Risks That Reduce Valuation (and How to Fix Them Early)

When business owners think about valuation, they often focus on revenue growth, EBITDA, and market multiples. Those factors matter, but in real M&A processes, deals are frequently repriced or delayed because of hidden risks that surface during diligence. These issues are rarely deal‑killers on their own, but they quietly erode buyer confidence and negotiating leverage for the […]

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Dealing With Complex Co-Ownership Setups

Co-owned businesses come with numerous complexities. One of the biggest challenges for co-owners is determining how to approach the exit of another co-owner, especially when that co-owner cannot or will not exit gracefully.    Let’s look at a fictional but representative story about how one co-owned business successfully managed to tie up loose ends before one owner was forced to […]

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How Business Owners Should Think About Timing an Exit in 2026

As a new year begins, many business owners find themselves asking a familiar question: Is this the year to sell? In 2026, that question is especially relevant. Market conditions remain dynamic, buyer expectations continue to evolve, and many owners are reassessing their personal and financial goals after several years of economic uncertainty. Rather than looking for a […]

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Business Value Is More Than a Measuring Stick

Is it possible for a $5 million business to be more valuable than a $15 million business? Let’s look at a fictional but representative story to show how a larger valuation doesn’t always mean that the company is in the right position for you to exit successfully.   Business Exit Paper Tigers  Harriet and Jake were […]

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What Does Your Exit Map Look Like?

Most business owners have never exited their businesses before. Just like taking a big trip to a new place requires good planning to truly enjoy it, so too does a successful business exit.   While the details will certainly differ based on your unique situation, there is a way to map what a successful business exit looks like for you.   Here is […]

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Understanding Earnouts and Seller Financing in M&A Deals

When selling a business, the deal structure is just as important as the purchase price. While many owners expect to receive the full value of their business at closing, it’s common for buyers to propose alternative structures, most notably, earnouts and seller financing. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to evaluating offers and protecting your long-term […]

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Logic vs. Legacy in Exit Planning

When planning for your eventual business exit, achieving financial security is the most important goal. But what happens when the emotional side of planning an exit—namely, ensuring your legacy—conflicts with that most important goal?   Let’s look at a fictional but representative story of how one business owner threaded the needle between logic and legacy for planning […]

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Pursuing Trends Vs. Using Fundamentals

Differentiating your business is a crucial element in growing it successfully. But how should you draw the line between pursuing the newest trends and sticking with the fundamentals? Let’s walk through a process that can help you leverage cutting-edge trends without discarding what made you successful in the first place.   1. Establish Your Fundamentals  Being […]

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Which Calculated Risks Should You Consider?

Minimizing risks is a goal that many business owners have. But sometimes, there are instances where taking calculated risks becomes a necessity, especially when you are planning for your eventual business exit.   Let’s look at three calculated risks that you may need to consider as you plan for a successful future outside of your business.   […]

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